Simple Carolina BBQ Sauce
Updated on December 1, 2024 by Rodney • This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. • 1 Comment • Jump to Recipe
This Carolina BBQ sauce recipe has the perfect balance between tangy and sweet. It’s what makes Carolina-style BBQ so renowned.
Living on the West Coast you don’t get to experience Carolina BBQ Sauce very much. But I was determined to try it as I love a good sauce so I figured I might as well make it myself.
Tips
- This BBQ Sauce is typically used for basting Ribs, etc. but can also be used as a dipping sauce.
- You can use whatever brand of hot sauce you want to make this BBQ Sauce. I always have some Frank’s Hot Sauce on hand so that is what I used.
If you plan on gifting some of this Carolina BBQ Sauce or just want a cool way to store it, check out my favorite Sauce Bottles on Amazon.
Equipment Needed
Using the right equipment can make a big difference. Here are my favorite tools for this recipe. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases to keep these recipes free.
Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Carolina BBQ Sauce recipe. For ingredient amounts please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Yellow Mustard – I like French’s Mustard (no affiliation)
- Apple Cider Vinegar – enhances the overall flavor of this bbq sauce
- Dark Brown Sugar – you can also use light brown sugar
- Worcestershire Sauce – adds some Umami flavor
- Hot Sauce – whatever brand you have on hand
- Garlic Powder – adds a savory, mellow, and concentrated garlic flavor
- Onion Powder – adds a sweet, savory, and concentrated onion flavor
- Unsalted Butter – I like to control the amount of salt a recipe has
- Salt & Pepper – a little seasoning for the sauce
How to Make Carolina BBQ Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder and onion powder.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly until all the brown sugar has dissolved.
- Remove from the heat, add the butter and whisk until melted.
- Add salt & pepper to taste.
Printable Recipe Card
Simple Carolina BBQ Sauce
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Ingredients
- 1 Cup Yellow Mustard
- ⅓ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- ¼ Cup Dark Brown Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tsp Hot Sauce, or to taste
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire Sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder and onion powder.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly until all the brown sugar has dissolved.
- Remove from the heat, add the butter and whisk until melted.
- Add salt & pepper to taste.
Equipment Needed
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Nutrition
Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.
I love this BBQ sauce