Spice Up Your Life: Recreating Subway’s New Spicy Sandwich Lineup at Home!
Subway has recently unleashed a fiery wave of flavor with its new spicy sandwich lineup, and if you’re anything like us, you’re already craving those tantalizing tastes. But what if you could skip the line, control the spice level, and enjoy these delicious creations in the comfort of your own kitchen? This article is your ultimate guide to recreating Subway’s new spicy sandwich lineup at home, complete with detailed recipes, ingredient substitutions, and pro tips to elevate your sandwich game.
The Spicy Subway Revolution: A Breakdown of the New Lineup
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s recap the stars of Subway’s spicy show. While offerings may vary by location, these are the most prominent and talked-about sandwiches that have captured the attention (and taste buds) of sandwich lovers everywhere:
* **The Spicy Italian:** A fiery take on the classic Italian, featuring spicy salami, pepperoni, and a generous helping of spicy sauce. It’s a meat lover’s dream with a serious kick.
* **The Chicken Teriyaki Blaze:** Sweet and savory meets spicy heat. This sandwich combines marinated chicken teriyaki with a blend of spices and a signature blaze sauce for an unforgettable taste.
* **The Steak & Cheese Chipotle Southwest:** Savory steak and melted cheese get a Southwest-inspired upgrade with chipotle sauce and a blend of zesty spices. It’s a hearty and flavorful option.
* **The Buffalo Chicken:** A classic flavor combination elevated to new heights. This sandwich features tender chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, complemented by creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Recreating the Magic: Recipes for Subway’s Spicy Sandwiches at Home
Now, let’s get to the good stuff! We’ll provide detailed recipes for each of the sandwiches mentioned above, including instructions for making your own spicy sauces and marinades. Get ready to unleash your inner sandwich artist!
1. The Spicy Italian: A Fiery Feast for Meat Lovers
**Ingredients:**
* **Bread:** 6-inch Italian bread or your favorite sub roll
* **Meat:** 4 oz spicy salami, 4 oz pepperoni (adjust to your preference)
* **Cheese:** 2 slices provolone cheese
* **Vegetables:** Shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced red onions, banana peppers (optional)
* **Spicy Sauce:** (See recipe below)
* **Optional Toppings:** Oil and vinegar, Italian seasoning
**Spicy Sauce Recipe:**
* 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Spicy Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together all the spicy sauce ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust the spice level as needed.
2. **Prepare the Bread:** Slice the Italian bread in half horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. **Layer the Cheese:** Place the provolone cheese slices on the bottom half of the bread.
4. **Add the Meat:** Layer the spicy salami and pepperoni on top of the cheese. Be generous with the meat for a truly satisfying sandwich.
5. **Toast (Optional):** For a warm and melty sandwich, toast the open-faced sandwich in a toaster oven or under a broiler for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. **Add the Vegetables:** Add the shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced red onions, and banana peppers (if using) on top of the meat.
7. **Drizzle with Spicy Sauce:** Generously drizzle the prepared spicy sauce over the vegetables.
8. **Add Optional Toppings:** If desired, drizzle with oil and vinegar and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
9. **Close the Sandwich:** Carefully close the sandwich with the top half of the bread.
10. **Serve and Enjoy:** Cut the sandwich in half (optional) and serve immediately. Enjoy the fiery flavor explosion!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of sriracha and cayenne pepper in the spicy sauce to control the heat level. For a milder sauce, use less sriracha or omit the cayenne pepper altogether. For a super spicy sauce, add a pinch of chili flakes.
* **Meat Variety:** Experiment with different types of spicy Italian meats, such as capicola or soppressata, for a unique flavor profile.
* **Cheese Options:** Provolone cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use mozzarella, pepper jack, or any other cheese that melts well.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Feel free to add other vegetables, such as roasted red peppers, spinach, or cucumbers, to customize your sandwich.
2. The Chicken Teriyaki Blaze: Sweet, Savory, and Spicy Perfection
**Ingredients:**
* **Bread:** 6-inch Italian bread or your favorite sub roll
* **Chicken:** 4 oz cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
* **Teriyaki Marinade:** (See recipe below)
* **Blaze Sauce:** (See recipe below)
* **Vegetables:** Shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, sliced green peppers (optional)
* **Sesame Seeds:** For garnish (optional)
**Teriyaki Marinade Recipe:**
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
* 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
**Blaze Sauce Recipe:**
* 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 teaspoon honey
* 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
**Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a bowl, combine the chicken with the teriyaki marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer, in the refrigerator. This will allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the marinade.
2. **Cook the Chicken:** Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and slightly caramelized. You can also grill or bake the chicken.
3. **Prepare the Blaze Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together all the blaze sauce ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust the spice level as needed.
4. **Prepare the Bread:** Slice the Italian bread in half horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
5. **Add the Chicken:** Layer the cooked chicken on the bottom half of the bread.
6. **Add the Vegetables:** Add the shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and sliced green peppers (if using) on top of the chicken.
7. **Drizzle with Blaze Sauce:** Generously drizzle the prepared blaze sauce over the vegetables and chicken.
8. **Garnish (Optional):** Sprinkle with sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
9. **Close the Sandwich:** Carefully close the sandwich with the top half of the bread.
