Mop sauce, like most BBQ sauces in the US, is a regional and cultural phenomenon. In the eastern part of Carolina, the sauce is practically heavy on vinegar and pepper. Head West and the mop sauce has a ketchup twist. In South Carolina, it’s the yellow color of mustard with some vinegar base and ketchup added for a slightly sweeter taste.
As a cook, barbecue sauce, for me, is alchemy. I take pleasure in making them by adding a pinch of this, a bit of that. I taste it, and if it needs more pizazz, I toss in another ingredient and feel like a freaking magician!
So in this article, I’ll talk about the rich diversity of Carolina mop sauce flavors. Get ready to embrace your inner alchemist as I show you the popular Carolina mop sauce recipes, tips, and secret ingredients to create your own.
This vinegar-based sauce recipe is one of the most popular Carolina vinegar mop sauces. It’s more of a hybrid sauce that brings together the good stuff in the Western and South Carolina BBQs as well as the Eastern North Carolina sauce. Here’s how it’s made:
First, gather all the flavors you’ll need for this Mop Sauce. Check your pantry and fridge to make sure you have everything listed above.
Get a medium-sized mixing bowl and pour in the vinegar. This tangy goodness is the backbone of an Eastern North Carolina sauce, giving it that classic Carolina kick!
Next up, add the ketchup to the bowl. This tomato sauce will add that rich, saucy texture with a hint of sweetness.
It’s time to amp up the flavor with the yellow mustard. I told you earlier. This is a mainstay in Carolina mop sauce. It helps us add some spice, tang, and twang to the mop.
To counteract the loss of sweetness the yellow mustard brings, sprinkle in the dark brown sugar. Then get ready for some caramel-like sweetness. Plus, it’s the secret to that irresistible glaze!
Add two full tablespoons of the sauce into the mix – your sauce isn’t complete without it. It can be sour and spicy, but it adds some sweetness from the molasses and sugar content. It’s going to bring depth and richness!
Drizzle in that golden honey. Two tablespoons are enough. And you’ve got a perfect balance of sweet and savory: a symphony of flavors!
If you want a little spicy twist, now’s the time to throw in that hot sauce. Go easy or go crazy, depending on your heat tolerance!
It’s time for the spices! Add in all the paprika, onion powder, black pepper, garlic powder, and the optional cayenne pepper if you can take the heat.
Now, whisk everything together until it’s all well combined. Take a look at that magical transformation now! Your Carolina Mop Sauce is starting to take shape.
Grab a spoon and take a small bite. How does it taste? Adjust the flavors according to your liking. Need more sweetness? Add some more honey. Want the mop sauce tangier? A dash more vinegar will do the trick. This sauce is all about making it your own!
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the mop sauce sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to mingle and dance together.
Now comes the best part – slather some delicious Carolina BBQ Sauce all over your BBQ meats. The sauce here can be a premade one like the Heinz Carolina Tangy BBQ Sauce or a homemade one as I’ll show you next. Whether it’s a whole hog, the ribs, pork shoulder, or chicken, this sauce will make them shine!
This Carolina gold BBQ sauce works as a glaze for your BBQ or when you need a dipping sauce. Check it out!
In a bowl, whisk together the yellow mustard, vinegar, honey or brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, ground black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix it all up until it’s well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and place it over medium heat. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens as all those flavors start to infuse.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly, intensifying the flavors.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool down. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to a glass container or bottle with a lid.
Pop the container in the refrigerator and let the sauce rest for at least a few hours. This resting period allows the flavors to fully develop and create that signature Carolina Gold taste.
When you’re ready to use the sauce, give it a good stir to make sure everything is well-mixed.
Brush the sauce onto your choice of meats during grilling or smoking. Whether it’s ribs, turkey, chicken, or pork, let that Carolina Gold goodness work its magic!
Store any leftover sauce in the refrigerator for future BBQ adventures. Each time you use it, savor the flavor sensation that’s pure Carolina Gold!
Now you’re all set to enjoy the authentic Carolina Gold BBQ sauce that perfectly complements your grilled or smoked meats.
To whip up East Carolina Mop Sauce, combine two cups of apple cider vinegar, two tablespoons of crushed red pepper flakes, and one tablespoon each of ground black pepper, and salt.
Add a teaspoon of optional brown sugar for sweetness. Mix well and let it sit for 30 minutes to infuse flavors. Brush generously on grilled meat during cooking and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Carolina Mustard BBQ sauce is a delightful blend of sweet, and spicy flavors. It gets its double dose of tang from a mix of apple cider vinegar and yellow mustard. The sweetness comes from the sugar and honey, enhancing the overall seasoning. The addition of cayenne brings in enticing spiciness. If you want to crank up the heat, add more cayenne pepper or spicy chili flakes. For a milder version, skip the cayenne and focus on the other ingredients.
It’s called a “mop” sauce because it’s a thin barbecue sauce said to be spread with actual meat mops by skilled pitmasters over huge fire pits. It’s unlike most sauces that are thick and applied with basting brushes.
This sauce’s thick, very water-like consistency is not very suitable for a typical basting brush. You need a larger brush with longer and more flexible yarn. You can make a cheap mop instead of using an unsuitable brush.
Carolina mopping sauce is a versatile sauce that works great in various dishes. Here are some mouthwatering options to serve alongside the sauce:
If you love southern BBQ, Carolina Mop Sauce is a must-try! Tangy, sweet, and spicy from yellow mustard, honey, and spices, this blend will elevate any dish. You can use it to mop a whole hog barbecue. Use it to baste your smoked pork butt, ribs, chicken, and more for an authentic Carolina BBQ experience. What’s even better? You can whip up this flavor-packed magic using ingredients straight from your pantry. So, next time you fire up the grill, make sure to have some Carolina Mop Sauce by your side.
