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Homemade South Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

South Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

A tangy, mustard-based South Carolina BBQ sauce with honey, brown sugar, and a kick of cayenne. Thinner than most BBQ sauces, but it packs a serious punch — ready in about 15 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 1/2 cups
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp spicy brown mustard
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tbsp dark brown sugar packed
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2-1 tsp cayenne pepper adjust for preferred heat
  • 1 tsp Texas Pete's hot sauce or your favorite hot sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp coarse black pepper

Equipment

  • Small Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the sugars are fully dissolved.
  2. Lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  3. This one stays a thinner, runnier sauce even once it's done — once simmered, it should be just a bit thinner than straight mustard. It'll tighten up a little more as it cools.

Notes

Keeps in the fridge for 3 to 4 weeks, or up to 3 months in the freezer. If you freeze it, thaw it in the fridge the day before and give it a good shake or whisk before using.
Store it in an airtight glass jar for the best quality — plastic can absorb the vinegar smell and lets more air in over time.
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