There’s just something about the Shake Shack Burger sauce. It’s. So. Darn. Good.
And if you love it as much as I do, then you need to check out this Shake Shack Burger Sauce recipe.
Unlike other burger spreads that are mostly a mayo-ketchup blend that tend to be on the sweet side, Shake Shack Burger Sauce uses homemade mayonnaise, tangy Dijon mustard, fresh garlic, chopped dill pickles, and a hint of spice to create a creamy blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Instead of being too sweet, you get just right – with just enough heat to wake up the tastebuds.
Tired of other copycat recipes that didn’t quite capture Shake Shack’s authentic flavor, I set out to recreate Shake Shack’s addictive sauce.
After multiple visits and enjoying, I mean testing, I don’t know how many Shake Shack burger I’ve eaten.
And with a little tinkering in the kitchen, I’ve come up with an authentic Shake Shack Burger Sauce recipe that you’ll swear tastes just like the original.
You won’t need any unique ingredients or special equipment for this delicious burger sauce recipe.
In addition, it’s so easy to make you can have it ready in just minutes.
I’ve also provided some easy ways to customize your sauce depending on your tastes.
So if you’ve been looking for the perfect burger sauce recipe, your search is over.
Read on for an authentic Shake Shack Burger Sauce recipe that tastes as good (or even better) than the original.
What Do You Need To Make Shake Shack Burger Sauce
Ingredients
Fresh Garlic
Gives your burger sauce a delicious nutty and spicy flavor.
You can substitute ½ teaspoon of garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic.
Mayonnaise
I always recommend using homemade mayonnaise – it’s creamier and has more flavor.
However, feel free to use your favorite brand.
If you like a tangier burger sauce, you can substitute Miracle Whip for the mayo.
Ketchup
Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and rich tomato flavor.
Feel free to substitute tomato sauce for the ketchup for a less sweet sauce.
Dijon Mustard
Gives your sauce a sophisticated tang.
Dill Pickle
Adds texture and sour notes to balance out the sweetness.
If you like a sweeter sauce, feel free to substitute chopped sweet pickles or sweet pickle relish.
Paprika
Adds a touch of exotic flavor and deepens the color of your sauce.
Ground Cayenne Pepper
For just the right amount of spice.
Salt and Pepper
Balance out the other flavors.
I recommend using coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Be sure to taste your sauce to avoid overseasoning it.
Equipment
- Cutting board and knife
- Non-reactive mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Blender or food processor (optional)
How To Make Shake Shack Burger Sauce
Step One: First, peel and mince the garlic clove and finely chop the dill pickle slices.
Step Two: In a non-reactive mixing bowl, add all the ingredients. Stir until well mixed.
Note: If you like a smoother burger sauce, pour it into a blender or food processor and pulse until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step Three: Taste your sauce and adjust any of the ingredients.
Step Four: Season with salt and pepper.
Step Five: Allow your sauce to rest in the fridge for an hour to allow the flavors to develop.
Step Two: Serve warm or chilled.
Enjoy!
Other Things To Consider When Making Shake Shack Burger Sauce
It’s Easy to Customize Your Sauce
This Shake Shack Burger Sauce recipe makes an authentic Shake Shack Burger sauce.
But why limit yourself when creating new and delicious sauces is so easy?
- For example, apple cider vinegar pairs well with the other flavors and will give your sauce more tang.
- While substituting smoked paprika will give your sauce an intense smokey flavor.
- Or add a tablespoon of diced fresh onion to complement the minced garlic and give your sauce more texture.
- A teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce deepens the flavors and goes great with the Dijon mustard and ketchup.
- And if you want more heat, add another pinch (or two) of ground cayenne pepper or ½ a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce.
The bottom line is to have fun and experiment with different flavor combinations to discover your favorite version.
What Can I Eat with Shake Shack Burger Sauce?
Why settle for an ordinary burger when Shake Shack Burger Sauce will turn it into an addictive, mouth-watering work of art?
But why limit yourself to only burgers?
- This versatile sauce tastes so good it will make all your favorite foods taste even better.
- Use it for a great-tasting fry dip.
- A delicious alternative to mayonnaise on all your favorite sandwiches.
- Goes great with grilled chicken.
- Serve with roasted potato wedges for the perfect side dish.
- Use it to dip grilled or breaded shrimp or as an alternative to steak sauce for grilled meats.
You can even thin it with olive oil for a sweet and tangy salad dressing.
Tip: for a better-tasting burger, spread it over both buns to maximize the flavor!
Make More Than You Need!
Shake Shack Burger Sauce tastes so good you’ll never have enough on hand.
So go ahead and double up the recipe.
This Shake Shack Burger Sauce recipe will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container.
However, I wouldn’t recommend freezing it since it’s a mayo-based sauce.
I like to whip up an extra batch over the weekend.
That way, I always have some on hand to satisfy those mid-week cravings without making a sudden dash through the drive-through.
Shake Shack Burger Sauce Recipe
This Shake Shack Burger Sauce Recipe is as good as the original. And the best news - it takes just 10 minutes to whip up. Perfect for burgers, a fry dip or even as a sandwich sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 clove fresh garlic, peeled and minced
- ½ cup of mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 5 slices of kosher dill pickle, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of ground cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- First, peel and mince the garlic clove and finely chop the dill pickle slices.
- In a non-reactive mixing bowl, add the garlic, mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, chopped dill pickle, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- If you like a smoother burger sauce, pour it into a blender or food processor and pulse until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste your sauce and adjust any of the ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Allow your sauce to rest in the fridge for an hour to allow the flavors to develop.
- Serve warm or chilled.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Like it hot? Add another pinch of cayenne pepper or ½ teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce.
- Substitute sweet pickles for the dills if you prefer a sweeter-tasting sauce.
- Use smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to give your sauce a smokey flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to give your sauce some tang.
- Change the mustard to change the taste - some great options are yellow, spicy brown, or honey mustard.
- Add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for a more savory-tasting burger sauce.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 40Total Fat: 3gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 145mgCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1g
Related Shake Shack guides you may want to see:
Hello, I’m Jeremy, a sauce enthusiast and taste trailblazer! My endless pursuit of new flavors has led me on a journey to master sauce making at home, along with try out a range of exciting brands and sauce offerings. Now I share my recipes, tips and recommendations on WeWantTheSauce to help fellow foodies find the perfect sauces.