Whip up the most iconic barbecue classic! This Kansas City-style sauce is famous for its incredible thickness, rich dark color, and pronounced sweetness. By perfectly blending ketchup, brown sugar, and molasses, it creates a gorgeous, glossy glaze that clings flawlessly to ribs and pulled pork.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Ketchup (the thick and rich tomato base)
- 1/2 cup Dark brown sugar (firmly packed, for a deep caramelized note)
- 1/4 cup Molasses (delivers a signature dark color and rustic flavor)
- 1/2 cup Apple cider vinegar (provides a sharp acidity to balance the sweetness)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for essential umami depth)
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika (brings that beautiful open-flame aroma)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Mustard powder (helps emulsify the sauce and adds a subtle sharpness)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper (optional, for a very subtle contrast to the sweet base)
Instructions
- In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, thoroughly whisk together the ketchup, dark brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Whisk in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper until fully incorporated.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly so the thick tomato base does not scorch the bottom.
- Once bubbling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. You will notice the texture becoming beautifully thick and glossy, and the color darkening.
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow the sauce to cool completely at room temperature, which will thicken it even further. Pour it into a clean jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
Calories: 76kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.04gSodium: 436mgPotassium: 193mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 230IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg