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Juneteenth Grilled Sausage Links
Juneteenth Grilled Sausage Links bring together the spirit of freedom and celebration with smoky, savory flavors that honor African American culinary traditions. This recipe combines perfectly grilled halal beef sausages with a tangy homemade chow-chow relish that adds a burst of flavor to every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for celebrating Juneteenth with authentic Southern-inspired flavors that bring people together
- The homemade chow-chow relish adds a unique tangy-sweet element that elevates simple grilled sausages
- Uses halal beef sausages making it inclusive for all guests at your celebration
- Combines traditional preservation techniques with modern grilling for amazing depth of flavor
- Can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for large gatherings and outdoor celebrations
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of these Juneteenth Grilled Sausage Links lies in the contrast between the smoky grilled sausages and the bright, acidic chow-chow relish. The indirect grilling method ensures your sausages cook evenly without burning.
The homemade chow-chow, a traditional Southern relish, brings together green tomatoes, peppers, and cabbage in a tangy brine. This preservation technique dates back generations and adds incredible flavor complexity. The spice blend of mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric creates layers of flavor that complement the rich sausages perfectly.
What You’ll Need for Juneteenth Grilled Sausage Links
Ingredients
For the Chow-Chow Relish:
- 1 large green tomato, chopped (about 12 ounces)
- 1/2 cup chopped Vidalia onion (about 2 1/2 ounces)
- 1/2 medium green bell pepper, chopped (about 2 1/2 ounces)
- 1/2 medium red bell pepper, chopped (about 2 1/2 ounces)
- 1 serrano chile pepper, stemmed and chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 2 cups chopped green cabbage (about 8 ounces)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 3/4 teaspoons yellow mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon whole or ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 3/4 teaspoon yellow mustard powder
- 2 cups white distilled vinegar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
For the Sausages:
- 2 lbs halal beef sausage links
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon butter, melted
- 6 hot dog buns
- Additional toppings of your choice
Tools
- Food processor
- Glass mixing bowl
- Colander
- Medium saucepan
- Small skillet
- Gas or charcoal grill
- Instant-read thermometer
- Grill brush
- Tongs
How to Make Juneteenth Grilled Sausage Links
Creating these celebration-worthy sausages starts with preparing the chow-chow relish ahead of time. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
| Step 1: | Process tomato, onion, bell peppers, serrano, and celery in food processor until finely chopped |
| Step 2: | Add cabbage and salt, pulse 4-5 times until finely chopped. Transfer to glass bowl, cover, refrigerate 4 hours or overnight |
| Step 3: | Strain mixture in colander over bowl, reserving the liquid for later use |
| Step 4: | Toast mustard seeds, celery seeds, allspice, turmeric, and mustard powder in skillet for 2 minutes until fragrant |
| Step 5: | Combine vinegar with 1/2 cup reserved vegetable liquid in saucepan, bring to boil |
| Step 6: | Stir in sugar and toasted spices, cook 3 minutes until slightly reduced |
| Step 7: | Add vegetables, simmer 20 minutes until reduced by one-third. Cool 15 minutes, then refrigerate |
| Step 8: | Set up grill for indirect cooking at medium heat (350°F) |
| Step 9: | Brush sausages with oil, grill over indirect heat 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches 150°F |
| Step 10: | Move sausages to direct heat, sear 1-2 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F |
| Step 11: | Brush buns with butter, toast cut-side down on grill for a few seconds |
| Step 12: | Assemble sausages in buns, top generously with chow-chow relish and serve |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make the chow-chow up to 3 days ahead for deeper flavor development and easier party preparation
- Use a two-zone grilling setup to prevent flare-ups and ensure even cooking of your sausages
- Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to control any flare-ups from dripping fat
- Let sausages rest for 3-5 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices for maximum flavor
- Toast your spices just until fragrant – overtoasting can make them bitter and overpower the relish
Serving and Storage Tips for Juneteenth Grilled Sausage Links
Serving Tips
These sausages shine at outdoor gatherings and Juneteenth celebrations. Set up a topping bar with the chow-chow relish, mustard, and grilled onions. Serve alongside traditional sides like coleslaw or potato salad.
For larger crowds, keep grilled sausages warm in a foil pan on the cooler side of the grill. The chow-chow can be served at room temperature or slightly chilled. Consider offering both regular and whole wheat buns for variety.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Juneteenth Grilled Sausage Links
Don’t skip the overnight salting step for the vegetables – this draws out excess moisture and creates the perfect texture. Avoid grilling sausages over direct high heat immediately, as this causes uneven cooking and burnt exteriors.
