One such condiment that has caught my attention is Uncle Remus Mild Sauce. With its tangy, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy taste, this sauce has become a staple in many Southern kitchens.
I’m excited to share with you my step-by-step instructions for making Uncle Remus Mild Sauce from scratch, along with helpful tips, creative variations, and answers to frequently asked questions.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the delicious world of Uncle Remus Mild Sauce!
How to Make Uncle Remus Mild Sauce (Chicago)
Uncle Remus Mild Sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that is easy to make at home with just a few simple steps.
Its tangy, slightly sweet, and mild spiciness make it a perfect addition to a wide range of dishes
Whether you use it as a dipping sauce, marinade, glaze, or condiment, Uncle Remus Mild Sauce is sure to elevate your culinary creations to the next level.
Uncle Remus Mild Sauce Ingredients and Equipment
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of making Uncle Remus Mild Sauce, let’s gather all the ingredients and equipment we’ll need. You’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 1 cup of ketchup
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (for extra spiciness)
- 1 tablespoon of molasses (for a deeper sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (for a lighter sweetness)
Equipment:
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Uncle Remus Mild Sauce
Now that we have all our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s start making Uncle Remus Mild Sauce with this easy-to-follow step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Combine the Vinegar and Ketchup
In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of ketchup.
Whisk the mixture together until well combined.
Step 2: Add the Brown Sugar and Worcestershire Sauce
Add 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce to the saucepan.
Whisk the mixture again to fully incorporate the ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Hot Sauce and Spices
Stir in 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can also add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper at this point.
Continue whisking until all the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Place the saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat.
Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The sauce should thicken slightly during the simmering process.
Step 5: Adjust the Sweetness and Thickness
After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
If you prefer a deeper sweetness, you can add 1 tablespoon of molasses. For a lighter sweetness, you can add 1 tablespoon of honey.
If the sauce is too thick for your preference, you can add a little water or vinegar to thin it out
Step 6: Cool and Store the Sauce
- Once the sauce has reached your desired taste and consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool in the saucepan.
- Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a clean, airtight container for storage.
- Uncle Remus Mild Sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing the flavors to further develop over time.
Uncle Remus Mild Sauce Variations
One of the things I love about Uncle Remus Mild Sauce is its versatility. You can easily customize the flavors to suit your preferences and create your own unique twist on this classic condiment. Here are some creative variations you can try:
- Honey Mustard Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon of honey for a tangy-sweet twist on the classic recipe. This variation adds a touch of zesty mustard flavor and a hint of natural sweetness from the honey.
- Smoky Chipotle Kick: Stir in 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo for a smoky and spicy kick. This variation adds a smoky depth and a smoldering heat that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and veggies.
- Tangy BBQ Blend: Mix in 1 tablespoon of your favorite barbecue sauce for a tangy and slightly smoky twist. This variation adds a barbecue flavor profile to the sauce, giving it a unique and delicious twist.
- Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Punch: Add 1/4 cup of pineapple juice and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar for a sweet and tangy kick with a tropical twist. This variation adds a burst of fruity sweetness from the pineapple juice, balancing out the tanginess of the sauce.
Chicago Mild Sauce FAQs
I often receive questions from readers about the recipes I share. Here are some frequently asked questions about Uncle Remus Mild Sauce along with their answers:
Is Uncle Remus Mild Sauce really mild?
Yes, Uncle Remus Mild Sauce is indeed mild in terms of spiciness. The hot sauce added to the recipe is just a tablespoon, which gives it a subtle heat that is not overpowering. However, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier sauce.
Can I make Uncle Remus Mild Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make Uncle Remus Mild Sauce ahead of time. In fact, the flavors of the sauce tend to develop and improve over time, so making it a day or two in advance can actually enhance the taste. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before using it.
Can I use a different type of vinegar in the recipe?
While white vinegar is traditionally used in Uncle Remus Mild Sauce, you can also use other types of vinegar such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. However, keep in mind that it may alter the flavor profile of the sauce slightly, so choose a vinegar that complements the other flavors in the recipe.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Absolutely! The sweetness of Uncle Remus Mild Sauce can be adjusted to your liking. The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of brown sugar, but you can increase or decrease the amount depending on your preference. You can also experiment with other sweeteners such as molasses, honey, or maple syrup for different levels of sweetness.
Uncle Remus Mild Sauce in Your Cooking
Dipping Sauce: Uncle Remus Mild Sauce goes well with fried chicken, fries, onion rings, and other snacks. Pour the sauce into a basin for dipping. The sauce’s acidic, somewhat sweet flavors complement the fried items’ crispy textures.
Uncle Remus Mild Sauce marinates meats and veggies. Marinate your protein or vegetables in the sauce for several hours or overnight in the fridge. When cooked, the sauce flavors will infiltrate the components, giving them a tangy, somewhat sweet taste.
Glaze: Grilled chicken, pork, or fish with Uncle Remus Mild Sauce. To make a sticky, delicious glaze, brush the sauce on the meat in the last few minutes. The sauce’s caramelized sugars will coat the meat in a sweet and tangy glaze.
Stir-Fry Sauce: Uncle Remus Mild Sauce boosts stir-fry flavor. To add flavor, stir cooked meats, vegetables, and noodles with a few tablespoons of the sauce in the final minute. The sauce’s acidic, somewhat sweet flavor will enhance the stir-fry.
Use Uncle Remus Mild Sauce on burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and other sandwiches. To add tang and sweetness to sandwiches, drizzle or spread the sauce. It can be sprinkled on grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or salads.
Uncle Remus Mild Sauce makes a good barbecue sauce base. Make your own BBQ sauce by adding ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and spices. For a tasty homemade BBQ sauce for grilling, basting, or dipping, adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness.
Flavor Enhancer: Add Uncle Remus Mild Sauce to soups, stews, chili, and sauces to boost flavor. The sauce’s acidic, sweet flavor enhances the dish’s flavor.
Uncle Remus Mild Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 1 cup of ketchup
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of hot sauce such as Tabasco
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for extra spiciness
- 1 tablespoon of molasses for a deeper sweetness
- 1 tablespoon of honey for a lighter sweetness
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Vinegar and Ketchup
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of ketchup.
- Whisk the mixture together until well combined.
Step 2: Add the Brown Sugar and Worcestershire Sauce
- Add 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce to the saucepan.
- Whisk the mixture again to fully incorporate the ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Hot Sauce and Spices
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can also add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper at this point.
- Continue whisking until all the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
- Place the saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- The sauce should thicken slightly during the simmering process.
Step 5: Adjust the Sweetness and Thickness
- After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- If you prefer a deeper sweetness, you can add 1 tablespoon of molasses. For a lighter sweetness, you can add 1 tablespoon of honey.
- If the sauce is too thick for your preference, you can add a little water or vinegar to thin it out