Kansas City–Style Barbecue Sauce

• Recipe by Paul Kirk

Paul Kirk, a native of Kansas City, Kansas, jokes that this sauce reflects the style of his hometown "because I said so." But it also has the characteristic tomato base of Kansas City’s classic sauces, unlike the vinegar-based sauces of the Carolinas.

Ingredients

1. 3 cups ketchup
2. 2/3 cup dark brown sugar
3. 1/2 cup water
4. 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
5. 1/2 cup tomato paste
6. 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
7. 2 tablespoons pure chile powder
8. 1 tablespoon freshly ground pepper
9. 1 teaspoon salt
10. 1 teaspoon granulated onion powder
11. 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
12. 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine all of the ingredients and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 30 minutes, stirring often to prevent scorching.

Make Ahead

The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 month.