Never pierce the sausages while grilling, as this releases flavorful juices. Also, resist the urge to press down on sausages with your spatula. Don’t forget to check internal temperature – undercooked sausages are a food safety risk.
You Must Know
- The chow-chow relish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- Always use halal-certified beef sausages to ensure the recipe remains inclusive for all guests
- The two-zone grilling method is crucial for preventing burnt sausages while ensuring they’re cooked through
- Fresh vegetables are essential for the chow-chow – avoid using canned or frozen substitutes as they won’t provide the right texture
Suggestions for Juneteenth Grilled Sausage Links
Experiment with different halal sausage varieties like spicy beef or lamb merguez for unique flavor profiles. Try these festival-style preparations for inspiration.
Consider serving with sweet potato fries or grilled corn on the cob. For a complete meal, check out these grilled sausage and vegetable combinations. You might also enjoy pairing with refreshing beverages or our light desserts.
Add grilled peppers and onions directly to the sausages for extra flavor. Consider making mini versions using cocktail sausages for appetizers at your Juneteenth celebration.
FAQs:
Yes! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop or broil the sausages in your oven. Cook at medium heat and monitor the internal temperature carefully.
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the chow-chow will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. The flavors actually improve after a few days.
If green tomatoes aren’t available, use firm regular tomatoes or tomatillos. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Yes, cooked sausages can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in foil and store in freezer bags. Reheat on the grill or in the oven.
Try caramelized onions, grilled peppers, spicy mustard, or even a tangy barbecue sauce. The chow-chow pairs well with most traditional sausage toppings.
Conclusion
Juneteenth Grilled Sausage Links represent more than just a delicious meal – they’re a celebration of culture, freedom, and community. The combination of perfectly grilled halal sausages and tangy homemade chow-chow creates a memorable dish that honors tradition while bringing people together.
Whether you’re hosting a large Juneteenth celebration or enjoying a family cookout, this recipe delivers on flavor and meaning. For more inspiring recipes perfect for gatherings, explore our seafood options or traditional favorites. Fire up that grill and create some delicious memories!
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📖 Recipe Card
Juneteenth Grilled Sausage Links with Chow-Chow
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Celebrate freedom with these perfectly grilled halal beef sausages topped with tangy homemade chow-chow relish. A traditional Southern-inspired dish that brings authentic flavors to your Juneteenth celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 large green tomato, chopped (about 12 ounces)
- 1/2 cup chopped Vidalia onion (about 2 1/2 ounces)
- 1/2 medium green bell pepper, chopped (about 2 1/2 ounces)
- 1/2 medium red bell pepper, chopped (about 2 1/2 ounces)
- 1 serrano chile pepper, stemmed and chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 2 cups chopped green cabbage (about 8 ounces)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 3/4 teaspoons yellow mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon whole or ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 3/4 teaspoon yellow mustard powder
- 2 cups white distilled vinegar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 lbs halal beef sausage links
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon butter, melted
- 6 hot dog buns
- Additional toppings of your choice
Instructions
- Process tomato, onion, bell peppers, serrano, and celery in food processor until finely chopped
- Add cabbage and salt, pulse 4-5 times until finely chopped. Transfer to glass bowl, cover, refrigerate 4 hours or overnight
- Strain mixture in colander over bowl, reserving the liquid for later use
- Toast mustard seeds, celery seeds, allspice, turmeric, and mustard powder in skillet for 2 minutes until fragrant
- Combine vinegar with 1/2 cup reserved vegetable liquid in saucepan, bring to boil
- Stir in sugar and toasted spices, cook 3 minutes until slightly reduced
- Add vegetables, simmer 20 minutes until reduced by one-third. Cool 15 minutes, then refrigerate
- Set up grill for indirect cooking at medium heat (350°F)
- Brush sausages with oil, grill over indirect heat 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches 150°F
- Move sausages to direct heat, sear 1-2 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F
- Brush buns with butter, toast cut-side down on grill for a few seconds
- Assemble sausages in buns, top generously with chow-chow relish and serve
Notes
- Make the chow-chow up to 3 days ahead for deeper flavor development
- Use a two-zone grilling setup to prevent flare-ups
- Let sausages rest for 3-5 minutes after grilling
- The chow-chow can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- Always check internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 4 hours chilling)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage with bun and relish
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: grilled sausage recipe, chow-chow relish, halal beef sausages, Southern grilling recipes, Juneteenth celebration food, homemade relish recipe, BBQ sausage links
