Burger Sauce
Every time burgers are on the menu, someone asks if I'm making this burger sauce recipe. It only takes a few minutes to stir together, but it's the kind of condiment that makes homemade burgers feel a little more special. I always make a little extra because it never lasts long.
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Burger Sauce Recipe
I've always been drawn to those restaurant burgers with a sauce you can't quite figure out. After plenty of experimenting in my own kitchen, this version has become the one we keep coming back to. It's creamy, tangy, and tangy-a lot like the secret sauce at McDonald's
It's just as delicious on turkey burgers as it is on classic beef burgers, veggie burgers, and smash burgers. If you're making hamburgers from scratch, pair it with my easy homemade burger seasoning for an easy meal that's always a hit at our house.
Why You'll Love this Recipe
This is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in the refrigerator. It takes almost no effort to make, but it's the first thing everyone reaches for when sandwiches are on the menu. By the way, it's a fantastic dipping sauce for fries, tater tots, and even a vegetable tray.
Since it uses pantry staples, you can stir together a fresh batch whenever you need it.
Ingredients
If you don't have coconut aminos, soy sauce works just as well. Soy sauce gives the Big Mac sauce a saltier, more savory flavor, while coconut aminos are a little milder and slightly sweet.
Since mayonnaise is the base of the sauce, using a good-quality brand will give you the best flavor. I like using an olive oil or avocado oil mayo, but plain Greek yogurt or sour cream also work if you'd like an egg-free alternative. The sauce will be a little tangier but still delicious.
How To Make Burger Sauce
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full step by step instructions! ⬇️
Jump to Recipe
- Start by adding the mayo, ketchup, coconut aminos, and lemon juice to a small bowl or clean mason jar. Once those are in, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Stir until the sauce is smooth and everything is well combined. If you're using a mason jar, you can put the lid on top and give it a good shake instead.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if you'd like. A little more lemon juice will add brightness, while a pinch of cayenne gives it a little kick.
- If you have time, let the sauce chill in your fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. As it sits, the the flavors have more time to blend together.
Madison's Tips for Success:
I've tested this burger sauce recipe and have successfully made it many times. Use these tips to ensure that it turns out perfectly for you, too!
- Taste before adding salt. Both coconut aminos and soy sauce are salty ingredients, so take a small taste before deciding if it needs any extra salt.
- Store it in a sealed container. A mason jar or airtight container will keep your condiment fresh. Plus, it makes it easier to shake or stir before using.
Storing and Freezing
Store leftover burger sauce in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Give it a quick stir before serving if it separates a little as it sits.
I don't recommend freezing this sauce. Since it's mayonnaise-based, the texture can become grainy once it's thawed, so it's best enjoyed fresh from the refrigerator.
Big Mac Sauce Recipe FAQs
Not quite. They share a few similar ingredients, but Thousand Island dressing usually includes sweet pickle relish or chopped pickles, and is made for salads. The consistency of the sauce is thicker than salad dressing.
Most burger sauce recipes start with a creamy base, like mayonnaise. They usually include ketchup, seasonings, and something tangy or savory, such as lemon juice or soy sauce. Every recipe is a little different, which is why homemade versions are so much fun to customize!
Serving Ideas
This condiment is the perfect finishing touch for burger night! Serve it alongside all your favorite cookout foods, then let everyone add a spoonful to their burgers just the way they like.
It also doubles as a delicious dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders, onion rings, French fries and roasted potatoes. If you have leftovers, don't be surprised if everyone starts reaching for it at the next meal, too.
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Burger Sauce
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup avocado oil mayo or olive oil based
- 2 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Measure ⅓ cup avocado oil mayo, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 teaspoon coconut aminos and 1 teaspoon lemon juice into a clean mason jar or container with a lid.
- Add 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder, 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Thoroughly stir the ingredients to incorporate, or seal the jar with a lid and shake well to combine. Store unused sauce in the refrigerator and use within one week.
Notes
- Serve on hamburgers or sandwiches, or use as a dipping sauce. Store the burger sauce in the refrigerator.
- For best flavor, use within 1 week.
- This recipe yields ⅔ cup, or a little over 9 tablespoons of sauce.
Nutrition
Other Sauce Recipes
I'll teach you how to make simple from-scratch recipes, like seasonings, sauces, dinners and even desserts, that make cooking from home less overwhelming and more enjoyable.
My recipes have been featured on publications like South Your Mouth, Fun.com, Her Campus, Mental Floss, and the TastingTable.
I used this burger sauce on a vegan burger and it was delicious! I am here to tell you that it tastes great on a black bean burger. I also found a good vegan mayo recipe it worked great with your ingredients. I have bookmarked your sauce recipe.
I feel like this is my secret sauce now! It is so good, and I will definetly make two batches next time, because my family ate it all so fast!
I've always loved sauces but for some reason it's taken me 4 decades to realize that burgers are better with sauce, too! I make my own mayo with eggs from our backyard hens, so this mayo based sauce is perfect. Once you start putting this on your burgers, you'll never look back.
Love the addition of coconut aminos and smoked paprika. This was a hit with my family.
This sauce was perfect! You were right about the quality of the mayo being important - I splurged for Dukes. Made it for a bbq last weekend and we all absolutely drowned our burgers in it then scraped up the rest with fries! lol