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A jar of South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce with a golden hue.

Classic South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce

A tangy and zesty South Carolina-style mustard BBQ sauce, perfect for pork, chicken, or grilling. This quick and easy recipe delivers a unique flavor profile with a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • whisk
  • airtight container

Ingredients
  

Sauce

  • 1 ½ cups Yellow Mustard
  • ½ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • ½ cup Brown Sugar packed
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1-2 tablespoons Hot Sauce or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Salt or to taste
  • Cayenne Pepper Pinch, Optional

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Combine yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce in a medium saucepan.
  • Add black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt; include cayenne pepper if desired.
  • Heat the saucepan over medium heat, whisking continuously to combine ingredients and dissolve brown sugar.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, just until small bubbles appear and steam rises, avoiding a rolling boil.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
  • Remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely; it will thicken further as it cools.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more heat, sweetness, or tang as needed.
  • Transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

This sauce is versatile and pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pulled pork, or ribs. For an extra kick, a dash of smoked paprika can be added along with the other spices.