BBQ Recipes BBQ Sauce Grilling Mustard-Based Sauce Outdoor Cooking

How to Make Mustard-Based BBQ Sauce: Unmissable Tips and Techniques

Written By James Morgan
How to Make Mustard-Based BBQ Sauce: Unmissable Tips and Techniques

Grilling aficionados, rejoice! If you've been looking to elevate your BBQ game, it's time to delve into the world of mustard-based BBQ sauces. This tangy, savory sauce offers a remarkable twist on traditional BBQ flavors, and once you master it, you'll be the talk of every barbecue gathering.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the unmissable steps on how to make mustard-based BBQ sauce. We'll cover everything from the ingredients you'll need to the cooking techniques that will ensure your sauce stands out. Let's get started!

Why Mustard-Based BBQ Sauce?

If you're unfamiliar with mustard-based BBQ sauces, you're in for a delightful surprise. Unlike the more common tomato-based sauces, mustard-based sauces offer a unique blend of tangy and spicy flavors that penetrate deep into your grilled meats. Originating from South Carolina, this sauce has its roots in German cuisine and has been a beloved staple in Southern BBQ for generations.

how to make mustard based bbq sauce

Ingredients for Mustard-Based BBQ Sauce

Before we dive into the cooking process, let's gather our ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

  • Yellow Mustard: The star of the show, yellow mustard forms the base of your sauce. Opt for a high-quality brand for the best results.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to the sauce.
  • Brown Sugar: Balances the tanginess with a touch of sweetness.
  • Honey: A natural sweetener that complements the mustard and vinegar.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor.
  • Hot Sauce: For a bit of heat. Choose your favorite brand.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
  • Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Onion Powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor without overpowering the sauce.
how to make mustard based bbq sauce

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Mustard-Based BBQ Sauce

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of yellow mustard, 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of honey. Stir the ingredients together over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

Once the base ingredients are well combined, add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of hot sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Mix well to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Simmer and Thicken

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

After simmering, taste your sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more brown sugar for sweetness, more vinegar for tanginess, or more hot sauce for heat. Customize the sauce to your liking!

Using Your Mustard-Based BBQ Sauce

Now that you've made your mustard-based BBQ sauce, it's time to put it to use. This sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of grilled meats, including pork, chicken, and beef. Here are a few ideas:

  • Pulled Pork: Toss your pulled pork in the mustard-based BBQ sauce for a tangy and delicious twist.
  • Grilled Chicken: Brush the sauce onto grilled chicken breasts or thighs for a flavorful finish.
  • Ribs: Slather the sauce onto ribs during the last few minutes of grilling for a perfectly glazed finish.

Storing Your Mustard-Based BBQ Sauce

Once your sauce is cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks, making it a convenient option for quick grilling sessions.

FAQ

What kind of mustard should I use?

Yellow mustard is the traditional choice for mustard-based BBQ sauce. However, you can experiment with Dijon or spicy brown mustard for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make mustard-based BBQ sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This allows the flavors to develop even further.

Is mustard-based BBQ sauce spicy?

It can be, depending on the amount of hot sauce you add. If you prefer a milder sauce, simply reduce or omit the hot sauce.

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For more grilling tips and tricks, check out this Food Network BBQ Guide and see this Homemade BBQ Sauce.

To ensure your grilling endeavors are exceptional, explore these guides as well: Grill Gloves, Finding the Perfect Pair, and Using Grill Pellets.


