By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on October 11, 2023 | Last Updated on October 11, 2023
McDonald’s spicy pepper sauce is a beloved condiment that adds a fiery and tangy kick to their menu items. This versatile sauce can be used as a dip for fries or chicken nuggets or spread on sandwiches for an added burst of flavor.
Despite its popularity, many people assume it may be difficult to recreate at home. The exact recipe for McDonald’s spicy pepper sauce remains a secret, but with this copycat recipe, you can now enjoy it anytime in the comfort of your own home.
Don’t wait for your next trip to McDonald’s to enjoy their spicy pepper sauce – follow these simple steps and have it ready whenever you want! So why not give this a try and add some spice to your meals today?
What is McDonald’s Spicy Pepper Sauce?
McDonald’s is an American fast-food chain that has become a household name. Known for its iconic golden arches and famous menu items such as the Big Mac and Quarter Pounder, McDonald’s has been satisfying customers’ cravings for decades.
One of their lesser-known but equally delicious items is the spicy pepper sauce. This sauce combines jalapeño, serrano, and red chili peppers with a blend of other ingredients to create a flavorful and spicy condiment. It’s the perfect addition to any meal for those who want a little extra heat and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This McDonald’s Spicy Pepper Sauce?
There are many reasons to love McDonald’s spicy pepper sauce, including its versatility and unique flavor profile. Here are a few more details on why you’ll love it:
- Easy to Make: This recipe only requires a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, making it easy for anyone to recreate at home.
- Customizable Heat Level: You can adjust the spiciness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less hot sauce and peppers.
- Bold Flavor: The combination of peppers, ketchup, mayo, and spices creates a bold and delicious flavor that pairs well with many dishes.
- Budget-Friendly: Making this spicy pepper sauce at home is not only convenient but also budget-friendly compared to constantly buying it from McDonald’s.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields enough sauce to share with family and friends, making it a great addition to any gathering or party.
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The Ingredients
- Jalapeño pepper: This is a medium-sized chili pepper, commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It adds a mild level of spiciness to the sauce.
- Serrano pepper: Similar to jalapeño peppers, serrano peppers are also common in Mexican cuisine and provide a slightly hotter flavor compared to jalapeños.
- Red chili pepper: These small, thin red peppers add a punch of heat to the sauce. You can use any variety of red chili peppers, such as cayenne or Thai chili peppers.
- Tomato ketchup: A staple condiment in most households, tomato ketchup adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the sauce.
- Mayonnaise: This creamy ingredient provides a smooth texture to the sauce and balances out the spiciness.
- Hot sauce: Any variety of hot sauce will work for this recipe, but feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade version.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a depth of flavor and aroma to the sauce. Make sure to finely mince it so that there are no large chunks in the final product.
- Smoked paprika: This spice adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work as well.
- Lime juice: The addition of fresh lime juice adds a bright and tangy element to the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: These common seasonings help balance the flavors in the sauce.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the Peppers
- Start by finely mincing the jalapeño, serrano, and red chili peppers.
- Make sure to remove the seeds and white membranes from the peppers, as that’s where most of the heat is concentrated.
- Wear gloves while handling hot peppers to avoid any irritation on your skin.
Step 2
Mix All Ingredients
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the minced peppers with tomato ketchup, mayonnaise, hot sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Step 3
Adjust Spiciness
- Taste the sauce and adjust the spiciness according to your preference.
- If you want it spicier, add more hot sauce or minced peppers.
- For a milder version, add more mayo or ketchup.
Step 4
Chill and Serve
- Once the desired level of spiciness is achieved, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
- This will allow the flavors to meld together and intensify.
- Serve chilled with your favorite dishes, just like they do at McDonald’s.
Notes
- You can use any variety of hot sauce you prefer, such as Tabasco or Sriracha.
- To make a vegan version of this sauce, simply use a plant-based mayo instead of regular mayonnaise.
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the mix.
- If you want a smoother consistency, you can blend the sauce in a food processor before chilling.
- This spicy pepper sauce pairs well with fries, chicken tenders, burgers, and sandwiches.
- You can also use it as a marinade or dipping sauce for grilled meats and vegetables.
Nutrition Information
How to store McDonald’s Spicy Pepper Sauce?
Once made, this spicy pepper sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving each time.
For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in ice cube trays and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once frozen. This way, you can have individual portions of the sauce ready to use whenever you want. Just thaw in the refrigerator before using and enjoy!
Variations
While this recipe is a close replica of McDonald’s spicy pepper sauce, feel free to make it your own by experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. Some delicious variations include:
- Add a tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce instead of hot sauce for a smoky and slightly less spicy version.
- Mixing in some chopped cilantro for a fresh and herbaceous twist.
- Adding a dash of your favorite vinegar for some tanginess.
- Using BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a smokier flavor profile.
Mcdonald’s Spicy Pepper Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 tsp finely minced jalapeño pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 2 tsp finely minced serrano pepper
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsp finely minced red chili pepper
- 2 tsp hot sauce
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tsp lime juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by finely mincing the jalapeño, serrano, and red chili peppers. Make sure to remove the seeds and white membranes as they contain most of the heat. Protect your hands by wearing gloves while handling hot peppers.
- In a petite mixing bowl, combine the minced peppers with tangy tomato ketchup, creamy mayonnaise, fiery hot sauce, pungent garlic, smoky paprika, tart lime juice, along with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir vigorously until all ingredients are uniformly blended.
- Sample the sauce and adjust the spiciness to your preference. For an extra kick, add more hot sauce or minced peppers. If you prefer a milder version, mix in additional mayo or ketchup.
- Allow the sauce to chill by covering the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerating it for at least an hour before serving. This will enhance the flavors and create a mouthwatering experience. Serve chilled alongside your favorite dishes, just like it’s done at McDonald’s.
Notes
- You can use any variety of hot sauce you prefer, such as Tabasco or Sriracha.
- To make a vegan version of this sauce, simply use a plant-based mayo instead of regular mayonnaise.
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the mix.
- If you want a smoother consistency, you can blend the sauce in a food processor before chilling.
- This spicy pepper sauce pairs well with fries, chicken tenders, burgers, and sandwiches.
- You can also use it as a marinade or dipping sauce for grilled meats and vegetables.
FAQs
How do I adjust the heat level of the sauce?
To make it spicier, add more hot sauce or minced peppers. To make it milder, add more mayo or ketchup.
Can I use different types of peppers?
Absolutely! You can mix and match with your favorite peppers to create a unique flavor profile. Just keep in mind the heat level of each pepper and adjust accordingly.
Can I make this thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply blend the ingredients in a food processor until the desired consistency is achieved. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch while mixing to thicken the sauce.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Definitely! This spicy pepper sauce adds great flavor to meats and vegetables when used as a marinade. Just make sure to adjust the consistency by blending or adding more liquid if needed.
Wrapping Up
Now you can easily recreate the delicious and spicy pepper sauce from McDonald’s right in your own kitchen. Use it as a dip for fries or chicken nuggets, or spread it on sandwiches for an extra kick of flavor. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is a must-try for any spicy food lover.
Thank you for reading our article on making a homemade version of McDonald’s Spicy Pepper Sauce. We hope you enjoyed learning about the ingredients and steps involved in making this delicious sauce.
Please share this article with your friends and family, and let us know how your homemade McDonald’s spicy pepper sauce turned out in the comments below!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
