The Spicy Pickled Sausage TikTok Trend, Explained
According to the BBC, some people can't get enough of spicy foods due to the release of endorphins (the body's feel-good chemicals) that occurs when eating them. That could explain why spicy pickled sausage bowls are having such an impact on TikTok foodies. While one content creator named Jamaica is strongly linked to the spicy bowl trend, the preparation has been compelling the tastebuds of Floridians for some time, as reported by the Daily Dot. A key aspect of the dish is spicy pickled sausages, which are a beloved snack that can be found in supermarkets, gas stations, and convenience stores, and are particularly popular in Southern States.
The key ingredient to the preparation is smoked sausages, which are fully cooked before being placed in brining solutions. In addition to vinegar, pickling solutions usually consist of ingredients like garlic, herbs, red peppers, and various seasonings according to taste preferences. The result is a hot and tangy treat that can be enjoyed on its own right out of the package. However, denizens of TikTok, including a world-famous musical artist, are showing that spicy pickled sausages can be used to build a high-intensity dish.
At home with Cardi B and her spicy sausage bowl
While best known for her no-nonsense attitude and impressive musical output, Cardi B also shows that she's a force to be reckoned with in the kitchen. In a recent TikTok video, the star is shown preparing a spicy bowl for her husband, fellow musical artist Offset. The main components of the dish are two Big Mama pickled sausages, which were conveniently sourced from a local 7-Eleven. After chopping the sausages into bite-sized pieces and placing them into a plastic container, Cardi B includes additional ingredients like hot sauce, pickles (plus juice), pickled jalapenos (plus more juice), pepperoncini (plus even more juice), banana peppers (you know the juice drill), hard-boiled eggs, and assorted seasonings to taste.
@iamcardib Soooo i did the viral spicybowl for my baby 🌶️HOPE YALL TRY IT!!
After Cardi B shakes the ingredients in the container to ensure everything is well-mixed and coated with spiciness, Mr. Cardi B (aka Offset) samples the dish and declares it good, adding that it might make a fine addition to soup. As for the couple's young daughter Kulture, the spiciness proves to be a touch intense. Of course, a love of all things spicy usually develops over time. Soon enough, Kulture may be just like the many TikTok creators who've put their own spin on the spicy bowl recipe.
Fun variations on the spicy bowl trend
When it comes to fine culinary traditions, the seafood boil is an iconic delicacy. While there are as many variations as there are chefs preparing these seafood feasts, common ingredients include crab, shrimp, lobster, and other types of seafood, as well as veggies like corn and potatoes. Sausage is another common ingredient in seafood boils, so it stands to reason that this culinary tradition and spicy bowls would eventually come together on TikTok.
@kandiedwkt LOVEEEEEE ME A GOOD SPICY BOWL ❄️. #kandiedwkt #hotbowl #spicybowls #spicybowl #goodeats #goodfood #indyeats #indyeatslocal #seafoodboil #yummyfood
As far as what to serve with your spicy bowl, one TikTok creator ingeniously paired their creation with a bag of Ruffles cheddar and sour cream potato chips. Much of the recipe is an exact match for the one presented in Cardi B's video, even down to the Big Mama pickled sausage. And while the end result is indeed "spicy and good," according to the chef, they also declare that "it's not an everyday snack." Which is a sentiment shared by the audience, with a commenter stating, "I can feel my heart on fire."