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Have you ever dipped a crispy fry or a chicken nugget into something so good that you paused mid-bite to ask—“Wait, what is this sauce?” That’s probably Boom Boom Sauce working its magic. This spicy, creamy, tangy condiment is a flavor explosion and once you taste it, you’ll want to put it on everything—fries, burgers, tacos, even salads.
Boom Boom Sauce is not just another mayo-based dip—it’s a savory blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, garlic, and a kick of heat from Sriracha or hot sauce. It’s been popularized by fast-food joints and bottled versions like Ken’s Boom Boom Sauce, but nothing beats the freshness and control you get when making it at home.
In this post, we’ll walk through a simple Boom Boom Sauce copycat recipe that you can whip up in 5 minutes flat. Whether you’re hosting game night or meal prepping for the week, this sauce deserves a permanent spot in your fridge.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make homemade Boom Boom Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
The creamy base that makes the sauce rich and spreadable. Use full-fat for best flavor. - 2 tablespoons ketchup
Adds a touch of sweetness and tang for balance. - 1 tablespoon Sriracha or hot sauce
Provides that signature spicy kick. Adjust based on your heat tolerance. - 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
Brings a sweet-and-spicy contrast that’s signature to Boom Boom Sauce. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For bold, savory depth. - ½ teaspoon onion powder
Rounds out the flavor with a touch of umami. - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Adds smoky warmth and a beautiful reddish hue. - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Adds acidity to cut through the richness of the mayo. - 1 teaspoon sugar
Balances out the vinegar and spice. - Salt to taste (about ¼ teaspoon)
Brings all the flavors together.
Substitution Tip:
If you’re vegan, use a plant-based mayo. You can also use Greek yogurt for a lighter version (though it changes the flavor slightly).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get saucy? Here’s how to make Boom Boom Sauce from scratch:
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Start by measuring out all your ingredients into small prep bowls. This makes the mixing process easier and ensures you don’t forget anything.
2. Combine the Base
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet chili sauce. Whisk until fully blended and smooth.
3. Add the Heat
Stir in your Sriracha or hot sauce, depending on your spice preference. You can always start with less and add more after tasting.
4. Season It Up
Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, vinegar, and sugar. Whisk everything together until the sauce is completely smooth and cohesive.
5. Taste and Adjust
Give your sauce a taste test. Want more spice? Add a dash more Sriracha. Need more tang? A splash more vinegar will do the trick.
6. Chill (Optional but Recommended)
Cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve it as a dipping sauce, burger spread, or drizzle it over your favorite snacks. This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Boom Boom Sauce
- Use full-fat mayo for the creamiest, most authentic texture.
- Let it rest: Always let the sauce chill before serving—it enhances the flavor tenfold.
- Double batch it: You’ll regret making only one cup. Trust me.
- Customize the spice: Add crushed red pepper, cayenne, or chipotle for extra depth.
- Don’t skip the sweet chili sauce: It’s the secret to that sweet-spicy signature flavor.
Serving Suggestions
There’s no wrong way to enjoy Boom Boom Sauce—but here are some winning ideas:
- Dipping Sauce:
Perfect for fries, onion rings, chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, and shrimp. - Burger & Sandwich Spread:
Slather it on burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, or veggie wraps. - Taco Drizzle:
Add flair to fish tacos, chicken tacos, or quesadillas. - Salad Dressing:
Thin it out with a little milk or water and use as a zesty salad dressing. - Seafood Companion:
Serve it with fried shrimp, crab cakes, or calamari for a bold flavor punch.
Recipe Variations & Customizations
Looking to switch it up? Here are some easy variations:
Vegan Boom Boom Sauce
Use vegan mayo and ensure your sweet chili sauce is plant-based. You can also add a dash of soy milk for consistency if needed.
Boom Boom Ranch Sauce
Mix in 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning or 1 teaspoon dried dill for a ranch-style twist.
Extra Spicy Boom Boom Sauce
Add crushed red pepper, cayenne pepper, or a chopped chipotle in adobo sauce.
Garlic Lover’s Boom Boom Sauce
Stir in a fresh clove of minced garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
Sweet Boom Boom Sauce
Prefer more sweet than heat? Increase the sugar to 2 teaspoons and reduce the hot sauce.
Zesty Boom Boom Sauce
Add lemon juice instead of vinegar for a citrus-forward tang.
FAQs
What is Boom Boom Sauce?
Boom Boom Sauce is a creamy, spicy-sweet condiment made with mayonnaise, ketchup, Sriracha, garlic powder, and sweet chili sauce. It’s often served with fried foods and is known for its bold, addictive flavor.
Is Boom Boom Sauce spicy?
Yes, but it’s a mild-to-moderate spice. You can control the heat level by adjusting the amount of hot sauce or Sriracha.
Can I use Ken’s Boom Boom Sauce instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Ken’s Boom Boom Sauce is a convenient store-bought option. However, making it at home lets you customize the flavor and avoid preservatives.
How long does homemade Boom Boom Sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it lasts for up to 7 days.
Can I freeze Boom Boom Sauce?
Freezing is not recommended. The mayo base can separate and turn grainy when thawed.
Substitutes & Ingredient Alternatives
If you don’t have some of the ingredients on hand, here are smart swaps:
- Mayonnaise → Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a lighter or plant-based option.
- Sweet chili sauce → Honey + hot sauce for a quick DIY alternative.
- Sriracha → Any hot sauce (like Tabasco or Frank’s Red Hot) will work.
- Rice vinegar → Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice are great alternatives.
- Garlic & Onion Powder → Fresh minced garlic or shallots for a bolder kick.
Nutritional Information (Per Tablespoon)
Note: Values are approximate and may vary by brand.
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 110mg
Final Thoughts
Boom Boom Sauce isn’t just a condiment—it’s a game-changer for your taste buds. It’s creamy, tangy, spicy, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re planning a party platter or elevating a weekday meal, this sauce fits the bill perfectly.
And the best part? You probably have all the ingredients sitting in your fridge or pantry already. So what are you waiting for? Whip up this simple Boom Boom Sauce copycat recipe today and transform your dipping game.
Have you tried Boom Boom Sauce before? What did you pair it with?
Let us know in the comments below!
If you loved this recipe, check out our Garlic Ranch Pretzels Recipe for another bold snack companion.
Don’t forget to bookmark this page, rate the recipe, and share it with your sauce-loving friends!
