15 Reviews of Gates & Son's KC BBQ Sauce

From: Chef #570502

On Sep 17, 2007

I have visited KC for business on many occasions over the past 20 years and appreciate this recipe deeply. There is so much good 'cue in KCMO but you picked one of the best. Of course, this recipe can be used as a guide (someone tried to sound profound in an earlier review about this being the hot and spicey recipe only). But are you not chef enough to make the "original" (less heat ~ more water and sour orange juice - not lemon) and "sweet and sassy" (more sweet and some heat ~ with water, brown sugar, honey and more ground celery seeds) from this simple formula? Kudos for Mysterygirl and I love your rub and bean recipe as well. Someone has no experience in cooking and wants to "check it later" and give four stars as self-identifying as only "hot and spicey" - is truly lost. Great recipe for anyone who truly love KC barbecue and has a brain.

From: CookbookCarrie

On Oct 20, 2004

Yummy, but wow is that a lot of ketchup, had to go buy more TWICE because I cant read labels! I used a bit and froze it in 1/2 cup portions. Thanks!

From: Chef #476546

On Aug 29, 2007

I am a KC girl living in California. Every time I go home I make sure to take a bottle of Gates back to Cali with me. So glad I found this recipe. I made it this weekend and also made the rub for ribs, which turned out great. The sauce turned out amazing! I used a little less sugar and a little more spice in mine (that's the way I like my bbq sauce) and am thrilled that it filled 3 bottles! No need to ask Mom and Dad to mail me my beloved Gates anymore. Thanks so much for posting!!!

From: cooking with love

On Jan 14, 2008

I have never been to Kansas City but I would buy this sauce if I ever get there. It was very good. I liked that it wasn't so sweet as most are. I will be using this one a lot.

From: streezdaddy

On Feb 21, 2008

Awesome! This tastes like the real thing....only better. Every time I serve it with something off the smoker people ask for the recipe.

From: Chef #1254308

On Apr 30, 2009

This is a fabulous recipe that tastes very close to Gates & Sons. Nice spice, but not too much for most people. Right after mixing my taste testers thought it was too ketchupy. It's better the next day as the flavors meld. I used a KC Rib Rub that I found on About.com, marinated the ribs 24 hours, then baked them for an hour at 350 degrees. Finish them on the grill with this sauce. I received rave reviews, even from those who consider themselves rib connoisseurs! Makes a lot, but you'll use a lot, too!

From: Chef grilldude

On Oct 27, 2008

Excellent recipe. I suggest cutting the salt in half and then adding to taste. The amount called for in the recipe makes it a bit too salty. Otherwise, it's a great BBQ sauce that won't disappoint!

From: Chef #217921

On May 24, 2005

Easy to make. A little more sugary than real Gates. I eliminated the sugar and doubled the Cayenne. It turned out less sweet and hotter than Gates extra hot. Still tastes pretty close. I was in KC recently and brought back a bottle of extra hot Gates. I will be comparing. Now if someone can just find Bryant's. I am in Oregon and they know nothing about BBQ. From KC, I have never had better BBQ than Gates and Bryants.

From: Chef #990197

On Dec 4, 2008

Awesome recipe! My husband absolutely LOVES Gate's BBQ sauce and he's very picky. We can't always buy it, so I was very happy to find this recipe. I didn't have access to liquid smoke or celery seeds, but it was still so good.

From: palm715

On Sep 30, 2008

Total winner! I've never made BBQ sauce before, and the recipes on RecipeZaar varied a lot. I chose this recipe because it was easy, and I had all the ingredients on-hand. I'll keep making it because it is darn good! I made half the recipe, which made a lot and used some of it for pulled pork (pork shoulder cooked in the crock pot with about a cup of ginger ale, shredded with the juices drained, then put back in the crock pot with some of this BBQ sauce for about an hour) YUM!