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(2 Pack) Ocean'S Halo, Organic Soy-Free Spicy Korean BBQ Sauce, 12 Ounce
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"8FT High Pressure Propane Hose with Adjustable Regulator - Ideal for Outdoor Grill Gas Fitting, Grill, Burner, Fryer, and Cooker - 0-20 PSI - 3/8" Flare X 1/8" NPT Male"
$41.94
(180 Cu. In. (2 Pack)
$35.43
(2 Pack) Ocean'S Halo, Organic Soy-Free Spicy Korean BBQ Sauce, 12 Ounce
$48.00
(Hot&Spicy) CJ Korean BBQ Original Sauce Chicken & Pork Marinade 29.6 Ounce (1)
$27.98
(Set of 3) Heavy Duty Vegetable Grill Baskets for Outdoor Grill, Stainless Steel Veggie Grilling Basket for All Grills, BBQ Gifts for Men, 1 Large & 2 Small
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, 24025BMT, Cast 2-Burner, Liquid Propane Gas Grill, Black
$338.00
, 60936, Grill Light Cob Handle Mount,Black
$40.22
, Deli Slices, Hickory Smoked, 5.5 Oz
$10.28
, Inc. 1423 Broiler Brush, Black
$77.66
, One Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Seasoning Mix, 1.5 Oz
$5.65
, Santa Maria Style Seasoning, 7 Oz.
$22.28
- 4 Piece Black Drillbrush Ultra Stiff Cleaning Brush Set - Metal Brush for Drill Alternative - Grill Brush for Cordless Drill - Grill Grate Cleaner Brush
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- BBQ Grill Cleaner Oil | 100% Plant-Based & Vegan | Best for Cleaning Barbeque Grills & Grates | Use with Wooden Scrapers, Brushes, Accessories & Tools | Great Gift for Dad! (8Oz)
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- Black Nitrile Gloves, Hypoallergenic Co-Polymer 6 Mill Thickness, Disposable Gloves, Powder Free, Non Sterile, Ambidextrous, Finger Tip Textured, Dispenser Pack of 100, Size. Medium.
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- Carolina Barbeque Sauce, Gourmet Carolina Sauce, Tangy BBQ Sauce with Tomato Vinegar, Premium Ingredients, Made with Gluten-Free Ingredients (20 Oz)
$24.76
- Double Pre-Seasoned, Square Carbon Steel BBQ Grill Griddle, Made in USA - Perfect for Gas Grill - Durable, Flat Top Grill Pan - 1/4" Thick, 14" X 18"
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- Double Pre-Seasoned, Square Carbon Steel BBQ Grill Griddle, Made in USA - Perfect for Gas Grill - Durable, Flat Top Grill Pan - 3/16" Thick, 14" X 18"
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- Greek Freak Mediterranean Spice Blend - All-Purpose Rubs, Spices and Seasonings - Use On: Chicken, Chickpeas, Beef, Seafood, Pork, Vegetables, Turkey, Potatoes and Salad Dressing - 4 Oz
$34.24
- Grill Brush and Scraper, 16.7”, Stainless Steel, Grill Cleaner, Grill Brush, Grill Cleaning Brush, BBQ Brill Brush, BBQ Brush for Grill Cleaning, Grill Brush for Outdoor Grill, Safe Grill Brush
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- Large under Grill Mat - Black Diamond Plate, 36 X 48 Inches, for Outdoor Use
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- Magnetic Barbecue BBQ Light Set for Grilling - 6 Alkaline AAA Batteries Included - Works on All Grills with an Exception to Stainless Steel.
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- Master Grill Pan, Korean Traditional BBQ Grill Pan - Stovetop Nonstick Indoor/Outdoor Smokeless BBQ Cast Aluminum Grill Pan
$105.58
- Meat Claws Bbq Grill Accessories Set - 2 Silicone Gloves, Claws for Pulled Pork, BBQ Thermometer - Perfect Smoker Accessories Grilling Tools Gift Set for (Orange Glove-Thermometer-Claw)
$40.18
- Monterey Seafood Seasoning and Hog Wild Cajun Seasoning, Gluten-Free Bbq Rubs and Spices for Smoking
$55.17
- Onyx Collection, 12-Inch Grill Pan, Coated with New Teflon Platinum Non-Stick Coating (PFOA Free) (12-Inch)
$87.98
