kansas city style barbecue sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
kansas city style barbecue sauce recipe
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The Best kansas city style barbecue sauce recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite Kansas City style barbecue sauce recipe. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple in our household. We love it because it’s easy to make, and the flavor is just perfect – sweet, tangy, and smoky all at once.

My kids can’t get enough of it, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings. I like that it’s not too thick or too thin, just right for slathering on ribs, chicken, or even as a dip for veggies. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients that are probably already in your pantry.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile – you can use it as a marinade, a sauce for grilled meats, or even as a dip for fries. We’ve been making this recipe for years, and I’m confident you’ll love it just as much as we do.

The key to this recipe is the balance of flavors – the sweetness of the brown sugar, the tanginess of the vinegar, and the smokiness of the paprika all come together to create a flavor that’s truly unique. I’ve tried other recipes before, but this one is by far the best. And don’t even get me started on how easy it is to make – just throw all the ingredients into a saucepan and let it simmer away until you’re left with a rich, velvety sauce that’s just begging to be slathered on some good ol’ fashioned BBQ.

So go ahead, give it a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce

Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce

4.5 from 583 votes

A rich, sweet, and tangy barbecue sauce perfect for grilling and slow-cooking meats. This sauce is a classic Kansas City style, known for its balanced flavors and thick consistency.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, water, Worcestershire sauce, and molasses.
2Stir well to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the saucepan.
4Mix thoroughly until all spices are evenly distributed.
5Place the saucepan over medium heat.
6Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
7Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
8The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
9Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat.
10Allow it to cool to room temperature.
11This will help it thicken further and develop its flavors.
12Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
13Taste the sauce before using it to ensure it meets your flavor preferences.
14Adjust seasonings if necessary.

🔧Equipment

Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 1g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 2500mg🌾Total Carbs: 80g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 60g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of cayenne pepper. For a smokier flavor, add a pinch of liquid smoke to the sauce.

This Kansas City style barbecue sauce recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply want something delicious to serve with your weeknight dinner.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it freezes – simply scoop out small portions into an ice cube tray and freeze them for up to 6 months.

When you’re ready to serve your BBQ dish again simply thaw out the frozen cubes and reheat them until warm and bubbly.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce

Q: What is Kansas City style barbecue sauce?

This type of barbecue sauce originated in Kansas City and is known for its thick, sweet, and tangy flavor.

Q: What ingredients do I need to make Kansas City style barbecue sauce?

You’ll need a combination of ingredients including brown sugar, vinegar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (optional), and molasses.

Q: How long does it take to make Kansas City style barbecue sauce?

This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and 5-10 minutes to cook.

Q: Can I store Kansas City style barbecue sauce in the fridge?

Yes! You can store this sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze it for up to 6 months.

Q: Can I adjust the level of heat in this recipe?

Yes! If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add more cayenne pepper or try using hot sauce instead.

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