Hot link (sausage) facts for kids
A hot link is a type of sausage. It is sometimes called a "red link." This tasty sausage is often found in the cuisine of the Southern United States. You might see it as part of American barbecue meals. It's also popular in soul food, Cajun, and Louisiana Creole cooking. Sometimes, people call it a "Louisiana hot link." You can also find it in Texan cuisine and the food scene of Chicago, Illinois. Hot links are usually made from pork, beef, or a mix of both meats. They can also be an ingredient in other dishes, like jambalaya and gumbo. Many companies in the United States make hot link sausages in large amounts.
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How Hot Links Are Made
Hot links are usually made with pork, beef, or a combination of both. These meats are the main ingredients. To make them spicy, red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper are often added. Other spices can also be used. These might include thyme, paprika, crushed bay leaves, and onion flakes. Sometimes, hot link sausages are smoked to give them a special flavor.
Hot Links Across the USA
Hot links are enjoyed in different ways across the United States. Each region has its own special touch.
Hot Links in Louisiana
In Southern Louisiana, where Cajun cuisine and Creole cuisine are very popular, hot link sausages on a bun are eaten more often than hot dogs. Hot links first came from New Orleans. There, they are called "hot sausage" in English. Their French name is "chaurice." This name comes from the chorizo sausage, which was brought to Louisiana by Spanish settlers long ago.
Hot Links in Texas
In Texas, hot links are typically made with beef. They are usually cooked over indirect heat, which means the heat source is not directly under the sausage. Common foods served with Texas hot links include sliced white bread, crackers, orange cheese, onion slices, and pickles. In Pittsburg, Texas, the hot link is a very popular food. It has been made there since 1897. In Pittsburg, hot links are often broiled or baked until they have a "half-burned look." In 1983, a company called Pittsburg Hot Link Packers, Inc. was making 12,000 pounds of hot links every week! Almost all of these hot links were eaten within 100 miles of Pittsburg at that time.
Hot Links in Illinois
In Chicago, Illinois, hot links are usually made with pork. They might be spiced with pepper, fennel, and sage. Often, they are covered with a tasty barbecue sauce. You can commonly find them at soul food barbecue restaurants on the city’s South Side. They are often served with French fries and white bread. Sometimes, they are slow-cooked in a barbecue pit.
