What Sauces Go With Onion Rings? BEST Dips & Drizzles!
Onion rings are a universally loved appetiser and snack, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying all by yourself.
But what sauces should you serve alongside them, for dipping or drizzling?
Here, we’re going to take a look at the most delicious choices!
What Sauces Go With Onion Rings?
Classic dipping sauces for onion rings include ketchup, mayonnaise, barbecue, and tartar.
Other popular choices include sriracha mayo, horseradish, ranch, honey and mustard, and cheesy based sauces.
Let’s take a look at why these sauces make for delicious pairings, as well as some extra serving and preparation tips…
Classic Dipping Sauces for Onion Rings
Ketchup
When it comes to onion rings, one of the most popular and timeless options is ketchup. The tangy flavour perfectly complements the crispy texture of the onion rings.
It’s a versatile sauce, so you can easily mix it with a touch of mayonnaise or hot sauce to create a unique blend of flavours.
If you fancy having a go at making your own tomato sauce, try this recipe. It only takes 5 minutes!
Mayonnaise
Another classic dipping sauce you might enjoy with your onion rings is mayonnaise.
Its creamy consistency pairs well with the crunch and savoury taste of the rings.
To elevate the taste, you can try mixing mayonnaise with honey mustard or garlic powder for an extra kick.
Barbecue Sauce
If you’re looking for something with a smoky, tangy flavour, try barbecue sauce for your onion rings.
This sauce adds a bold, robust taste that enhances the natural sweetness of the onions and the saltiness of the batter.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with various barbecue sauce brands or even make your own homemade version for a personalised dipping experience.
Tartar Sauce
For those who prefer a zesty, tangy dipping sauce, tartar sauce is a great choice.
Its combination of mayonnaise, pickles, and lemon juice provides a refreshing contrast to the deep-fried onion rings.
To make your tartar sauce stand out, feel free to mix in chopped herbs such as dill or parsley for an added depth of flavour.
Flavourful Combinations
Sriracha and Mayo
When it comes to pairing sauces with onion rings, don’t be afraid to get creative with your combinations.
Embrace a spicy and creamy blend of Sriracha and mayo to elevate your onion rings experience to new heights.
In this section, let’s explore why this dynamic duo serves as the perfect companion to your crispy, fried, onion delights.
Sriracha, originating from Thailand, is a hot sauce made from a paste of chilli peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt.
Its tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavour profile works wonders with the crunchy, savoury taste of onion rings.
By mixing Sriracha with mayo, you’re creating a luscious, creamy sauce that adds depth and richness to your snack.
To make Sriracha and mayo sauce, simply combine the two main ingredients in a small bowl.
You can adjust the proportions to suit your taste; start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust according to your preferred heat level. For added flavour, consider adding a dash of lime juice, a pinch of garlic powder, or a sprinkle of chopped coriander.
Here are some other suggestions for customising your Sriracha and mayo sauce:
- For an Asian twist, mix in a teaspoon of sesame oil or some finely minced ginger.
- To give it a Mediterranean flair, add some finely chopped sundried tomatoes, fresh basil, or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- For a zesty finish, whisk in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or some grated lemon zest.
The versatility of Sriracha and mayo sauce means you can also use it for dipping other fried treats, such as tempura vegetables or fish and chips.
In addition, you can drizzle it over burgers, wraps, or salads for a delicious, flavourful touch.
Creating Signature Sauces
Horseradish Sauce
To create a unique and delicious horseradish sauce for your onion rings, start by combining grated horseradish, mayonnaise, and sour cream.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of black pepper to enhance the flavour. Adjust the amounts of each ingredient according to your taste preference.
You can either use fresh horseradish root or prepared horseradish—the choice is yours.
Ranch Dressing
Another fantastic sauce option to serve with onion rings is the ever-popular ranch dressing.
It’s straightforward to prepare at home, and you can customise it to your liking.
Begin by combining buttermilk, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a mixing bowl. Then, mix in garlic powder, onion powder, chives, dill, and parsley to create a flavoursome and creamy base.
To give the ranch dressing a unique twist, feel free to add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of hot sauce.
Zesty Sauce
For those craving some zestiness in their dipping sauce, a zesty sauce is guaranteed to please your taste buds.
To make a zesty sauce, whisk together ketchup, mayonnaise, and a pinch of garlic powder.
Add a bit of kick with a few drops of Worcestershire sauce, and for a bolder taste, include some freshly squeezed lemon juice.
This sauce has a balanced combination of tanginess and creaminess, complementing your onion rings brilliantly.
Sweet and Tangy Options
Honey and Mustard
When it comes to onion rings, you might crave a sauce that’s a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavours.
This is where honey and mustard come into play!
This dynamic duo harmoniously blends the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard, creating a dipping sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
To make this delightful sauce, simply combine equal parts honey and your preferred mustard (such as Dijon or wholegrain) in a small bowl.
For an added tang, you can also incorporate a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. The acidity in the vinegar or lemon juice will provide a pleasant zing that beautifully complements the honey and mustard.
- Honey: natural sweetness to balance the tanginess
- Mustard: adds a bold, tangy flavour
- Vinegar/lemon juice: optional for adding an extra zing
You can also experiment with other sweet and tangy ingredients to create your own unique dipping sauces for onion rings:
- Maple syrup: A delicious alternative to honey, maple syrup provides a rich, smooth sweetness that pairs perfectly with mustard.
- Brown sugar: If you’re looking for a subtle sweetness, try adding a pinch of brown sugar to your mustard sauce. This will create a more complex flavour, enhancing the overall taste of your onion rings.
Experimenting with Flavours
Spicy Combinations
When it comes to onion rings, experimenting with various spicy combinations can take your dipping sauces to the next level.
For instance, incorporating cayenne pepper into a creamy sauce will add a delightful heat, perfect for those who enjoy a kick with their appetisers.
Another option is blending paprika with other spices, such as cumin and garlic powder. This mixture, paired with a mayonnaise-based sauce, creates a savoury and spicy flavour profile that complements the crispy onion rings beautifully.
Try this quick and easy spicy sauce recipe:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- A pinch of parsley for garnish
Simply mix all the spices with the mayonnaise, and your spicy dip is ready for dipping! This flavour-packed sauce will impress both you and your guests.
Cheese Based Sauces
For those who prefer a more indulgent approach, cheese-based sauces are an excellent choice.
Start by creating a classic cheese sauce using your favourite cheese, like cheddar or Gouda. Adding a touch of mustard or hot sauce can also give your cheese sauce a tangy twist.
You can further elevate this rich sauce by incorporating spices like paprika, garlic powder or black pepper. This delightful combination will enhance the flavour without overpowering the creamy cheese.
Here’s an easy cheese sauce recipe:
- 1 cup grated cheese (choice of cheddar or Gouda)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan, then whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms.
Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Once the mixture has thickened, add the grated cheese, garlic powder, black pepper and hot sauce (if desired).
Cook over low heat until the cheese has melted, and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
These creative sauce options will undoubtedly make your onion rings even more enjoyable. By experimenting with different spices and flavours like cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and cheese, you can find the perfect dipping sauce to suit your taste buds.
