Introduction
Barbecue sauce is an integral part of summertime grilling and smoking. While ketchup-based sauces are common, mustard-based barbecue sauces add tangy, spicy flair to meats and vegetables. Mustard’s pungent taste pairs beautifully with savory foods, and homemade mustard barbecue sauce allows you to customize the flavor profile. This article will provide tips and step-by-step instructions for making your own mustard barbecue sauce at home.
We’ll cover various styles of mustard barbecue sauce, from South Carolina-style yellow mustard sauce to spicy Creole sauces. You’ll learn how to build depth of flavor by adding ingredients like vinegar, spices, pepper, and sweeteners. We’ll also provide recipe ideas, storage suggestions, and serving recommendations. Read on to become an expert in crafting your own signature mustard barbecue sauce.
Why Make Your Own Mustard Barbecue Sauce?
Here are some of the benefits of making homemade mustard barbecue sauce:
- Customizable flavors – Tailor the sauce to your tastes by adjusting levels of spices, sweetness, tanginess, and heat.
- Quality ingredients – Use high-quality mustards and avoid high fructose corn syrup and preservatives found in store-bought sauces.
- Cost savings – Homemade sauce is inexpensive to make in bulk.
- Fun weekend project – Whipping up a batch of sauce is a fun cooking activity and makes for great leftovers.
- Unique flavor – Create a sauce with your own unique blend of flavors not found in generic brands.
- Food safety – Control exactly what goes into your family’s food by making it yourself.
Homemade mustard barbecue sauce takes your grilling and BBQ to the next level. Keep reading for how to make it yourself!
Mustard Barbecue Sauce Styles
There are several distinct styles of mustard-based barbecue sauce to suit different regional barbecue tastes:
South Carolina Mustard Sauce
This style originated in South Carolina and remains popular there today. It has a tangy yellow mustard flavor, often containing only mustard, vinegar, and spices.
- Tangy and turbid from yellow mustard
- Sometimes called “Carolina gold” sauce
- Pairs well with pulled pork
Creole Mustard Sauce
Creole mustard sauce has its roots in Louisiana Creole cooking. It contains spicy brown mustard and robust seasonings.
- Often includes Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and creole spices
- Deeper in color and spicier than SC sauce
- Goes well with chicken and sausage
Honey Mustard Barbecue Sauce
This sauce has a sweet and tangy flavor from the addition of honey. The honey mellows out the mustard’s bite.
- Sticky texture and balanced sweet/tangy taste
- Kid-friendly flavor
- Works as a dipping sauce too
Beer Mustard Barbecue Sauce
The maltiness of beer gives this sauce depth and pairs with mustard’s distinctive taste. Brown or pale ale works well.
- Beer adds a subtly bitter, roasty flavor
- Great on hearty meats like brisket or ribs
- Finish on the grill to reduce and intensify
Dijon Mustard Barbecue Sauce
Smooth Dijon mustard gives this sauce a refined flavor profile. White wine or champagne vinegar provide acidity.
- Elegant made-from-scratch sauce
- A touch of cream adds richness
- Excellent with salmon or chicken
Now that you’re inspired, let’s get into the specifics of how to craft your own homemade mustard barbecue sauce!
How to Make Classic Mustard Barbecue Sauce
Making your own mustard barbecue sauce is easy. Here is a step-by-step guide to producing a basic mustard-flavored barbecue sauce at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup prepared yellow mustard
- 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1⁄4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
Steps
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together all ingredients until thoroughly combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Once bubbling, reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool. The residual heat will continue to thicken it.
- Transfer the cooled mustard barbecue sauce to an airtight container. It can be used immediately or refrigerated.
This easy mustard barbecue sauce comes together quickly with pantry staple ingredients. The mustard and vinegar provide tang, while the spices add depth of flavor.
Let’s look at some tips for customizing your own signature sauce.
Tips for Making Your Own Mustard Barbecue Sauce
Mustard barbecue sauce is very versatile, and you can tweak it to create your own unique concoction. Here are some tips:
Choose Your Mustard
The mustard is the core ingredient that distinguishes mustard barbecue sauce. Popular options include:
- Yellow mustard – tangy and bright
- Dijon mustard – smooth and refined
- Spicy brown mustard – bold and intense
- Whole grain mustard – crunchy mustard seeds
Go with your personal favorite, or experiment with a combination.
Add Sweetener
A touch of sweetness balances the mustard’s sharp bite. Good sweeteners include:
- Honey
- Molasses
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Agave nectar
Start with a small amount, tasting as you go before adding more.
Use Flavorful Acids
Acid ingredients like vinegar and citrus juice brighten the sauce and let the mustard flavor shine. Consider:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Rice wine vinegar
- White wine vinegar
- Fresh lemon or lime juice
Season with Savory Flavorings
Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, soy sauce, and Creole seasoning are all fair game for enhancing a mustard barbecue sauce. Other options include:
- Smoked paprika
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Crushed garlic
- Onion powder
Finish with Texture
Ingredients like tomato paste, chopped pickles, beer, and mustard seeds add enjoyable texture. Whisk in a tablespoon or two of one of these items just before serving.
