New York Pushcart Onion Sauce
The classic red onion sauce from New York City hot dog carts. Sweet, savory, and just a little spicy with a hint of cinnamon that ties it all together.
Ingredients
- 2 large onions sliced
- Oil for cooking
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp of chili powder
- 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
- 4 to 5 tbsp ketchup
- Splash of hot sauce Cholula recommended
- Small amount of water to loosen
Instructions
- Get your oil hot before anything goes in. Heat a thin layer of oil in a pan over medium high heat.
- Cook the onions down until they are fully soft. Add the sliced onions and cook until soft, covering with a lid briefly to let them steam and speed things along.
- Break them up right in the pan. Use a spatula or spoon to roughly chop the onions into smaller, irregular pieces.
- Add the spices and let them bloom for a minute. Add the brown sugar, chili powder, and cinnamon. Toss to combine and cook for another minute.
- Bring in the ketchup and hot sauce. Add both and stir everything together.
- Add a splash of water to keep it moving. A small amount of water will loosen the sauce and keep it from scorching.
- Drop the heat and let it come together. Reduce to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes until the flavors meld.
- Loosen it up right before serving. Add a little more water to bring it to a loose, saucy consistency that is easy to spoon over a hot dog.
Video
Notes
Cholula is a good choice here because it adds flavor along with heat, not just heat alone. Any hot sauce will work -- just add a little at a time and taste as you go.
The cinnamon is not optional. It sounds strange but it is what makes this sauce taste like the real thing. Trust it.
This sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat in a small pan with a splash of water to loosen it back up.