Recreate the iconic flavor of Arby’s Sauce at home with this easy copycat recipe. Ready in about 10 minutes, it’s perfect for sandwiches, fries, and dipping.
Unlock the Secret: How to Make Arby’s Sauce at Home
If you love the tangy, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy flavor of Arby’s Sauce, you can now make a faithful version in your kitchen using simple pantry ingredients. This recipe captures the balance of ketchup, steak sauce, vinegar, and spices that gives the sauce its signature taste.
What Makes Arby’s Sauce So Special?
Arby’s Sauce stands out because it blends savory steak sauce notes with the sweetness of ketchup, bright vinegar, and a subtle spice that enhances roast beef sandwiches and many other dishes.
The Quest for the Perfect Copycat Recipe
After testing combinations and proportions, this recipe reproduces that familiar flavor and texture with straightforward steps and minimal hands-on time.
Crafting Your Own Arby’s Sauce
This homemade version requires only a quick simmer to marry the flavors. The result is a smooth, pourable sauce you can store in the fridge and use whenever you need a tasty condiment.
Why Make Your Own?
Making your own sauce gives you control over the ingredients and seasoning, lets you adjust the spice and sweetness to taste, and saves a trip to the restaurant. It’s convenient, fresh, and versatile.
Ready to Dive In?
Gather your ingredients and follow the steps below to make a batch you’ll reach for again and again.
Arby’s Sauce Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions
Below are the ingredients for a copycat Arby’s Sauce and suggested substitutions if you need them.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup — use low-sodium or no-salt-added if desired
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup Heinz 57 steak sauce — substitute Worcestershire or A1 if needed
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar — honey or maple syrup can work as alternatives
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar — apple cider vinegar is an acceptable substitute
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce — omit or use a pinch of cayenne for less heat
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (omit if using low-sodium ketchup)
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
How to make Arby’s Sauce
Serving Suggestions for Copycat Arby’s Sauce
This sauce is extremely versatile. Try it with:
- Sandwiches: Spread on roast beef, turkey, or chicken sandwiches.
- Dipping sauce: Serve with french fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or chicken tenders.
- Burgers: Add a tangy layer to beef, turkey, or veggie burgers.
- Wraps and tacos: Drizzle inside wraps or tacos for extra flavor.
- Meatloaf glaze: Brush on meatloaf or meatballs during the last minutes of baking.
- Grilled meats: Use as a finishing glaze for steak, chicken, or pork chops.
- Stir-fries: Stir a spoonful into vegetable, tofu, or shrimp stir-fries.
- Potato dishes: Mix into mashed potatoes or drizzle over baked potatoes and loaded fries.
More Ideas
- Glaze for roasts: Brush on ham, pork loin, or chicken late in the roast for a caramelized finish.
- Salad dressing: Whisk with oil and a splash of vinegar for a tangy dressing.
- Pizza sauce: Use as an alternative base on pizza for a bold flavor.
- Egg dishes: Top scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast sandwiches.
- Marinade: Marinate chicken, ribs, or tofu for a few hours before cooking.
- Quesadilla dip: Serve alongside cheesy quesadillas.
- Baked beans: Stir into baked beans for extra depth and sweetness.
- Cocktail sauce: Mix with horseradish and lemon for a seafood dip.
Experiment with these ideas to find new ways to enjoy this bold, savory-sweet sauce.
Recipe for Arby’s Sauce: FAQs
It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy, with savory steak sauce notes balanced by ketchup, vinegar, and spices.
Yes. Increase or reduce the hot sauce or black pepper to suit your preference, or omit the hot sauce entirely for a milder sauce.
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the sauce will keep for up to 2 weeks.
Yes. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before using.
The basic ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always check labels if you have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Absolutely. Adjust vinegar, sweetener, or spices to create a version that fits your taste.
Other recipes you may enjoy
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- Lemon Sauce
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- Copycat Just Crack an Egg
Copycat Arby’s Sauce
Equipment
- 2-quart sauce pot
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup Heinz 57 steak sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a 2-quart sauce pot and whisk until combined.
- Heat over medium, whisking frequently until the sugar dissolves and the sauce just begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and carefully pour the sauce into an airtight glass jar. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate and store for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.