Allow Time to Mature
The flavors in homemade mustard barbecue sauce need a bit of time to meld together. Make it 1-3 days ahead of time. The sauce often tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge.
Don’t be afraid to experiment until you create your perfect mustard barbecue sauce. Next we’ll look at full recipe ideas.
Mustard Barbecue Sauce Recipes
Here are a few tasty recipe ideas to get you started with making your own mustard barbecue sauce:
Classic South Carolina Mustard Sauce
Makes about 2 cups
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Whisk together all ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened. Cool completely before use. Store refrigerated in a sealed container.
Spicy Creole Mustard Sauce
Makes about 2 1⁄2 cups
- 1 cup spicy brown mustard
- 1⁄4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
Combine ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes until thickened slightly, stirring often. Cool before using. Refrigerate leftovers.
Beer and Mustard Barbecue Sauce
Makes around 3 cups
- 12 ounces pale ale or lager beer
- 1 cup Dijon mustard
- 1⁄4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes until thickened. Cool completely before use.
How to Use Mustard Barbecue Sauce
Mustard barbecue sauce adds flavor to all kinds of grilled or smoked foods. Here are serving suggestions:
- Slather over chicken pieces, bone-in pork chops, or pork tenderloin before grilling
- Toss with shrimp or vegetables before grilling
- Brush over smoked brisket, pulled pork, or turkey breast
- Use as a dip for grilled kielbasa, chicken wings, or meatballs
- Mix with mayo for a sandwich spread
- Use as a marinade for beef before grilling
- Stir a bit into baked beans
-Drizzle over a smoked brisket sandwich
The tangy zip of mustard barbecue sauce works well with rich, fatty meats to cut through the richness. It also pairs nicely with vegetables, seafood, and chicken.
Try mixing 50/50 with ketchup-based sauce for a Carolina “tiger sauce” that combines the two styles.
How to Store Leftover Mustard Barbecue Sauce
Like most homemade sauces, mustard barbecue sauce keeps well refrigerated for 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, consider these tips:
- Transfer to a glass jar or other airtight container
- Make sure the sauce is completely cooled first
- Add a thin layer of olive or vegetable oil on top to prevent a skin forming
- Store in the refrigerator
- Use a clean spoon each time to get sauce to avoid introducing bacteria
- Sauce may thicken more upon storage – splash in a bit of vinegar or water to thin out
You can also freeze leftover mustard barbecue sauce for later use:
- Let cool completely after cooking
- Transfer to freezer bags or plastic containers
- Exclude as much air as possible
- Label with the date and name
- Freeze up to 3 months
- Thaw in the refrigerator before using
Making homemade barbecue sauce in larger batches yields great leftovers. Follow these storage tips to keep your mustard barbecue sauce fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mustard Barbecue Sauce
Here are answers to some common questions about making and using homemade mustard barbecue sauce:
Is mustard barbecue sauce spicy?
Some styles are spicier than others. South Carolina yellow mustard barbecue sauce has just a mild tingle. Creole and brown mustard sauces impart more heat when spiced with hot sauce, black pepper, chili powder, etc. Go easy on the spices if you prefer a mild sauce.
What kind of mustard is best?
Yellow prepared mustard like French’s is traditional, but you can also use Dijon, spicy brown, or even whole grain mustard. The smoothness of Dijon makes it a good base for refined sauces.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Homemade mustard barbecue sauce keeps well refrigerated up to 2 weeks. To maximize freshness, store in an airtight container and use a clean utensil each time.
Can you freeze mustard barbecue sauce?
Yes, it freezes well for 3-4 months! Let cool completely first, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. Be sure to label it. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using again.
How do you thin thickened mustard barbecue sauce?
If your mustard barbecue sauce thickens too much over time, thin it with a bit of water, vinegar, beer, or stock. Add a little at a time until reaches the desired consistency.
What meats pair best with mustard sauce?
It goes great with pulled pork, brisket, sausages, ribs, chicken, and smoked turkey. Brush on fatty pork or beef to cut through the richness. The tangy flavor pairs well with smoky, savory meats.
Conclusion
Creating your own homemade mustard barbecue sauce is easy and rewarding. You can customize flavors to your taste and control the quality of ingredients. A good mustard barbecue sauce starts with a quality base of yellow or brown mustard and gets customized from there. Tweak a basic recipe with sweeteners, acids, spices, herbs, beer and other fun additions. Store refrigerated or freeze extras. Then brush, slather, and drizzle your sauce over a variety of grilled and smoked meats. Homemade mustard barbecue sauce really takes backyard barbecuing to the next level.