South Carolina Barbecue Sauce

Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

South Carolina barbecue sauce features tangy mustard and vinegar with a hint of spice, perfect for grilled meats and suited for those who enjoy bold, tangy flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup prepared mustard
  • 6 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 cup cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients, except soy sauce and butter.
  2. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in soy sauce and butter.
  3. Serve warm or cold.

Tips & Substitutions

For a balanced flavor, consider using a mix of yellow and Dijon mustard. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar to taste or use honey as a substitute. For a smoky twist, add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika. This sauce is also excellent for marinating chicken or pork before grilling, providing a delicious tangy flavor. Try it alongside American recipes for a delightful meal.

Serving Suggestions

This South Carolina barbecue sauce is perfect for grilled meats like pulled pork or chicken, adding a flavorful kick. Serve it alongside traditional sides such as coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Washboard Salad, adding a tangy contrast to the fresh flavors. Consider using it as a dipping sauce for sandwiches or burgers.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. This sauce can be served cold or warm, depending on your preference.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of South Carolina Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 182 calories, with 6g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2139mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).

182 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.6g 11% DV
Total Fat 8.9g 11% DV
Carbs 26g 9% DV
Fiber 8.4g 30% DV
Sugar 0.7g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2138.8mg 93% DV
Potassium 559.2mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 22.5mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 43.2mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 11.2mg 12% DV
Calcium 124.4mg 10% DV
Iron 3.1mg 17% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this barbecue sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it sit for a day or two allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. Just remember to reheat it gently before serving.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

The sauce is gluten-free if you use a gluten-free soy sauce or omit it altogether. Since soy sauce typically contains gluten, check labels or choose a suitable alternative. The other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.

How spicy is this barbecue sauce?

This sauce has a mild to moderate spice level due to the chili powder. If you prefer more heat, you can add cayenne pepper or increase the chili powder amount. Conversely, if you like it milder, reduce the chili powder to suit your taste.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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