Sabrett Onion Sauce: The NYC Hot Dog Secret Explained

Sabrett onion sauce is a signature condiment created by Sabrett, a well-known hot dog brand famous for its New York street cart hot dogs. The sauce features finely chopped onions simmered in a savory broth with spices, creating a sweet and tangy topping that's become iconic with New York-style hot dogs. While not sold commercially to consumers, the recipe has inspired countless homemade versions that capture its distinctive flavor profile.

What Makes Sabrett Onion Sauce Unique

When you bite into a classic New York street cart hot dog, the sweet-savory onion sauce is often the star. Sabrett's version combines yellow onions cooked down with a proprietary blend of spices that creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Unlike raw onions or caramelized varieties, this sauce maintains a distinct texture while delivering deep flavor.

Characteristic	Sabrett Onion Sauce	Standard Caramelized Onions
Texture	Fine chop, uniform consistency	Varies from stringy to mushy
Sweetness Level	Moderate, balanced with tang	High, pure sweetness
Preparation Time	Several hours (slow simmer)	30-60 minutes
Spice Complexity	Multiple layered spices	Primarily just onion flavor

The History Behind New York's Favorite Hot Dog Topping

Sabrett's onion sauce emerged from New York City's street food culture in the mid-20th century. According to the New York City Department of Health historical archives, hot dog carts became regulated food establishments in 1936, creating the foundation for consistent preparation methods.

1928: Sabrett brand founded in New York City

1940s-1950s: Street cart hot dogs become NYC cultural institution

1960s: Sabrett develops signature onion sauce recipe for consistency

1980s: Sauce becomes synonymous with authentic NYC hot dog experience

2000s-Present: Homemade versions proliferate as commercial sauce remains unavailable to consumers

Where to Experience Authentic Sabrett Onion Sauce

You won't find Sabrett onion sauce in grocery stores—the company only distributes it to authorized hot dog carts and restaurants. Your best options:

• New York City street carts: Look for the blue-and-white Sabrett carts throughout Manhattan
• Authorized restaurants: Many NYC diners and hot dog establishments use the official product
• Sabrett's website: While they don't sell the sauce directly, their location finder shows where to get authentic hot dogs

How to Use Onion Sauce Like a New York Pro

When enjoying a hot dog with Sabrett-style onion sauce, follow these authentic techniques:

1. Always request "onions sauce" (not "sauerkraut" or "mustard" first)
2. Apply sauce generously—it should pool slightly on the bun
3. Pair with mustard (never ketchup) for the traditional NYC combination
4. Eat immediately while the hot dog and sauce are at optimal temperature

Create Your Own Sabrett-Style Onion Sauce at Home

While the exact Sabrett recipe remains proprietary, culinary experts have developed remarkably close approximations. This tested recipe yields the characteristic sweet-tangy flavor profile:

Homemade New York Style Onion Sauce Recipe

Makes enough for 8-10 hot dogs

• 2 lbs yellow onions, finely diced (¼-inch pieces)
• 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp celery seed
• ½ tsp dried mustard powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Sauté onions in 2 tbsp oil over medium heat until translucent (about 10 minutes)
2. Add broth, vinegar, and brown sugar; bring to simmer
3. Reduce heat to low and cover; cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally
4. Add spices and continue simmering uncovered for 30 minutes
5. Cool slightly before serving; store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 5 days

This recipe captures the essential elements of the authentic flavor while using accessible ingredients. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service confirms that proper cooking temperatures (simmering for 2+ hours) ensure food safety when preparing onion-based sauces.

Common Questions About Sabrett Onion Sauce

Many home cooks and hot dog enthusiasts have questions about this iconic condiment. Here are answers to the most frequent inquiries:

Why can't I buy Sabrett onion sauce in stores?

Sabrett intentionally doesn't sell their onion sauce to consumers. The company only distributes it to authorized hot dog carts and restaurants to maintain quality control and preserve the authentic street cart experience. This business decision has created significant demand for homemade alternatives.

What gives Sabrett onion sauce its distinctive flavor?

The signature flavor comes from a specific preparation method: onions are finely diced (not sliced), slowly simmered in a broth-vinegar mixture, and seasoned with a balanced spice blend. The extended cooking time develops complex flavors while maintaining texture—different from both raw onions and deeply caramelized varieties.

Is Sabrett onion sauce gluten-free?

According to Sabrett's product information, their onion sauce does not contain gluten ingredients. However, they don't certify it as gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination in their production facilities. Those with gluten sensitivity should exercise caution or make a verified gluten-free version at home.

How does Sabrett onion sauce differ from relish?

New York-style onion sauce and relish serve different purposes. Onion sauce features cooked onions with savory-sweet notes, while relish (particularly the bright green sweet variety) provides a tangy, pickle-like contrast. Traditional NYC hot dogs typically include both—onion sauce on the bottom with relish on top.

Can I make Sabrett-style onion sauce vegetarian?

Absolutely. Substitute the beef broth with mushroom broth or vegetable stock. Many New York street carts actually use vegetarian versions. The key is maintaining the proper liquid-to-onion ratio and cooking time to develop the characteristic flavor profile without the meat base.