Zip Sauce

Zip Sauce

Detroit Zip Sauce Recipe – The Famous Steakhouse Sauce

If you’ve ever eaten at a Detroit steakhouse, chances are you’ve tasted the legendary Zip Sauce. This savory, buttery blend has been served alongside steaks since the mid-20th century.

A Brief History of Zip Sauce

Zip Sauce may have first gained fame at Lelli’s Italian Restaurant in Detroit in the 1950s, where it was created as a rich, flavorful accompaniment to prime steaks. Its popularity spread quickly, and soon nearly every Detroit steakhouse had its own version—each one claiming to be the original. Today, Zip Sauce is still a beloved Michigan tradition, served with steaks, potatoes, and even vegetables.

I don't know who created it, all I know is I gotta have it with steak!  I literally can not eat a steak without it, so it has been my life's mission to recreate it to make at home (although now some kind soul has bottled it, so I can buy it in a pinch).

Usually in restaurants they pour the sauce over the steak, so it goes all over the plate and soaks into the potatoes...it's excellent on potatoes, btw.  I like to put mine in a small dish and dunk each piece of delicious beef.

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What is Zip Sauce?

Zip Sauce is a thin, savory, buttery sauce—similar to a flavor-packed au jus—that adds richness and depth to steak dinners. In restaurants, it’s often poured over steaks so it soaks into the meat and sides, but it’s equally delicious served in a small dish for dipping. Beyond steak, it’s excellent on potatoes, mushrooms, grilled vegetables, or even pork chops.

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Ingredients for Homemade Zip Sauce

• ½ cup water

• ¼ cup butter (or olive oil)

• 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1 Tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon instant beef bouillon granules

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

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How to Make Zip Sauce at Home

1. In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients.

2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the bouillon dissolves and the butter melts.

3. Serve warm alongside steak, potatoes, vegetables, or your favorite grilled meats.

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Tips for the Best Detroit Zip Sauce

• Use real butter for the richest flavor, however some restaurants use olive oil. You can use either!

• Adjust seasoning – Add a little black pepper or a dash of cayenne for heat.

• Serving idea – Drizzle Zip Sauce over steak and mashed potatoes so the flavors soak in, or serve it on the side for dipping.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ A Detroit steakhouse classic you can make at home
✔ Ready in just 10 minutes with pantry ingredients
✔ Pairs perfectly with steak, potatoes, or roasted veggies
✔ Rich, buttery, and full of flavor

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Whether you drizzle it over your steak or keep it on the side for dipping, this authentic Detroit-style Zip Sauce is a must-have for steak night. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s been a Motor City favorite for decades.

Zip Sauce