Zesty Burger Sauce




Special Sauce. (Insert Name of Restaurant) Sauce. Fancy Sauce. Fry Sauce. Big Mac Sauce. Every single one of these means the same thing. All of these sauces (at their base) are interpretations of Thousand Island. Now, now, now, if you’re a lover of Big Mac Sauce, there is no tomato element which is needed for Thousand Island, hence, “interpretation”! Anywho, I really wanted a Classic Burger, for literally 2 weeks, sooooo, I made my own Zesty Burger Sauce! READ ON FOODIES!
The Sauce
The reason this makes the perfect sauce for not only Burgers, but French Fries, and other Sandwiches, it is a mixture of condiments that you already put on them! At it’s base, you have Ketchup, Mayo, and Mustard. In all honesty, you could stop there and have a pretty solid sauce. Don’t be a pansy…BEEF THAT SAUCE UP! Throw in a kick of acid with Apple Cider Vinegar. Use Olive Oil Mayo instead of regular for an even richer flavor. Add a tiny amount of smoke with Paprika! Instead of Pickle Relish, toss in some Bell Pepper Relish. SO MANY POSSIBILITIES FOR THIS ZESTY BURGER SAUCE!
The Stack




Sesame Bun: There isn’t a bun more classic for a Burger than a Sesame Bun! (Maybe be like me and fry the Bun in some Bacon fat…)
Dill Pickle: The added texture and punch of acid help relieve from all of the richness!
Zesty Burger Sauce: See previous paragraph.
Romaine: Usually, I would choose a different green but like I said, I wanted a classic. Romaine Lettuce brings that crispness. Logical choice!
Burger: A 1/3 lb. 85/15 Patty liberally seasoned with Garlic Powder, Paprika, Black Pepper, and Salt. Seared off in a cast iron pan with Bacon Grease and Butter!
Cheddar: Normally, Sharp Cheddar would do but there was a sale on Smoked Sharp Cheddar! Couldn’t ask for a more perfect cheese!
Red Onion: That punch of fresh! Keep reading for the onion tip!
Beef Steak Tomato: Added freshness and juiciness!
Tips
- Use whole Buns! The cutting takes a little extra time but they’re just better. Also, FRY THE BUN IN BACON GREASE…OR BUTTER!
- Rough chopped Romaine is the only way to go for a Classic Burger!
- Place Red Onion in cold water! It tames the Red Onion down and keeps them crisp.
- Use quality cheese! I’ve seen (and tasted) so many Burgers that use bland Cheese and it does absolutely nothing but add the L.B.’s to that summer bod.
Zesty Burger Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. Mayo (Olive Oil Based)
- 2 tbsp. Ketchup
- 1 tbsp. Zesty Bell Pepper Relish
- 1 tsp. Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 Garlic Clove (minced)
- 1/2 tsp. Paprika
- 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into mixing bowl.
- Chill for 1 hour.
- SMOTHER ALL THINGS WITH THIS SAUCE!
Notes
Sauce Tips:
For more of a classic Burger Sauce, use Yellow Mustard and Pickle Relish instead of Dijon and Red Bell Pepper.
Burger Tips:
Add Bacon!
Add some spice with Pepper Jack cheese!
Add Salt to Burger while making Patties and also on outer side of Patty.
Zesty Burger Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. Mayo (Olive Oil Based)
- 2 tbsp. Ketchup
- 1 tbsp. Zesty Bell Pepper Relish
- 1 tsp. Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 Garlic Clove (minced)
- 1/2 tsp. Paprika
- 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into mixing bowl.
- Chill for 1 hour.
- SMOTHER ALL THINGS WITH THIS SAUCE!
Notes
Sauce Tips:
For more of a classic Burger Sauce, use Yellow Mustard and Pickle Relish instead of Dijon and Red Bell Pepper.
Burger Tips:
Add Bacon!
Add some spice with Pepper Jack cheese!
Add Salt to Burger while making Patties and also on outer side of Patty.