Best 9 Kansas City Barbecue Recipes

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Kansas City Barbecue: A Sweet and Savory Symphony of Flavors

In the heartland of American barbecue, Kansas City reigns supreme, captivating taste buds with its distinctive sweet and smoky flavors. This article is a culinary journey into the world of Kansas City barbecue, featuring a collection of mouthwatering recipes that capture the essence of this beloved tradition.

From the classic burnt ends, where caramelized edges meet tender, fall-off-the-bone meat, to the succulent ribs slathered in a sweet and tangy sauce, each recipe embodies the spirit of Kansas City barbecue. Discover the secrets behind the perfect brisket, slow-cooked to perfection and infused with a symphony of spices. Complement your barbecue feast with delectable sides like baked beans, creamy coleslaw, and tangy potato salad, each adding a unique layer of flavor to the overall experience.

Whether you're a seasoned barbecue enthusiast or a newcomer to the smoky world of grilled meats, this article has something for every palate. With step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and a treasure trove of tantalizing recipes, you'll be able to recreate the magic of Kansas City barbecue right in your own backyard. So, fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

KANSAS CITY SWEET AND SMOKY BARBECUE RUB



Kansas City Sweet and Smoky Barbecue Rub image

Sweet rather than salty, flavorful rather than fiery, this seasoning mix contains mustard in the style of a Memphis rub and chili powder in the style of Texas.

Provided by Steven Raichlen

Categories     Grill/Barbecue     Spice     Paprika     Ginger     Kansas City     Kansas

Yield Makes about 2 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 14

2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup sweet or smoked paprika
1/4 cup seasoned salt, preferably Basic Seasoned Salt, or a good commercial brand, such as Lawry's
1/4 cup homemade smoked salt, or use a good commercial brand
1/4 cup onion salt
1/4 cup celery salt
2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons pure chile powder (not a blend)
2 teaspoons mustard powder
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and stir or whisk to mix. Transfer to a large jar, cover, and store away from heat and light. The rub will keep for several weeks.

KANSAS CITY BARBECUE SAUCE



Kansas City Barbecue Sauce image

This tangy Kansas City BBQ sauce is lip-smacking good. It's thick, and a little sweet with a touch of heat. If you like it spicy, add a little more hot sauce or chili powder. -Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 35m

Yield 4 cups

Number Of Ingredients 10

2-1/2 cups ketchup
2/3 cup white vinegar
2/3 cup honey
1/2 cup molasses
2 to 3 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 to 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 55 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 323mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

RIBS WITH KANSAS CITY BARBECUE SAUCE



Ribs With Kansas City Barbecue Sauce image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 7h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 large cloves garlic, smashed
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup yellow mustard
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 4-to-5-pound racks pork spareribs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Make the sauce: Combine the garlic, chili powder, cayenne, allspice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. Whisk the ketchup, 1 cup water, the vinegar, mustard, molasses, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce in a separate bowl. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic mixture and cook, stirring, until the oil turns brick red, about 1 minute. Add the ketchup mixture and bring to a gentle simmer; cook, whisking occasionally, 30 minutes.
  • Make the ribs: Soak 1 heaping cup hickory, mesquite or apple-wood chips in water, at least 30 minutes. Prepare a grill for indirect cooking over medium-low heat (about 250 degrees F): On a charcoal grill, bank the coals to one side; on a gas grill, turn on only one side of the burners. Cover the grate on the cooler side of the grill with aluminum foil. Close the grill lid. Position the ribs on a cutting board, meat-side down. Slip a small knife between the bone and membrane, then gently pull off the membrane. Sprinkle the racks with 1 teaspoon each salt and black pepper on both sides. Drain the wood chips. For a charcoal grill, scatter the chips directly over the hot coals; for a gas grill, put the chips in a smoker box and position over direct heat. Put the ribs meat-side up on the foil on the cooler side of the grill. Close the grill lid; bring the temperature back up and cook the ribs, undisturbed, 3 hours. (For a charcoal grill, adjust the vents, or add more hot, ashed-over coals as needed to maintain consistent heat.) Remove the ribs and close the lid. Wrap each rack tightly in foil, then return to the cooler side of the grill, meat-side down; close the lid and grill 2 more hours. Remove the ribs and carefully unwrap. Return to the cooler side of the grill, meat-side up; cook, basting generously with the sauce halfway through, until the meat is tender, about 1 more hour. Remove the racks and let rest a few minutes before slicing. Serve with the remaining sauce. Photograph by Con Poulos

KANSAS CITY STYLE BARBECUE SAUCE



Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce image

A thick, sweet, and smoky sauce, perfect for the ultimate barbecued ribs! Also does great in the crock pot with the meat or beans of your choice. This recipe makes about 4 cups sauce, but it keeps well in the fridge or freezer, and makes a great homemade gift! Apparently this originally came from America's Test Kitchen, but the friend I got the recipe from didn't mention that! Thanks to Chef 219653 for the heads up!

