Sauce That Goes Viral
Ever made a decent burger and thought, “This needs something”? That’s the exact moment you discover the smash burger sauce. It’s that gooey, tangy, slightly spicy magic that makes everyone’s eyes roll back in delight. Picture this: golden patties dripping sauce, buns soaking it up—instant culinary flex. Ready to transform your sandwiches and smash burger game?
Why This Recipe Is Awesome
- Flavor explosion: Sweet, tangy, creamy, and a hint of heat. Your taste buds will RSVP “yes.”
- Ridiculously easy: Whisk five ingredients in a bowl—done. No blender, no fuss.
- Versatile AF: Burgers, fries, tacos, bowls, even eggs—if it needs sauce, this nails it.
- Brag-worthy: Homemade beats the generic packet sauce. People will ask for the recipe.
Ingredients
(Makes about 1 cup)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat for richness)
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder
Substitutions:
- Dairy-free? Use vegan mayo.
- Low-sugar? Use sugar-free ketchup or half the quantity.
- Want more heat? Add Sriracha or hot sauce to taste.
Tools & Kitchen Gadgets Used
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring spoons/cups
- Airtight jar or squeeze bottle (for storage/serving)
- Rubber spatula (optional, for scraping bowl)
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Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Dump mayo into bowl.
- Add ketchup and mustard—think classic smack in the face of flavor.
- Drizzle Worcestershire sauce, stir it in.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika, whisk until silky smooth.
- Taste test: adjust sauce—more mustard for tang, more ketchup for sweetness, more Worcestershire for umami.
- Transfer to jar or squeeze bottle.
- Refrigerate at least 30 minutes so flavors marry—if you can wait.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories per tablespoon: ~100 kcal
- Fat: ~11 g (mostly from mayo)
- Carbs: ~1–2 g (from ketchup)
- Protein: ~0.1 g
Nutrition notes:
- Rich and indulgent; perfect in small amounts.
- Store in fridge up to 2 weeks (taste may mellow over time).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping rest time: sauce needs at least 30 mins to shine—hot sauce hot takes need time too.
- Measuring sloppily: eyeballing leads to ketchup-heavy glue or mustard explosion.
- Mayo substitutes: low-fat mayo changes texture—go full-fat.
- Skipping Worcestershire: it’s the umami anchor—don’t ghost it.
- Over-spicing: paprika adds smokiness; too much becomes bitter.
Variations & Customizations
- Spicy Sriracha twist: add 1 tsp Sriracha and dash of lime juice.
- Garlic lover’s dream: stir in ½ tsp garlic powder or minced garlic.
- Pickle fan upgrade: mix in 1 Tbsp finely chopped pickles or relish.
- Keto remix: swap ketchup for sugar-free chili paste, keep mustard/mayo.
- Herby version: blend in 1 Tbsp chopped chives or parsley for freshness.
FAQ
1. What’s smash burger sauce made of?
It’s a mayo-based combo with ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, and paprika.
2. Can I use this sauce on other dishes?
Absolutely—fries, salads, sandwiches, tacos—it’s a multi-tasker.
3. How long does it keep?
Up to 2 weeks in the fridge in a sealed jar.
4. Is it spicy?
By default, no. Add Sriracha or hot sauce if you want a kick.
5. Can I use low-fat mayo?
You can, but it’ll taste and feel less rich. Go full-fat for best results.
6. How do I make it keto-friendly?
Use sugar-free ketchup or reduce ketchup; mustard and mayo are keto-friendly.
7. Can I make it vegan?
Yes—use vegan mayo and dairy-free Worcestershire sauce.
Final Thoughts
So there you go—the ultimate smash burger sauce that turns every bite into a flavor-packed party. Whip it up, drizzle it on burgers, tacos, fries, or whatever needs a kick. Snap a shot of your saucy goodness and tag me—once you slather this on, store-bought condiments will feel like dust. Sauce game: leveled up.