New York Style Sweet Onion Red Sauce
Elevate your hot dog experience with our New York Style Sweet Onion Red Sauce. This deliciously sweet and tangy topping is made from tender caramelized onions, zesty garlic, and a hint of spice, meticulously simmered in a rich blend of ketchup and vinegar. Perfectly balanced, this sauce transforms an ordinary hot dog into a mouthwatering treat worthy of any street corner in New York City. Serve on grilled hot dogs nestled in steamed buns for a classic and indulgent meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet onions
3 large (peeled and sliced or diced)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Ketchup
1/3 cup (none)
Cayenne
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (crushed (optional, adjust for heat))
Paprika
1 tablespoon (can use smoked or sweet paprika)
Vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2
Add the sliced or diced onions to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become tender and translucent, about 10 minutes.
3
Stir in the ketchup, cayenne pepper (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), and paprika. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
4
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
Add the vinegar and continue to simmer for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
6
Season with salt to taste. Adjust other seasonings as necessary before serving.
7
Serve hot over grilled hot dogs in steamed buns for a classic New York-style treat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New York Style Sweet Onion Red Sauce?
It is a sweet and tangy hot dog topping made from caramelized onions, garlic, ketchup, and spices, inspired by New York City street food.
What type of onions are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 large sweet onions for the best flavor profile.
Is this sauce spicy?
It has a hint of spice from cayenne and red pepper flakes, but these are optional and can be adjusted to your preference.
How long does it take to cook the onions?
The onions should be sautéed for about 10 minutes until they are tender and translucent before adding other ingredients.
Can I use something other than sweet onions?
While sweet onions are traditional, you can use yellow or white onions, though the final sauce may be less naturally sweet.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of vinegar; white vinegar or apple cider vinegar are common choices for this style of sauce.
How long should the sauce simmer in total?
The sauce simmers for about 15 minutes to meld flavors, plus an additional 30 to 45 minutes after adding vinegar to thicken.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the ingredients—onions, olive oil, garlic, ketchup, spices, and vinegar—are naturally vegan-friendly.
How do I serve this sauce?
It is best served hot over grilled hot dogs in steamed buns for a classic New York experience.
Can I use smoked paprika?
Yes, the recipe allows for either sweet or smoked paprika depending on your flavor preference.
How much ketchup is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of ketchup to provide the base for the red sauce.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors often improve if made in advance and reheated before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can I freeze New York Style Sweet Onion Red Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
Continue to simmer the sauce on low heat without a lid until it reaches your desired thickness.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
You can stir in a small amount of water or extra vinegar to thin it out to your liking.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No refined sugar is added; the sweetness comes naturally from the sweet onions and the ketchup.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but always check the label on your ketchup to ensure it is certified gluten-free.
Can I use this on foods other than hot dogs?
Yes, it works great on burgers, grilled sausages, or even as a topping for sandwiches.
What oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Do I need to peel the onions?
Yes, the onions should be peeled and then either sliced or diced before cooking.
How much paprika is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of paprika.
Can I omit the red pepper flakes?
Yes, the red pepper flakes are optional and can be skipped if you prefer no heat.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is heating olive oil in a large skillet and sautéing minced garlic for about one minute.
Does the sauce need salt?
Yes, you should season with salt to taste at the end of the cooking process.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
It should be a thick, chunky sauce with tender, jam-like onions.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
Is this the same as 'pushcart' onion sauce?
Yes, this is a homemade version of the famous red onion sauce found at New York City hot dog carts.
How many onions should I buy?
You should buy at least 3 large sweet onions to follow the proportions of this recipe.