Ingredients
- 500g tomato ketchup
- 120g brown sugar
- 60g apple cider vinegar
- 40g molasses
- 30g honey
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
Per serving
Calories: 150 kcal
Proteins: 1 g
Fats: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Method
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In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, molasses, and honey.
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Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring continuously to dissolve the sugar.
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Add the Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
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Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
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Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you want it spicier, add more cayenne pepper. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more honey.
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Once the sauce has thickened and all the flavors have melded together, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
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If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce in a food processor or blender until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Transfer the sauce to a clean and airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Kansas City barbecue sauce is incredibly versatile and is typically served as a condiment or glaze for various grilled or smoked meats. It pairs exceptionally well with beef, pork, chicken, and even grilled vegetables. It is commonly used on ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, briskets, and grilled chicken wings.
Kansas City barbecue sauce is a rich, sweet, and tangy tomato-based sauce that adds a burst of flavor to any barbecue dish. Its thick and sticky consistency helps it adhere to the meat, creating a delicious glaze that enhances the smoky flavors from the grill. The combination of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy elements makes it a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts worldwide.
Facts about the sauce:
- Kansas City, Missouri, is renowned for its barbecue, and this sauce is one of the key elements that define the city’s barbecue style.
- It is said that the distinctive sweet flavor of this sauce was originally developed to balance out the smoky and savory taste of slow-cooked meats.
- Kansas City barbecue sauce is often used as a finishing sauce, brushed onto the meat during the final stages of cooking or served on the side as a dipping sauce.
- While the exact recipe may vary from one pitmaster to another, the core ingredients of tomato ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar remain constant in most versions.
- The popularity of Kansas City barbecue sauce has spread far beyond its origin city, and it is now widely available commercially, both in the United States and internationally, making it accessible to barbecue enthusiasts worldwide.
