McDonald’s lovers are full with excitement as speculation grows that a long-missed sandwich may soon return to the menu. Although the fast-food chain has only officially confirmed the debut of Mini Hash Browns on October 16, fans are convinced that the McRib will also make a comeback on the same day.
This speculation was fuelled by a mistake that sent a test notification to app users, reading “McRib_Test.notification_16.10.24”. The burger, which features a pork patty shaped like ribs and covered in barbecue sauce, was first introduced in 1981 but was discontinued four years later.
It last appeared on UK menus in 2015, and fans have been calling for its return ever since. A McDonald’s staff member recently took to TikTok to confirm the rumours, stating “it’s true” that the McRib is returning.
Alongside the McRib, fans could also expect the return of Double Big Macs and the introduction of several sweet treats. One of those is a M&M McFlurry.
Another new arrival that has fans in a frenzy is the Toasted Marshmallow range of hot drinks – including a hot chocolate and coffee. These will be very welcome for cold days as temperatures drop across the UK.
For those who can’t wait, a food trend expert at WeThrift has shared a “copycat” recipe to recreate the McRib at home at a fraction of the cost of a typical McDonald’s burger. The expert also provides a top tip for vegetarians and vegans to enjoy a version of the beloved item, reports the Mirror.
At Tesco, you can gather all the necessary ingredients to recreate the iconic Golden Arches classic. With these ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up at least four homemade McRibs for less than £1 per serving.
Your shopping list should include pork sausages (eight pack, £1.79), white bread rolls (four pack, £1), barbecue sauce (510g bottle, £2.99). The signature toppings are gherkins (180g jar, £1.10) and white onions (360g, £1.10).
Ingredients [based on one serving]:
- 2 Pork Sausages
- 60g Barbecue Sauce, warmed
- 1 White Sub or Deli-style Roll
- 4 Gherkins
- 10g Slithered White Onions
Method:
- Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. While that is happening, remove two sausages from their casing and shape them into one rectangular patty that is roughly the size of your bun.
- Once formed, cook the patty for 3-4 minutes per side or, until fully cooked. Adjust the cooking time to the size of your patty, since it is flattened it will not take as long as a regular sausage.
- While the sausage cooks, lightly toast your roll using a toaster or grill. You could also use the same pan after cooking the patty so it can absorb the flavour of the sausage.
- Once the patty is done, dip it in the warm barbecue sauce and place it on the bun. Top with gherkins and onions then serve immediately.
For an extra burst of flavour, consider brushing barbecue sauce on the patty while it’s cooking. However, keep in mind that the high sugar content in the sauce can cause it to burn.
This recipe can also be easily modified for vegetarians and vegans by making a few simple substitutions. But, doing this will slightly increase the price per portion.
Replace the pork sausages with plant-based ones. Also, choose a barbecue sauce that doesn’t contain honey or any other animal-derived ingredients.
For the best results, opt for sausages made from pea or soy protein, as these will provide the perfect texture. While plant-based sausages may taste delicious, they won’t maintain the same shape or consistency.
The cost of the homemade sandwich is just £1.08 if you source your ingredients from Tesco, but the price rises slightly to £1.16 if you use plant-based sausages. The actual price of the McRib has not been disclosed yet, but based on its previous release, it will likely cost £3.99 for the sandwich alone.