Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Love the zesty-sweet kick of Subway’s iconic sweet onion sauce? You’re not alone! This homemade sweet onion sauce recipe lets you recreate that flavorful magic in your own kitchen—no preservatives, just bold, tangy-sweet perfection. Whether you’re dressing up a sandwich, salad, or grilled meats, this sauce delivers serious flavor.

Ingredients List

1/2 cup white or yellow onion, finely minced
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp xanthan gum or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Simmer the base

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, minced onion, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 2: Reduce and thicken

Simmer for about 8–10 minutes until the onions are soft and the mixture reduces slightly. If using xanthan gum or cornstarch, whisk it in now to reach desired thickness.

Step 3: Blend for smoothness

For a silky texture, blend the sauce in a blender or use an immersion blender until smooth. Let cool before using.

Nutritional Information (Per 2 Tbsp Serving)

Calories: 35 kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g

Healthier Alternatives

Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version
Reduce sugar content and add a pinch of stevia for a low-sugar variant

Serving Suggestions

Drizzle on grilled chicken or shrimp
Use as a salad dressing or sandwich spread
Try as a glaze for roasted veggies

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the onions: Makes sauce bitter
Skipping the blending: Results in a gritty texture
Adding too much thickener: Can turn sauce gummy

Storing Tips

Fridge: Store in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks
Freezer: Freeze in ice cube trays for single-serve use up to 3 months

Conclusion

This homemade sweet onion sauce recipe is quick, customizable, and packed with craveable flavor. You’ll never look at bottled dressings the same way again!

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