Outback Steakhouse Orange Dipping Sauce: A Culinary Copycat Adventure
I remember the first time I tasted that sweet and tangy orange dipping sauce at Outback Steakhouse. It was a family dinner, and we’d ordered a mountain of coconut shrimp. The creamy, citrusy dip was the perfect counterpoint to the crispy, sweet shrimp. I knew then that I had to figure out how to recreate that flavor at home. After years of experimentation, I’ve finally cracked the code. Prepare to be transported to Outback with this incredibly easy and delicious dipping sauce!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Yield: 1/2 cup
- Dietary Type: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 2 teaspoons stone ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
- 1 dash salt
Equipment Needed
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the orange marmalade, stone ground mustard, prepared horseradish, and salt.
- Using a whisk, thoroughly mix all ingredients until they are well combined and smooth. Ensure there are no large clumps of marmalade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to an airtight container.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- For an extra layer of flavor, try using a marmalade with a slightly bitter orange peel. This will add depth to the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of horseradish to your taste. If you prefer a milder sauce, start with half a teaspoon and add more until you reach your desired level of heat.
- If your marmalade is very thick, you can warm it slightly in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) before mixing to make it easier to combine with the other ingredients. Be careful not to overheat it.
- If you don’t have stone ground mustard, Dijon mustard can be used as a substitute. However, the flavor will be slightly different, so start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
- If you want a smoother sauce, you can blend all the ingredients in a food processor or blender after whisking. This will eliminate any small pieces of orange peel from the marmalade.
- To intensify the orange flavor, add a 1/4 teaspoon of orange zest to the mixture.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
This orange dipping sauce is absolutely fantastic served with coconut shrimp, just like at Outback Steakhouse. It also pairs well with other seafood dishes, such as grilled shrimp, crab cakes, or fish tacos.
Beyond seafood, consider serving it with:
- Chicken tenders or nuggets: Adds a grown-up twist to a kid-friendly favorite.
- Pork tenderloin: The sweet and tangy sauce complements the richness of the pork.
- Spring rolls: Offers a flavorful dipping alternative to peanut sauce.
- Vegetable crudités: A surprisingly delightful pairing with carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
Store the dipping sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It is not recommended to freeze this sauce as the marmalade may change texture upon thawing.
Before serving, give the sauce a good stir. If it has thickened too much in the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or add a tiny splash of orange juice to thin it out.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 75 kcal | 4% |
| Total Fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 150 mg | 7% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18 g | 6% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 16 g | N/A |
| Protein | 0 g | 0% |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy Orange Dipping Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a kick.
- Honey Orange Dipping Sauce: Substitute half of the orange marmalade with honey for a slightly different sweetness.
- Lemon Orange Dipping Sauce: Replace half of the orange marmalade with lemon marmalade for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
- Wasabi Orange Dipping Sauce: Instead of horseradish, use a small amount of wasabi paste for a Japanese-inspired twist. Start with a tiny amount, as wasabi is very potent.
- Sugar-Free Orange Dipping Sauce: Use a sugar-free orange marmalade alternative.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended. Chilling the sauce for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a more delicious and well-rounded flavor profile.
Q: What if I don’t have stone ground mustard?
A: Dijon mustard can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. Yellow mustard is also an option in a pinch, but it will have a milder flavor.
Q: Can I use a different kind of marmalade?
A: While orange marmalade is traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with other citrus marmalades, such as grapefruit or lime. Keep in mind that the flavor will change accordingly.
Q: How long does this sauce last in the refrigerator?
A: This sauce will last for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this dipping sauce?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze this sauce as the marmalade may change texture upon thawing, potentially becoming grainy or watery.
Final Thoughts
This Outback Steakhouse Orange Dipping Sauce copycat recipe is so simple, yet so incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect way to elevate your appetizers, seafood, or even chicken dishes. I encourage you to give it a try and experiment with the variations to create your own signature dipping sauce. Don’t be afraid to get creative and adjust the ingredients to your liking. I’m sure you’ll find yourself making this sauce again and again. Enjoy!