Kansas City BBQ

Kansas City–Style Brisket Burnt Ends

Kansas City barbecue is known for smoky meats coated in a thick, sweet, tomato-based sauce. Burnt ends are one of the city’s signature dishes.

Ingredients

  • 4–5 pound brisket point
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • Hickory, oak or pecan smoking wood

Dry Rub

  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Kansas City BBQ Sauce

  • 1½ cups ketchup
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Finishing

  • ½ cup Kansas City BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons beef broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the brisket:
    Trim the hard fat and silver skin from the brisket point, leaving about ¼ inch of surface fat.
  2. Season:
    Lightly coat the meat with mustard. Combine the dry-rub ingredients and generously season every side.
  3. Preheat the smoker:
    Heat the smoker to 250°F. Add hickory, oak or pecan wood.
  4. Smoke:
    Place the brisket point in the smoker. Cook until it develops a dark crust and reaches approximately 165–175°F internally, usually 5–7 hours.
  5. Wrap:
    Wrap the brisket tightly in butcher paper or foil. Continue smoking until it reaches 195–203°F and feels tender when tested with a probe.
  6. Rest:
    Remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest, wrapped, for approximately 30 minutes.
  7. Cut into cubes:
    Cut the brisket into 1- to 1½-inch cubes and place them in a foil pan.
  8. Add the glaze:
    Add ½ cup BBQ sauce, brown sugar, butter and beef broth. Gently toss until the cubes are evenly coated.
  9. Finish smoking:
    Return the uncovered pan to the smoker for 45–60 minutes, stirring once. The burnt ends are ready when the sauce becomes thick and sticky and the edges are caramelized.

Kansas City BBQ Sauce Instructions

Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy.