Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe is a classic Kansas City-style barbecue sauce known for its bold and tangy flavour. This Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe produces a large, delicious batch that enhances the taste of grilled and smoked meats.
Inspiration came from discovering the original Gates Bar-B-Q restaurant and wanting to recreate the authentic sauce at home.
The process involves carefully blending spices, ketchup, vinegar, and liquid smoke. Now, a clear, step by step guide will be shared to make this Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe.
Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe
Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe is a well known Kansas City-style sauce celebrated for its strong, tangy, and spicy taste.
The sauce’s speciality comes from mixing spices such as cumin, celery seed, and chilli powder with ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke.
This blend results in a smoky, sweet, and flavourful sauce that pairs wonderfully with grilled or smoked meats.
The balance of heat and tang gives Gates BBQ Sauce its distinctive and memorable character.
How To Prepare Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: American (Kansas City Style BBQ)
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: About 10 cups
Main Kitchen Utensils
- Large saucepan or stockpot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Airtight jars or containers for storage
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons celery seed
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons ground red pepper
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 quarts ketchup (64 oz)
- 1 tablespoon chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup salt
- ¼ cup water
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons liquid smoke
Instructions
1. Mix The Dry Stuff First:
Grab a large saucepan. Toss in the sugar, salt, celery seed, cumin, chilli powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of ground red pepper. Give it a quick stir to combine everything.
2. Add The Liquids:
Now pour in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, water, lemon juice, and a splash of liquid smoke. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Start Heating It Up:
Put the pan on the stove over medium heat. Stir often while it slowly starts to bubble you don’t want anything sticking or burning on the bottom.
4. Let It Cook Down:
Keep it at a low simmer for around 25 to 30 minutes. Stir every now and then. The sauce will start to thicken a bit and the flavors will come together nicely.
5. Optional Step Strain It:
If you prefer a silky smooth sauce, pour it through a fine mesh strainer to catch the bits of spice or seeds.
6. Cool And Store:
Once it’s off the heat, let the sauce cool completely. Pour it into jars or containers with lids, and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about three weeks.
Nutrition Facts Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe
Nutrition | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 40 |
Fat | 0 g |
Sodium | 590 mg |
Carbohydrates | 10 g |
Protein | 0 g |
Incredible Essential Health Benefits
➤ Cumin and chilli powder in the sauce support inflammation reduction and promote overall wellness.
➤ Apple cider vinegar helps improve digestion and supports blood sugar regulation.
➤ Garlic powder provides antioxidants that strengthen the immune system.
➤ Using fresh ingredients in this sauce reduces reliance on processed condiments.
➤ Liquid smoke offers a rich smoky flavour without harmful chemicals found in some smoked foods.
Tips And Variations
➢ Adjust the amount of ground red pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
➢ Substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar for a slightly different tangy flavour.
➢ Add a tablespoon of molasses or brown sugar to increase sweetness and depth.
➢ Use smoked paprika instead of regular chilli powder to enhance the smoky taste.
➢ Incorporate a splash of Worcestershire sauce for added umami and complexity.
Amazing Serving Ideas
1. Brush Gates BBQ Sauce over ribs during grilling for a flavourful glaze.
2. Use as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders or nuggets.
3. Drizzle on pulled pork sandwiches to add tangy, smoky flavour.
4. Mix into baked beans for a rich, spiced twist.
5. Serve alongside grilled vegetables to enhance their taste.

Why We Love This Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe?
The Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe is loved for its rich and bold flavour that perfectly combines tangy, sweet, and spicy notes.
The mix of spices, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke delivers a smoky depth that enhances any barbecue dish.
This Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe creates a unique and satisfying taste that complements grilled or smoked meats beautifully.
Its memorable flavour and well balanced heat make it a standout favourite among barbecue enthusiasts everywhere.
Storage And Shelf Life
Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Properly refrigerated, the Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe can last up to three weeks.
For longer storage, freezing in small portions is an option, preserving flavour for several months. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination.
Before each use, give the Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe a good stir, as some separation may occur. Proper storage helps retain the rich taste and quality of this flavourful Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Spicy Is Gates BBQ Sauce?
Gates BBQ Sauce has a moderate level of heat, balanced with tangy and sweet flavours.
Can This Sauce Be Made Vegan?
Yes, all ingredients used are plant based, making the sauce vegan friendly.
How Long Does The Sauce Need To Simmer?
Simmering for about 25 to 30 minutes helps the flavours blend and the sauce thicken.
Can I Use Regular Vinegar Instead Of Apple Cider Vinegar?
Regular vinegar can be used but may slightly change the tangy flavour.
Is It Necessary To Strain The Sauce?
Straining is optional and helps achieve a smoother texture by removing seeds and spices.
Conclusion
This Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe was easy to prepare and tasted amazing. I hope it inspires you to make it soon because the steps are simple to follow.
Once you try it, you will enjoy the rich flavours and homemade goodness. I’m excited for you to create this delicious Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe yourself.
After you make it, please let me know how tasty it turned out and how much you enjoyed the final result.
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Bold BBQ Sauce || Southern Style

Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Large saucepan or stockpot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Airtight jars or containers for storage
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons celery seed
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons ground red pepper
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 quarts ketchup 64 oz
- 1 tablespoon chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup salt
- ¼ cup water
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons liquid smoke
Instructions
Mix The Dry Stuff First:
- Grab a large saucepan. Toss in the sugar, salt, celery seed, cumin, chilli powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of ground red pepper. Give it a quick stir to combine everything.
Add The Liquids:
- Now pour in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, water, lemon juice, and a splash of liquid smoke. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
Start Heating It Up:
- Put the pan on the stove over medium heat. Stir often while it slowly starts to bubble you don’t want anything sticking or burning on the bottom.
Let It Cook Down:
- Keep it at a low simmer for around 25 to 30 minutes. Stir every now and then. The sauce will start to thicken a bit and the flavors will come together nicely.
Optional Step Strain It:
- If you prefer a silky smooth sauce, pour it through a fine mesh strainer to catch the bits of spice or seeds.
Cool And Store:
- Once it’s off the heat, let the sauce cool completely. Pour it into jars or containers with lids, and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about three weeks.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 40 | Fat: 0 g | Sodium: 590 mg | Carbohydrates: 10 g | Protein: 0 g
“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”