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Kansas City BBQ Sauce Recipe

Sweet with a Kiss of Heat
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time5 minutes
Active Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Water
  • 1/2 Cup White Sugar
  • 2/3 Cup Distilled White Vinegar
  • 3 oz Tomato Paste
  • 1/4 Cup Molasses
  • 1/4 Cup Honey
  • 1 Tsp Ground Cayenne
  • 1 Tsp Granulated Garlic
  • 1 Tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 Tsp Celery Salt
  • 1 Tbsp Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Sauce

Cornstarch Slurry

  • 2 Tbsp Cornstarch
  • 1/2 Tbsp Water

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 Tbsp Liquid smoke
  • 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup Adds a shine to the sauce

Instructions

  • In a medium sauce pan combine the water, distilled white vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Then add your white sugar, honey, and molasses and ensure they are fully dissolved in the liquids.
  • Once the sugars are combined, add your 3 oz of tomato paste (roughly half of a 6 oz can), and then similarly whisk the tomato paste into the liquids.
  • Then create a corn starch slurry in a separate bowl. Ensure the cornstarch is completely combined with the water and then add that to the sauce.
  • Then add the rest of your dry ingredients and whisk together.
  • Get your burner to around medium heat and allow the sauce to come to a slight boil. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to low/simmer.
  • As the sauce is simmering, whisky occasionally.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer for 20-25 minutes or until at your desired consistency.
    Note: This style of sauce is suppose to be somewhat thick. You want to reduce your sauce by about half.
  • Once at your consistency, allow to cool. Once cooled, transfer to a small mason jar and store in your refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.

Notes

For a smokey flavor add 1/2 tbsp of liquid smoke. 
For added "shine" add 1 tbsp corn syrup.