Illinois Has Its Own Style of Sauce – Should it Stay in Chicago?

There are many types of sauces known for areas of the country that they were developed in. Buffalo sauce for chicken wings = Buffalo, NY. Missouri is known for its barbeque sauce. Areas of the southwest all seem to have their own hot sauce styles. In Illinois we’re all about that “Mild Sauce”?

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Growing up in southern Illinois the sauce influence was much more Missouri barbeque than Illinois mild. But could Illinois mild be more versatile?

Illinois mild sauce is a Chicago creation that pairs well with chicken, fish and fried shrimp. A combination of barbecue sauce, ketchup and hot sauce, many Chicago restaurants have their own versions of Illinois mild sauce. Yes, you can purchase some in stores.

A quick check online shows that you can find Harold’s Mild Sauce at amazon and Walmart if you aren’t in the Chicagoland area. There are many other versions of Mild sauce usually labeled “Chicago Style Mild”, some others are just called “Chicago Sauce” specifically for hot dogs….(???) JJFish has a Chicago Mild Sauce. Tip32 is another.

Seems proper to start with Harold’s Mild Sauce as it seems more widely available. But as with all things culinary, concoct your own version building off the three pillars of ketchup, BBQ and hot sauce. Could the whole state embrace mild sauce? Or, should it remain a Chicago only thing?