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Savory Burnt Ends Kansas City Style Easy BBQ Recipe for Parties

Kansas City style burnt ends - featured image
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These Kansas City style burnt ends are smoky, caramelized beef cubes coated in a sticky-sweet homemade BBQ sauce. Perfect for parties, these crispy, saucy bites are a crowd-pleasing comfort food that brings classic BBQ flavor to your backyard.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 3 lbs brisket point (fattier, more flavorful cut; brisket flat or chuck roast can be substituted)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard
  • 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
  • Sliced pickles or onions (optional for serving)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the brisket point, leaving about 1/4 inch for flavor. Cut into 2-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), ground mustard, and chili powder (if using). Toss brisket cubes in the rub until evenly coated.
  3. Preheat smoker or grill to 250°F. Place brisket cubes on a wire rack or directly on grill grates over indirect heat. Smoke for 2 hours, flipping once halfway, until bark is deep mahogany and cubes feel slightly firm.
  4. While brisket smokes, combine ketchup, dark brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, liquid smoke (if using), and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring often, until sauce thickens.
  5. Transfer smoked brisket cubes to a foil pan or baking sheet. Pour BBQ sauce over cubes and toss gently to coat. Return to smoker or oven, uncovered, at 275°F for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce is sticky and edges are crispy.
  6. Let burnt ends rest for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with pickles or onions if desired.

Notes

For best results, use brisket point with good marbling. If brisket cubes dry out, cover pan loosely with foil. For extra bark, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. Use a meat thermometer to check for 190-200°F internal temp. Prep rub and sauce ahead for easier party prep. Store leftovers in fridge up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: burnt ends, Kansas City BBQ, brisket, party food, smoked beef, barbecue, easy BBQ recipe, comfort food, crowd pleaser, homemade BBQ sauce

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/savory-burnt-ends-kansas-city-style-easy-bbq-recipe-for-parties/