Savory New York Street Vendor Onion Sauce
Elevate your hot dog game with this savory New York-style onion sauce. Inspired by the beloved street vendor fare of New York City, this sauce showcases caramelized onions simmered with a blend of tangy ketchup and warm spices. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and a touch of heat, it's the ideal topping for any frankfurter or sausage. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this quintessential condiment will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Manhattan with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (none)
yellow onion
1 large (sliced into 1/4-inch thick rings)
ketchup
2 1/2 tablespoons (none)
light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon (none)
chili powder
1/8 teaspoon (none)
red hot pepper sauce
1 dash (e.g. Tabasco)
ground cinnamon
1 pinch (none)
water
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the sliced yellow onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until they start to turn golden brown and become tender.
3
Stir in the ketchup, light brown sugar, chili powder, red hot pepper sauce, and ground cinnamon; mix everything together thoroughly to coat the onions.
4
Pour in 1/2 cup of water, raise the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the onions are completely tender and the sauce has thickened, with most of the liquid evaporated.
6
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving over hot dogs or storing in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory New York Street Vendor Onion Sauce?
It is a classic New York-style condiment made with caramelized onions simmered in a tangy blend of ketchup and warm spices, typically found at street vendor carts in Manhattan.
What are the primary flavors of this onion sauce?
The sauce features a savory profile with a balance of tanginess from ketchup, a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, and a touch of warmth from cinnamon and chili powder.
What type of onions are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for one large yellow onion for its balanced sweetness and flavor when caramelized.
How should the onions be prepared?
The yellow onion should be sliced into 1/4-inch thick rings before cooking.
How much oil is needed for the onions?
You will need 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to sauté the onions.
How long should I cook the onions initially?
Cook the onions over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and become tender.
What kind of ketchup should I use?
Standard tomato ketchup works best; you will need 2 1/2 tablespoons for this recipe.
Is there sugar in the New York street vendor onion sauce?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of light brown sugar to enhance the caramelized sweetness.
What spices give the sauce its signature warmth?
A combination of 1/8 teaspoon of chili powder and a pinch of ground cinnamon provides the sauce's characteristic warm spice profile.
How much hot sauce should I add?
The recipe calls for one dash of red hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco, for a subtle touch of heat.
How much water is added during the simmering process?
You should pour in 1/2 cup of water after stirring in the spices and ketchup.
What is the total simmering time?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, you should let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
Do I need to cover the pan while the sauce simmers?
No, the sauce should be simmered uncovered to allow the liquid to evaporate and the sauce to thicken.
How do I know when the sauce is finished?
The sauce is ready when the onions are completely tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, leaving a thick sauce.
Should the sauce be served immediately?
It is recommended to let the sauce cool slightly after removing it from the heat before serving.
What are the best foods to top with this onion sauce?
It is the ideal topping for hot dogs, frankfurters, or various types of sausages.
How should leftovers be stored?
The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator if you are not using it immediately.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple simmering techniques.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients including the water and oil.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil?
While vegetable oil is standard, you could use other neutral oils like canola or light olive oil for similar results.
What if I don't have light brown sugar?
You can substitute dark brown sugar or a small amount of granulated sugar, though light brown sugar offers the intended molasses balance.
Is the sauce very spicy?
No, the dash of hot sauce and small amount of chili powder provide a very mild heat that is well-balanced by the sugar and ketchup.
Why is cinnamon used in a savory onion sauce?
Cinnamon is a classic ingredient in New York vendor-style sauces that provides a unique aromatic depth and 'warmth' without making it taste like a dessert.
Can I use red onions instead?
While you can, yellow onions are preferred for this specific style because they have a higher sugar content which aids in traditional caramelization.
What temperature should the stove be set to for the onions?
Medium heat is recommended to ensure the onions turn golden brown without burning.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is based on one large onion, which typically provides enough topping for 4 to 6 hot dogs depending on the portion size.
Does the sauce contain any cholesterol?
Based on the vegetable-based ingredients, this sauce is naturally cholesterol-free.
Is this sauce vegan?
Yes, all the listed ingredients (oil, onion, ketchup, sugar, spices, water) are typically vegan-friendly.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld; simply reheat gently or serve at room temperature.
What makes this 'New York-Style'?
The specific combination of ketchup, cinnamon, and simmered onions replicates the iconic red onion sauce found at NYC sidewalk hot dog carts.