- Professional Grade Chef Apron for Kitchen, BBQ & Grill
$67.98
- Stovetop Indoor Korean BBQ Nonstick Grill Pan With, Pfoa-Free, Dishwasher Oven Safe, Made in Korea
$77.98
-Outdoor Gas Pizza Oven, Rotating Propane Pizza Grill Oven for Exterior Backyard Pizza Maker with 14" Pizza Stone, Portable Pizza Ovens for outside with Pizza Peel,Pia,Cutter,Gloves and Thermometer.
$500.58
. the Safer Grill Cleaning Brush. All Natural. No Metal Bristles.
$59.98
07047 Cool Touch Electric Griddle
$73.98
07061 22-Inch Electric Griddle with Removable Handles, Black, 22-Inch
$119.98
1 Pair/2 Pieces BBQ Gloves, Grilling Gloves, Heat Resistant Barbecue Oven Gloves, 1472°F/800°C Kitchen Fireproof Mitts Heat Proof for Grilling, Baking, Cooking, Welding Gloves Mitts - Red
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1 Piece Random Nonstick Enameled Cast Iron Pan/Pot (4 Styles: 10.25" Skillet/2Qt Saucepan/2.8Qt/4.8Qt Dutch Oven) – Healthy round Pot for Sourdough Bread Baking on All Stovetops, Mystery Cookware Box
$69.99
1-Piece 16.50 Inch Cast Iron Griddle Plate | Reversible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan for Gas Stovetop | Double Sided Used on Open Fire & in Oven | Pre-Coated with Oil
$58.44
1/2" X 1/8" Lavalock High Temp BBQ Gasket Smoker Seal for Nomex Door Lid, Self Stick Grey
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1/3Pc Non-Stick BBQ Grill Mat 40*33Cm Baking Mat Cooking Grilling Sheet Heat Resistance Easily Cleaned Kitchen for Party
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10 Inch Griddle Spatula Holder Magnetic Design, Stainless Steel Grill Barbecue Tool Rack, Griddle Accessories for Blackstone Flat Top Griddle and Other Grill Griddles (2 Pcs)
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10" Square Cast Iron Grill Pan Steak Pan Pre Seasoned Grill Pan with Easy Grease Drain Spout, with Large Loop Handles for Grilling Bacon, Steak, and Meats
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10-42 BBQ Brisket Rub - All-Natural Spice Seasoning for Steak, Rib, Beef Brisket - Barbecue Meat Seasoning Dry Rub - BBQ Rubs and Spices for Smoking and Grilling - No MSG, 0 Calorie - 10.5Oz Bottle
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10-42 BBQ Brisket Rub | All-Natural Spice Seasoning for Steak, Rib, Beef Brisket | Barbecue Meat Seasoning Dry Rub | BBQ Rubs and Spices for Smoking and Grilling | No MSG, 5.5.Oz Bottle
$31.37
10-Inch Skewer for BBQ Kebab, Unbleached Long Bamboo/Wood Roasting Sticks for Grill -Heavy Duty Thickness -Flat Stick Flag Handle -With Dust-Free Packaging (100-Pack)
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10-LED Grill Light, as Labeled
$40.18
100 Pcs Grilling Gloves Kit Disposable BBQ Gloves with 2 Pairs Cotton Liners Grilling Gloves Cooking Gloves Latex Free Nitrile Gloves for Outdoor Grilling Barbecue Cooking
$18.40
100% All-Natural Hardwood Pellets - Maple Wood (20 Lb. Bag) Perfect for Pellet Smokers, Smoky Wood-Fired Flavor
$53.96
100% Compostable Food Prep Gloves, Restaurant-Quality,For Food Handling, Powder-Free, 100 Count, Medium, Earth Friendly Highest ASTM D6400, US BPI and Europe OK Compost Certified, San Francisco
$20.30
100% Cotton Kitchen Apron with an Adjustable Neck with Long Ties for Women Men Chef
$40.14
12 Inch round Pizza Stone, Heavy Duty Cordierite Pizza Grilling Stone, Bread Baking Stone for RV Oven, Grill and Toaster Oven, Ideal for Baking Crisp Crust Pizza, Bread, Cookies and More
$73.03
12 Inch Lightweight Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle with Cleaning Kit - Smooth Polished Surface, Easy to Clean Cast Iron Skillets Use in the Oven, on the Stove or Grill, over a Campfire
$59.98