Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe is a beloved, rich, and smoky sauce that’s a staple for anyone who enjoys bold barbecue flavors.
One of the most iconic BBQ sauces to ever grace the grilling world is the legendary Gates BBQ Sauce from Kansas City.
Known for its perfect balance of tang, sweetness, and a hint of smokiness, this sauce has been a fan favorite for decades.
As someone who enjoys creating homemade versions of classic recipes, I decided to try my hand at crafting the perfect Gates BBQ Sauce at home.
This Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe brings the bold flavors of the original to your kitchen, with an easy step-by-step guide to making your own batch of sauce that will elevate any BBQ dish.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about creating your own homemade Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll never want store-bought sauce again!
Let’s dive into the Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe and get your BBQ game to the next level.
How To Prepare Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Course: Sauce, Condiment
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American (Barbecue)
- Calories: Approximately 50-60 calories per 2-tablespoon serving
- Yield: About 1 ½ cups (12-14 servings)
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Small saucepan or pot
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- Bowl (optional for mixing dry spices before adding)
- Stove or cooktop
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup (preferably a high-quality brand)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons ground red pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)
- 2 tablespoons celery seed
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Gather all the ingredients and measure them out. This includes the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, liquid smoke, ground red pepper, cayenne pepper, celery seed, ground cumin, and chili powder.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a small saucepan, add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, liquid smoke, ground red pepper, cayenne pepper, celery seed, ground cumin, and chili powder.
3. Heat the Mixture:
Place the saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Stir the mixture well to ensure the ingredients are fully combined.
4. Simmer:
Once the sauce comes to a simmer, reduce the heat and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan or burning.
5. Adjust Seasonings:
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more cayenne pepper for heat or brown sugar for sweetness, depending on your preference.
6. Cool and Store:
Once the sauce has thickened and developed a deep flavor, remove it from the heat. Let it cool to room temperature before using. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
How To Use Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe
1. BBQ Ribs or Chicken
Slather Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe over pork ribs or chicken pieces during the last few minutes of grilling or baking. The sauce will caramelize, creating a sweet, smoky glaze that enhances the flavor of your meat.
2. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Use Gates BBQ Sauce to flavor pulled pork. After shredding the pork, toss it in a generous amount of the sauce and serve on soft buns with coleslaw for a classic BBQ sandwich.
3. Grilled Vegetables
Brush Gates BBQ Sauce onto vegetables like corn on the cob, bell peppers, or mushrooms before grilling. The sauce adds a savory, smoky kick that complements the natural sweetness of the veggies.
4. BBQ Meatballs
Make meatballs using ground beef or turkey, and cook them in a skillet or oven. After cooking, toss the meatballs in Gates BBQ Sauce for a flavorful glaze, perfect for serving as appetizers or with mashed potatoes.
5. BBQ Pizza
Use Gates BBQ Sauce as a base sauce for a BBQ pizza. Spread it over pizza dough and top with grilled chicken, red onions, mozzarella cheese, and cilantro for a delicious, smoky twist on traditional pizza.
Health Benefits
1. Rich in Antioxidants: Ingredients like ketchup and apple cider vinegar contain antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals and reduce inflammation.
2. Digestive Aid: Apple cider vinegar is known for supporting digestion by balancing stomach acid and improving gut health.
3. Boosts Immunity: The garlic powder and lemon juice in Gates BBQ Sauce can help strengthen the immune system with their antibacterial and vitamin C properties.
4. Anti-Inflammatory: Spices like cayenne pepper and cumin have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce swelling and improve overall health.
5. Low in Calories: Gates BBQ Sauce is relatively low in calories, making it a flavorful option for adding taste without significantly increasing your calorie intake.
Substitutions
- Ketchup – Use tomato paste with a little water and sugar.
- Apple cider vinegar – Substitute with white vinegar or lemon juice.
- Brown sugar – Use honey or maple syrup.
- Liquid smoke – Replace with smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor.
- Cayenne pepper – Swap with paprika or chili flakes for less heat.
How To Store Leftovers
To store leftover Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or jar.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
When ready to use, simply thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before serving. Proper storage helps maintain its fresh flavor and ensures it stays safe for future use.
FAQs About Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe
Can I adjust the sweetness of the Gates BBQ Sauce?
Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter BBQ sauce, feel free to add more brown sugar or honey to the recipe. You can also experiment with different sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar for a unique flavor twist.
How long can I store Gates BBQ Sauce?
Once prepared, you can store the BBQ sauce in an airtight container or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The sauce may thicken as it cools, so if needed, you can add a bit of water to thin it out before using.
Can I make this sauce spicier?
Yes! To add more heat to your Gates BBQ Sauce, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce. Adjusting the spice level is easy and can be tailored to your taste.
Can I use this BBQ sauce on vegetables?
Definitely! Gates BBQ Sauce works wonderfully as a glaze for grilled vegetables such as corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can brush it on veggies while grilling or use it as a dipping sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure that the Worcestershire sauce you use is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. There are many gluten-free versions available in stores.
Conclusion
Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe is a Kansas City staple known for its bold, rich flavor and smooth, tangy finish.
This iconic sauce delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness, making it a beloved choice for BBQ enthusiasts.
Whether slathered on ribs, chicken, or burgers, Gates BBQ Sauce enhances every dish, adding a mouthwatering depth of flavor that keeps people coming back for more.
With its signature taste, it has become a go-to choice for anyone looking to elevate their barbecue experience with that classic Kansas City BBQ touch.
Other Popular BBQ Sauce Recipes
Salt Lick BBQ Sauce Recipe Near Me
Easy Open Pit BBQ Sauce Recipe
Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce Recipe
James River BBQ Sauce Recipe [Mid-Atlantic]
Quick & Easy BBQ Hamburger Sauce Recipe
Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Small saucepan or pot
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- Bowl (optional for mixing dry spices before adding)
- Stove or cooktop
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup preferably a high-quality brand
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons ground red pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste for heat
- 2 tablespoons celery seed
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Gather all the ingredients and measure them out. This includes the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, liquid smoke, ground red pepper, cayenne pepper, celery seed, ground cumin, and chili powder.
Combine Ingredients:
- In a small saucepan, add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, liquid smoke, ground red pepper, cayenne pepper, celery seed, ground cumin, and chili powder.
Heat the Mixture:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Stir the mixture well to ensure the ingredients are fully combined.
Simmer:
- Once the sauce comes to a simmer, reduce the heat and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan or burning.
Adjust Seasonings:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more cayenne pepper for heat or brown sugar for sweetness, depending on your preference.
Cool and Store:
- Once the sauce has thickened and developed a deep flavor, remove it from the heat. Let it cool to room temperature before using. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.