Description: Recreate the iconic Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion dipping sauce at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. This creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce is the perfect complement to fried onions, crispy vegetables, or as a zesty spread for sandwiches and burgers.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Use a high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture. Light mayonnaise can be used but the richness will be diminished.)
- 2 teaspoons ketchup (Choose a standard ketchup brand. Experiment with different flavors like spicy ketchup for a unique twist.)
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (Use prepared horseradish, not horseradish sauce. Drain any excess liquid from the horseradish before measuring.)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (Regular paprika provides color and a subtle smoky flavor. Smoked paprika can be substituted for a deeper, more intense smoky flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (Garlic powder is a must-have for that distinctive Blooming Onion flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your spice preference. Start with 1/4 teaspoon for a milder sauce.)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (Dried oregano adds an earthy, slightly bitter note that balances the other flavors.)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (Salt enhances all the flavors in the sauce.)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for its bolder flavor.)
Preparation:
Step 1: Gather all your ingredients. Having everything pre-measured and ready to go streamlines the process and ensures accuracy.
Step 2: In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Choose a bowl that is appropriately sized to allow for thorough mixing without spillage.
Step 3: Using a whisk or a fork, mix all the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Ensure there are no clumps of spices and that the horseradish is evenly distributed throughout the mayonnaise and ketchup base. Pay close attention to the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
Step 4: Once the sauce is thoroughly mixed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to an airtight container. Proper covering is crucial to prevent the sauce from drying out or absorbing odors from the refrigerator.
Step 5: Place the covered sauce in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive sauce. For an even better flavor, chill overnight.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Blooming Onion Sauce copycat recipe is a game-changer because it allows you to enjoy the iconic taste of Outback Steakhouse’s signature dipping sauce right in your own kitchen. The recipe is incredibly simple, requiring minimal ingredients and only a few minutes of active preparation time. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, tangy ketchup, spicy horseradish, and aromatic spices creates a flavor profile that is both addictive and versatile. You’ll love that you can customize the spice level to suit your personal preference, making it the perfect dipping sauce for everyone in your family. Beyond its intended use with blooming onions, this sauce is fantastic with french fries, onion rings, sweet potato fries, chicken tenders, and even as a spread for sandwiches and burgers. Its versatility extends to serving as a flavorful condiment for grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. Recreating restaurant-quality sauces at home saves money and ensures you know exactly what ingredients are going into your food.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve alongside a classic Blooming Onion for the full Outback experience.
- Use as a dipping sauce for French fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, and other fried appetizers.
- Spread on sandwiches and burgers for a zesty and flavorful twist.
- Serve with grilled chicken, steak, or seafood as a flavorful condiment.
- Offer as a dipping sauce for raw vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
- Drizzle over roasted vegetables for added flavor.
- Use as a base for homemade coleslaw or potato salad.
- Serve with potato wedges or tots.
Tips:
- For a smoother sauce, use a good quality mayonnaise.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
- Use freshly grated horseradish for a more intense flavor. Be cautious as freshly grated horseradish is significantly stronger.
- Allow the sauce to chill for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- If you don’t have dried oregano, Italian seasoning can be used as a substitute.
- For a slightly sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
- Experiment with different types of paprika, such as smoked paprika, for a unique flavor.
- Add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or water to thin it out.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling time)
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving – approximation)
- Calories: 100kcal
- Protein: 0.3g
- Sodium: 262mg
Conclusion:
This Blooming Onion Sauce recipe is a simple yet satisfying way to bring a restaurant favorite into your home. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce that elevates any meal. Its versatility makes it a staple condiment for various dishes, from appetizers to main courses. Whether you’re dipping a blooming onion, spreading it on a burger, or using it as a flavor enhancer for grilled meats, this sauce is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the deliciousness of Outback Steakhouse right in your own kitchen!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Answer: Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended to make this sauce at least 2 hours (or even better, overnight) before serving to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- I don’t have horseradish on hand. Can I substitute it with anything else? Answer: While horseradish is a key ingredient in this sauce, you can try a small amount of wasabi paste as a substitute if you’re in a pinch. Wasabi has a similar pungent flavor but be cautious and add it sparingly, as it can be quite strong. Start with a very small amount (about 1/4 teaspoon) and taste, adding more as needed. You could also try a spicy brown mustard for a slightly different but still flavorful kick. However, the horseradish flavor is distinctive and really makes the sauce, so it’s best to use the real thing if possible.
- Can I make a larger batch of this sauce? Answer: Yes, you can easily scale up this recipe to make a larger batch. Simply double, triple, or quadruple the ingredients based on your needs. Just be sure to use a larger bowl and whisk to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Remember to adjust the chilling time accordingly, as a larger batch may take slightly longer to chill completely.
- Is this sauce gluten-free? Answer: The ingredients listed in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. However, it’s always important to double-check the labels of your specific mayonnaise, ketchup, and horseradish brands to ensure they are certified gluten-free, especially if you have a severe gluten intolerance or allergy. Some brands may contain hidden sources of gluten.
- How can I make this sauce less spicy? Answer: To reduce the heat in this Blooming Onion Sauce, start by reducing the amount of cayenne pepper. Begin with 1/4 teaspoon or even less, and taste the sauce before adding more. You can also add a touch more mayonnaise to dilute the spice. Another option is to add a small amount of sugar (about 1/2 teaspoon) to balance out the heat. Make sure to taste and adjust the ingredients until you reach your desired level of spiciness. Removing the cayenne pepper entirely will drastically alter the flavor, so it’s best to simply reduce the amount.