Provided by velorutionista

Categories     Sauces

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 cups

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 teaspoons oil (neutral flavored)
1 onion, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups vegetable stock (low sodium preferred)
1 cup root beer
1 cup cider vinegar
1 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown mustard
1 tablespoon hot sauce (a good sambol would do nicely, as well)
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke, divided

Steps:

  • In medium dutch oven, heat oil over medium high heat till shimmery (but not smoking). Add onion and garlic and cook till soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add stock, root beer, vinegar, corn syrup, molasses, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, and 1/4 teaspoons liquid smoke. Stir with a whisk till well combined.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer till mixture has thickened and reduced to about 4 cups, about an hour. Remove from heat and stir in remaining liquid smoke.
  • Sauce will keep about a week in the refrigerator, or up to four months if frozen.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 485.6, Fat 2.6, SaturatedFat 0.4, Sodium 841, Carbohydrate 119.5, Fiber 2, Sugar 64.1, Protein 2.4

KANSAS CITY-STYLE BARBECUE SAUCE



Kansas City-Style Barbecue Sauce image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 30m

Yield about 1 quart

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup coarsely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons molasses
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt
2 teaspoons liquid smoke

Steps:

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is golden, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, 1 cup water, the vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, mustard, garlic powder and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the onion is tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in the liquid smoke. Strain the sauce, pressing on the solids to extract any liquid.
  • Photograph by Andrew Purcell

KANSAS CITY BARBECUE SAUCE



Kansas City Barbecue Sauce image

Martha's take on this classic BBQ sauce has a lengthy ingredient list including apple cider vinegar, molasses, and ketchup. Each element adds to the sweetness and complexity of the sauce. And it's quick to make; a few minutes on the stovetop, then it's blended and ready to be used for your favorite ribs.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Holiday Planning & Ideas     Fourth of July     Fourth of July Recipes

Yield Makes 1 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 small onion, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/3 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
Juice of 1 lemon

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Add ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire, mustard, cayenne, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thick, about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Sauce can be cooled completely and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

KANSAS CITY STYLE BARBECUE SAUCE



Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce image

Make and share this Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce recipe from Food.com.

Provided by breezermom

Categories     Sauces

Time 25m

Yield 6 cups

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 cups ketchup
2 cups tomato sauce
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 1/4 cups red wine vinegar
1/2 cup molasses
4 teaspoons hickory-flavored liquid smoke
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons celery salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon black pepper, coarsely ground

Steps:

  • Place all ingredients in a large saucepan over medium heat until bubbly and mix well.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for up to 20 minutes. For a thicker sauce, simmer longer; for a thinner sauce, less time is needed. Sauce can also be thinned by using a bit of water.
  • Brush sauce onto any kind of meat during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  • Store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 400.9, Fat 4.4, SaturatedFat 2.5, Cholesterol 10.2, Sodium 1382.7, Carbohydrate 91.6, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 81.8, Protein 2.8

KANSAS CITY BARBECUE SAUCE



Kansas City Barbecue Sauce image

Liquid smoke flavoring gives this sauce the flavor of authentic pit barbecue. Use this sauce for beef, pork or chicken. Can be used for beef, pork, or chicken.

Provided by Fred Alam

Categories     Other Sauces

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 c vegetable oil
1 onion finely choped
1/2 green bell pepper
2 tsp garlic minced
2 c catsup
1/2 c molasses
2 tsp hot sauce
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 c prepared yellow mustard
1 c dark brown sugar packed
4 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp liquid smoke flavoring
1/4 c lemon juice

Steps:

  • 1. Place oil in a large non-aluminum saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Lightly saute until translucent.
  • 2. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for about 10 or 15 minutes.

KANSAS CITY BARBECUE



Kansas City Barbecue image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 5h15m

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups sugar
1/4 cup paprika
2 teaspoons chili seasoning
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup salt
2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 rack Baby Back Ribs
Barbecue Rub
Apple juice in a spritzer
2 cups BBQ sauce, your favorite

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in shaker and use as "rub" on the following meats.
  • Peel membrane off the back of each slab. Then rinse the slab off to get rid of bone dust. Dry with cotton towel. Take shaker of "rub" and lightly coat both sides of meat.
  • Preparing smoker: Put charcoal in chimney with paper underneath and light. (Do not use charcoal lighter-it will taint the flavor of the meat.) Let coals get hot, about 30 minutes. Transfer coals into smoker, and add 1 hickory log per hour on top of charcoal if smoker is big. (Adjust if using small smoker.) Wait until temperature of smoker reaches 220 degrees. Leave damper open so you don't trap stale smoke in chamber. Over course of cooking, maintain heat with additional coal and wood, as needed. After placing ribs inside smoker, spritz with apple juice once an hour. After about 3 hours, when meat is nice dark color, spritz one last time and wrap in foil. Let ribs cook in foil for another 2 hours, giving you a total cook time of 5 hours. You can feel when the ribs are tender rather than rubbery (they bend rather than bounce back). Unwrap them (carefully), lift them out of juice and place on cutting board, brush on room temperature BBQ Sauce. Slice into individual ribs and serve.

Tips:

  • Choose the right cut of meat: Brisket, burnt ends, ribs, and pork shoulder are all popular choices for Kansas City barbecue. Look for meat that is well-marbled and has a good amount of fat.
  • Use a good quality smoker: A smoker is essential for achieving that smoky flavor that is characteristic of Kansas City barbecue. If you don't have a smoker, you can also use a grill with a smoker box.
  • Season the meat well: Kansas City barbecue is known for its bold flavors. Use a generous amount of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to season the meat.
  • Cook the meat low and slow: Kansas City barbecue is cooked low and slow over a period of several hours. This allows the meat to become tender and flavorful.
  • Use a good quality barbecue sauce: Kansas City barbecue sauce is typically made with a combination of ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. Choose a sauce that is thick and flavorful.

Conclusion:

Kansas City barbecue is a delicious and flavorful style of barbecue that is enjoyed by people all over the world. By following these tips, you can make Kansas City barbecue in your own backyard. So fire up the smoker and get started!

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