10. **Serve and Enjoy:** Cut the sandwich in half (optional) and serve immediately. Enjoy the sweet, savory, and spicy combination!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Chicken Preparation:** You can use pre-cooked chicken breast for convenience, or cook your own chicken breast from scratch. If cooking your own chicken, be sure to cook it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of sriracha and cayenne pepper in the blaze sauce to control the heat level.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Experiment with different vegetables, such as shredded carrots, bean sprouts, or sliced avocado, to add more flavor and texture.
* **Pineapple:** Add a few slices of grilled pineapple for an extra burst of sweetness and tropical flavor.
3. The Steak & Cheese Chipotle Southwest: A Hearty and Flavorful Fiesta
**Ingredients:**
* **Bread:** 6-inch Italian bread or your favorite sub roll
* **Steak:** 4 oz thinly sliced steak (such as sirloin or ribeye)
* **Cheese:** 2 slices pepper jack cheese
* **Chipotle Southwest Sauce:** (See recipe below)
* **Vegetables:** Sliced green peppers, sliced red onions
**Chipotle Southwest Sauce Recipe:**
* 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from the can of chipotle peppers)
* 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cumin
* A pinch of smoked paprika
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chipotle Southwest Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together all the chipotle southwest sauce ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust the spice level as needed.
2. **Cook the Steak:** Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak and cook until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. **Prepare the Bread:** Slice the Italian bread in half horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
4. **Layer the Cheese:** Place the pepper jack cheese slices on the bottom half of the bread.
5. **Add the Steak:** Layer the cooked steak on top of the cheese.
6. **Add the Vegetables:** Add the sliced green peppers and sliced red onions on top of the steak.
7. **Toast (Optional):** For a warm and melty sandwich, toast the open-faced sandwich in a toaster oven or under a broiler for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. **Drizzle with Chipotle Southwest Sauce:** Generously drizzle the prepared chipotle southwest sauce over the vegetables and steak.
9. **Close the Sandwich:** Carefully close the sandwich with the top half of the bread.
10. **Serve and Enjoy:** Cut the sandwich in half (optional) and serve immediately. Enjoy the hearty and flavorful fiesta!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Steak Preparation:** Use high-quality steak for the best flavor and texture. Marinating the steak before cooking can also enhance its flavor.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in the chipotle southwest sauce to control the heat level.
* **Cheese Options:** Pepper jack cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any other cheese that complements the southwest flavors.
* **Additional Toppings:** Add other southwest-inspired toppings, such as guacamole, sour cream, or pico de gallo, to customize your sandwich.
4. The Buffalo Chicken: A Classic with a Spicy Twist
**Ingredients:**
* **Bread:** 6-inch Italian bread or your favorite sub roll
* **Chicken:** 4 oz cooked chicken breast, shredded
* **Buffalo Sauce:** (See recipe below)
* **Dressing:** Ranch or blue cheese dressing (to taste)
* **Vegetables:** Shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes (optional)
**Buffalo Sauce Recipe:**
* 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 1 tablespoon white vinegar
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together all the buffalo sauce ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust the spice level as needed.
2. **Toss the Chicken:** In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
3. **Prepare the Bread:** Slice the Italian bread in half horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
4. **Layer the Chicken:** Layer the buffalo chicken on the bottom half of the bread.
5. **Add the Vegetables (Optional):** Add shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes (if using) on top of the chicken.
6. **Drizzle with Dressing:** Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing to taste.
7. **Close the Sandwich:** Carefully close the sandwich with the top half of the bread.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:** Cut the sandwich in half (optional) and serve immediately. Enjoy the classic buffalo chicken flavor with a spicy kick!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Chicken Preparation:** You can use pre-cooked chicken breast for convenience, or cook your own chicken breast from scratch. If cooking your own chicken, be sure to cook it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper in the buffalo sauce to control the heat level.
* **Dressing Options:** Ranch dressing and blue cheese dressing are classic accompaniments to buffalo chicken, but you can also try other creamy dressings, such as Caesar dressing or avocado ranch.
* **Celery Sticks:** Serve the sandwich with celery sticks and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Pro Tips for Elevating Your Homemade Subway Sandwiches
* **Fresh Ingredients are Key:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the taste and quality of your sandwiches.
* **Toast the Bread:** Toasting the bread adds a nice crunch and prevents the sandwich from getting soggy.
* **Don’t Overload the Sandwich:** While it’s tempting to pile on all the toppings, overloading the sandwich can make it difficult to eat and can compromise the flavor balance.
* **Season Everything:** Don’t forget to season your meats, vegetables, and sauces with salt, pepper, and other spices to enhance their flavor.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations to create your own unique and delicious sandwich creations.
* **Wrap it Tight:** If you’re taking your sandwich to go, wrap it tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent it from falling apart.
* **Make it a Meal:** Pair your sandwich with your favorite sides, such as chips, salad, or soup, for a complete and satisfying meal.
Subway’s Spicy Sandwich Lineup: A Home Run!
Recreating Subway’s new spicy sandwich lineup at home is a fun and rewarding experience. You can customize the spice level, control the ingredients, and enjoy these delicious sandwiches whenever you want. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your creativity, and get ready to spice up your life with these amazing homemade sandwiches! Happy sandwich making!