Prepare The Base: Begin by combining the ketchup, water, and white vinegar in a medium-sized saucepan. Stir these liquid ingredients well to form the base of your sauce.
Add The Spices: Slowly stir in the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and celery seed. Ensure that all the ingredients are well combined and there are no lumps.
Simmer To Perfection: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a slight boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. To keep the sauce from sticking to the pan’s bottom, stir from time to time.
Taste And Adjust: After simmering, taste your BBQ sauce. This is your chance to adjust the seasoning according to your preference. If you like it spicier, feel free to add a bit more cayenne pepper.
Cool And Serve: Remove the sauce from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, your homemade Gates BBQ Sauce is ready to serve alongside your favorite grilled meats and vegetables or as a dipping sauce.