kansas city style bbq sauce recipe

kansas city style bbq sauce recipe

The Best kansas city style bbq sauce recipe

I’ve been making Kansas City-style BBQ sauce for years, and it’s a staple in my household. The recipe originated in the city of Kansas City, Missouri, and is characterized by its thick, sweet, and tangy flavor profile.

I love how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – it’s perfect for slathering on ribs, chicken, or pork, or even using as a dip for vegetables. My family devours it whenever I make it, and I’m always happy to oblige.

What I love most about this recipe is that it’s made with simple ingredients that are probably already in your pantry – no fancy or hard-to-find ingredients required. Plus, it’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen, as they can help with measuring out the ingredients and mixing everything together.

The best part? It’s incredibly healthy compared to store-bought BBQ sauces, which are often loaded with preservatives and artificial flavorings.

This homemade version is free of all that nonsense, and you can feel good about what you’re putting into your body. Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe to get it just right – not too sweet, not too tangy, but perfectly balanced.

And let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for any BBQ lover out there. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just a casual griller, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen once you try it.

Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce

Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce

4.9 from 726 votes

This rich, thick, and tangy Kansas City style BBQ sauce is sweetened with molasses and brown sugar, balanced with a touch of vinegar and smoky spices. It clings perfectly to ribs, chicken, or pulled pork, offering a classic American barbecue flavor.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 16Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 60 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 cups (480 ml) ketchup
1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup (60 ml) molasses
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup (240 ml) water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan: ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne (if using), salt, allspice, and water.
2Whisk thoroughly until the tomato paste is fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
3Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally with the whisk to prevent scorching.
4Once you see steady bubbles breaking the surface, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes.
5The sauce will thicken and darken to a deep mahogany color, and it should coat the back of a spoon without dripping off immediately.
6Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
7As it cools, it will continue to thicken slightly.
8Transfer the finished sauce to a glass jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks, or use immediately on grilled or smoked meats.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Stove
Glass jar or airtight container for storage

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 60 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 320mg🌾Total Carbs: 14g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

For a smokier flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke during the simmering step. This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks; stir before each use.

Watch Video Of How Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce Works

This Kansas City-style BBQ sauce recipe has been a staple in my household for years. It’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re having a family gathering or just want something delicious for dinner.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze for up to six months. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce over low heat until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce

Q: What makes Kansas City-style BBQ sauce so special?

Kansas City-style BBQ sauce is known for its thick and rich texture, which comes from a combination of tomato paste and molasses. The tangy flavor also comes from a mixture of vinegar and spices.

Q: Can I use this recipe as a base for other types of BBQ sauce?

Yes! This recipe is highly adaptable to different flavor profiles. You can add more spices to give it an Asian-inspired taste or more sugar to make it sweeter.

Q: Is Kansas City-style BBQ sauce suitable for vegetarians?

No! This recipe typically contains animal-derived products like Worcestershire sauce.

Q: How do I store leftover BBQ sauce?

Store leftover BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe without an oven?

No! You need an oven to caramelize the sugars in the molasses.

Q: What if I don’t have tomato paste? Can I substitute with something else?

You can substitute tomato paste with ketchup if you don’t have any tomato paste on hand.

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