Kansas City burnt ends

Burnt ends are pieces cut from the tip of a smoked beef brisket, with a browned outer surface and a juicy interior. They are closely associated with Kansas City barbecue. Visit KC describes their place in the city’s food through Arthur Bryant’s practice of handing out brisket pieces to customers waiting in line.^[1]

Kansas City barbecue often uses a thick sauce combining sweet and spicy flavours, commonly with molasses. Burnt ends can be served with sauce, although the city’s tourism authority notes that serving styles vary between pitmasters. Smoking equipment, wood and cooking temperatures also differ.^[1]