Description
Craving that tangy, sweet, and slightly savory onion sauce from Subway? Look no further! This recipe meticulously recreates the iconic flavor profile, allowing you to enjoy that distinctive taste in the comfort of your own home. It’s a versatile condiment that transcends the realm of sandwiches, making it a star player in salad dressings, marinades, and even as a glaze for grilled meats. Prepare to elevate your culinary creations with this surprisingly simple, yet incredibly flavorful sauce.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This homemade sweet onion sauce is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Authentic Flavor: The meticulous combination of ingredients ensures a near-perfect replication of the Subway version, satisfying your cravings without having to leave the house.
- Versatility: It’s not just for subs! Use it as a salad dressing to brighten up your greens, a marinade to tenderize and flavor meats, or a dipping sauce for appetizers. The possibilities are endless.
- Cost-Effective: Making your own sauce is significantly cheaper than buying bottled versions or constantly ordering from Subway.
- Customizable: You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and spice levels to your exact preference.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. It’s a quick project that yields delicious results.
Ingredients:
- Main Ingredients
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 6 Tablespoons White Vinegar
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/2 Tablespoon Onion, freshly grated (yellow or white onion)
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 Teaspoons Dijon Mustard
- 2 Teaspoons Mustard Powder
- Seasonings
- 1 Teaspoon Poppy Seeds
- 1/2 Teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Celery Seed
- 1/4 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Preparation:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients: Accurately measure all ingredients and have them readily available. This will streamline the cooking process and prevent you from scrambling mid-recipe. Make sure your grated onion is finely grated to ensure a smooth sauce texture.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar, water, white vinegar, red wine vinegar, grated onion, cornstarch, Dijon mustard, mustard powder, poppy seeds, sesame oil, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, celery seed, paprika, and black pepper. Ensure the saucepan is large enough to accommodate the sauce as it boils and bubbles.
Step 3: Whisk Thoroughly: Before applying heat, use a whisk to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. This is crucial to prevent lumps from forming when the cornstarch is heated. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved into the water.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly. Constant whisking is essential to prevent the sugar from burning and the cornstarch from clumping. Keep a close watch on the saucepan as the mixture approaches a boil to prevent it from boiling over.
Step 5: Simmer and Thicken: Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, maintaining a gentle simmer. Continue to whisk constantly for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. The sauce will appear thin at first, but it will gradually thicken as the cornstarch activates. Pay attention to the consistency; you want a smooth, slightly thickened sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool completely. As it cools, the sauce will thicken further. Transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or plastic container. Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week. Ensure the container is properly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Sub Sandwiches: The classic choice! Drizzle generously over your favorite sub fillings, such as turkey, ham, or roast beef.
- Salads: Use as a vinaigrette. Combine with a touch of olive oil for a delightful salad dressing. It pairs well with mixed greens, grilled chicken, or vegetables.
- Marinade: Marinate chicken, pork, or tofu in the sauce for a few hours before grilling or baking. The sugar will caramelize beautifully, creating a delicious glaze.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, chicken tenders, or vegetable sticks.
- Burger Topping: Add a unique twist to your burgers by using this sauce as a topping.
- Pizza: Drizzle on top of pizza for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Tacos or Burritos: Add a unique twist to your Mexican dishes by using this sauce as a topping.
- Noodles: Mix with noodles and vegetables for a sweet and savory flavor.
Tips:
- Sugar Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup. You can also experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but be aware that this may slightly alter the flavor profile.
- Vinegar Ratio: Adjust the ratio of white vinegar to red wine vinegar to customize the tanginess of the sauce. More red wine vinegar will result in a more complex, slightly fruity flavor.
- Spice Level: For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Consistency: If the sauce is too thick after cooling, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken further.
- Freshness: The flavor of the sauce is best when it’s freshly made.
- Grated Onion: Using a food processor to grate the onion can release too much moisture, diluting the sauce. Grating by hand is recommended for optimal results.
- Double Batch: Consider making a double batch since this sauce will disappear fast.
- Sesame Oil Alternative: If you don’t have sesame oil, a tiny splash of toasted sesame seeds can add some of that flavor.
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, approximate – will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size)
- Calories: 50
- Protein: <1g
- Sodium: 50mg
Conclusion
This homemade Sweet Onion Sauce recipe is a testament to the fact that you don’t need complex techniques or fancy ingredients to create exceptional flavor. It’s a simple, satisfying recipe that brings the beloved taste of Subway’s iconic sauce right to your kitchen. Its versatility extends beyond sandwiches, making it a valuable addition to your condiment repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and prepare to elevate your meals with this sweet and tangy delight!
Questions and Answers:
- Q: Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
- A: While you can substitute brown sugar, it will alter the flavor profile slightly. Brown sugar has a molasses-like flavor that will add a richer, more caramel-like note to the sauce. If you prefer a more subtle sweetness, stick with granulated white sugar. You might also need to adjust the amount of brown sugar used as it can be more intensely sweet than white sugar. Start with slightly less brown sugar than the recipe calls for and adjust to taste.
- Q: How long will this sauce last in the refrigerator?
- A: This homemade Sweet Onion Sauce will last for up to one week in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. It’s important to ensure the container is properly sealed to prevent contamination and maintain freshness. While it might technically last longer, the flavor and texture may degrade over time, so it’s best to use it within the recommended timeframe.
- Q: Can I freeze this sauce?
- A: Freezing is not recommended. The cornstarch used to thicken the sauce can break down during freezing and thawing, resulting in a grainy or watery texture. While it’s technically safe to eat, the quality and consistency will be significantly compromised. It’s best to make a fresh batch as needed, as the recipe is quick and easy to prepare.
- Q: I don’t have red wine vinegar. Can I substitute it with something else?
- A: Yes, you can substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar. Apple cider vinegar will provide a similar tangy flavor profile. White wine vinegar will offer a slightly milder flavor, while balsamic vinegar will add a hint of sweetness and complexity. If using balsamic vinegar, reduce the amount slightly, as it is more intensely flavored.
- Q: The sauce is too thick after cooling. How can I thin it out?
- A: If your sauce is too thick after cooling, simply add a tablespoon of water at a time, whisking well after each addition, until you reach your desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much water at once, as it can make the sauce too thin. You can also gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat while adding water to help it loosen up.
