Pub sauce is a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy condiment that can elevate your burgers, sandwiches, fries, and even grilled meats. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, this sauce is a must-have for anyone who loves a good homemade condiment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Versatile – Pairs well with burgers, fries, sandwiches, and grilled meats.
- Customizable – Adjust the ingredients to match your preferred taste.
- Better Than Store-Bought – No preservatives or artificial flavors, just pure deliciousness.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
- Honey or brown sugar
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Hot sauce (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and Dijon mustard.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey or brown sugar. Stir well.
- Mix in smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce if using.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve with your favorite dishes and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 1 cup of sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Resting Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Smokier Flavor – Increase the amount of smoked paprika or add a drop of liquid smoke.
- Sweeter Touch – Use more honey or brown sugar for a sweeter sauce.
- Tangy Twist – Add a splash of pickle juice or extra vinegar for more acidity.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Not recommended as mayo-based sauces can separate when thawed.
- Reheating: No reheating necessary—serve chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
What is pub sauce made of?
Pub sauce typically contains a blend of mayo, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and spices for a rich, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor.
Can I make pub sauce without mayonnaise?
Yes! You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
Is pub sauce spicy?
Not necessarily, but you can make it spicier by adding hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Can I use regular mustard instead of Dijon?
Yes, but Dijon mustard adds a more complex, slightly tangy depth of flavor.
How long does pub sauce last?
It stays fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator when stored properly.
Can I use pub sauce as a marinade?
Yes! It works well as a marinade for meats like chicken or pork.
What can I serve with pub sauce?
It pairs perfectly with burgers, fries, onion rings, grilled meats, and sandwiches.
Can I make a vegan version of pub sauce?
Yes, just use vegan mayo and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is plant-based.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, add more mayo or a small amount of cornstarch slurry.
Is this sauce similar to burger sauce?
Yes, but pub sauce has a smokier and slightly more complex flavor profile.
Conclusion
Pub sauce is a quick and delicious way to enhance your favorite meals with a tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet kick. Whether you’re using it for dipping, spreading, or marinating, this homemade condiment is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it today and take your dishes to the next level!
Pub Sauce Recipe
A rich, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce perfect for burgers, sandwiches, fries, and more. This homemade pub sauce is a must-have for adding bold flavor to your favorite pub-style dishes!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About ¾ cup
- Category: Condiments & Sauces
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp pickle juice (or white vinegar)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients.
- Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more spice or tang as desired.
- Let the sauce sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve with burgers, fries, chicken tenders, or as a dipping sauce for appetizers.
Notes
- For a sweeter version, add ½ tsp honey.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper.
