Chicago Mild Sauce
Many iconic restaurants in Chicago serve Mild Sauce with their fried chicken or wings. These include well-known spots like Harold's Chicken Shack, The Original Soul Vegetarian, and Lennox Chicken, where Mild Sauce is a must-have for local diners. It is often paired with fried chicken or wings, making it a go-to condiment for Chicagoans.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1/4 cup Water or Stock
Special Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon Mustard or Lemon Juice
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper adjust for spice level
Instructions
- Combine the Base Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, and a little water or chicken stock. Stir well to combine.
- Add Seasonings: Add garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar to the mixture. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Incorporate the Special Spices: Add paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir again until the spices are evenly distributed.
- Simmer and Adjust Consistency: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of water or stock until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or heat level by adding more sugar, vinegar, or cayenne pepper, depending on your preference.
- Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Optionally, add a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of mustard to bring a bit more acidity and flavor balance.
- Cool and Store: Let the sauce cool before using. It will thicken slightly as it cools. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
- Adjust the water/stock: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a little more liquid until you reach the perfect pourable consistency.
- Simmer for flavor depth: Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor.
- Strain if desired: For a smoother sauce, you can strain it after simmering to remove any unwanted solids.