We sometimes crave a Subway sandwich but don’t have the money or time to go to the store. So, we try making our very own sandwiches, but they don’t taste as good as those from the actual store.
What kind of oil and vinegar does Subway use?
At Subway sandwich shops, the ‘oil and vinegar’ refers to a mixture of oil (olive or canola oil) and inexpensive red wine vinegar. Some shops have one bottle of oil and one bottle of vinegar separately, and pour some of both on your sandwich upon request. Other stores have a bottle that contains a blend of oil and vinegar that they shake before pouring to ensure a consistent proportion of both vinegar and oil.
Want to learn how you can make your oil and vinegar for subs at home? Our article outlines a copy of the restaurant’s recipe.
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How to Make Your Oil and Vinegar Dressing at Home
Standard oil and vinegar dressings, commonly known as vinaigrettes, use a ratio mix of three parts oil to one part vinegar.
To make your oil and vinegar the Subway way:
- Measure out one part of red wine vinegar and pour it into a bowl
- Measure one part of olive or canola oil and slowly pour it into the bowl with one hand while the other hand is whisking
- Add flavorings and seasonings to your liking
- Continue to mix the ingredients until they’re well combined
- Pour the mixture into a salad dressing bottle or a jar with a lid
- Store the mixture in the refrigerator until you want to use it
A sandwich dressing does a lot more for sandwiches than you might think. They moisten every bite, hold everything together, cut the feel of fat on the palate, and make sandwiches taste better.
Experiment and Go Crazy
Mixing your vinegar and oil and experimenting with different oils and kinds of vinegar enables you to customize the taste to suit your preferences. When creating your personalized dressing, start by playing with the vinegar. Different types of vinegar have different strengths, so the standard vinegar ratio might not work in all cases. Adjust your vinegar to oil ratio to change the tartness and richness.
Vinegar
There are many kinds of vinegar that you can use on your sandwich; malt, balsamic, apple cider, tarragon, basil, raspberry, sherry, rice, white wine, red wine, rosemary, and champagne are just a few examples. When experimenting, it’s good to use vinegar that you like.
Avoid using plain distilled white vinegar. It has a very harsh and strong flavor that isn’t very good in vinaigrettes.
Oils
Just like vinegar, there are different types of oil. Standard oil and vinegar dressings call for vegetable oil, but you can use just about any kind of oil that fits your preference. There are hundreds of oils to choose from – olive, chili, truffle, basil, canola, safflower, and soybean, to name a few.
Seasoning and Enhancing the Flavor of Your Vinaigrettes
Vinegar and oil are only the base of your dressing. You can add anything to your vinaigrettes to enhance the flavor of your sandwich. Besides adding salt and pepper, you can also add minced garlic, paprika, ginger, browned butter, herbs, onions, shallots, chives, celery seeds, and many more.
You can also add citrus juices (lemons, oranges, and limes) to enhance and complement the vinegar.
Honey is also a great addition to your vinaigrette. It adds a sweetness that helps to counter the tartness of the vinegar and citrus juice. It also helps to stabilize the emulsion. Vinegar and oil dressing with honey in it tend to remain emulsified for a longer period.
Ways to Whisk Your Vinaigrettes
Vinegar and naturally don’t mix. No matter how hard you try, they will eventually separate and form two different layers.
To get the perfect dressing, you need to mix all your ingredients. You can mix your vinaigrette either by:
1. Whisking With a Whisk or Fork
This method is best when you’re making a dressing for a one-time meal.
For this method, combine all the ingredients in a bowl, tilt the bowl and whisk the vinaigrette quickly for a few seconds.
2. Shaking it Together in a Jar or Bottle
This method is best when you’re making a large batch of dressing to use throughout the week.
For this method, combine all the ingredients in a jar or bottle, shake the bottle vigorously for a few seconds.
3. Blending With a Blender
This method is best when you’re making a vinaigrette that contains solid ingredients like fruits or garlic. The blender mixes these ingredients thoroughly, making your dressing smooth.
For this method, combine all the ingredients in a blender, blend until it is uniformly mixed and smooth.
FAQs
- What’s The Best Oil To Use For My Vinaigrette? Avoid using oils with strong and intense flavors like extra-virgin olive oils and nut oils. Instead, use regular olive oil, safflower, sunflower, walnut, and flaxseed oils.
- What’s The Best Vinegar To Use For My Vinaigrette? Balsamic vinegar works well for green salads with fruits such as peaches, apples, and strawberries, red wine vinegar works well for bold-flavored and bright vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, cabbages, and cucumbers, while white wine vinegar works well for cucumbers, sweet corn, zucchini, spring greens or any other green salads
- When Used Separately, Does Oil Or Vinegar Go First? If you prefer to add vinegar and oil separately, pour the vinegar first, followed by the oil.
- How Can I Taste My Vinaigrette? The best way to test your vinaigrette’s flavor is to dip a piece of lettuce into it, shake off the excess and take a bit to give you a sense of how your sandwich will taste compared to tasting it directly.
- What Is An Emulsifier? An emulsifier is a compound that causes immiscible substances such as vinegar and oil to mix.
- How Can I Store A Vinaigrette? Place your vinaigrette in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
- How Do I Make A Sub Sandwich? When preparing a sub sandwich, cut a sub roll in half lengthwise, spread your condiments inside the roll, add meat, cheese, toppings, and dressing.