SaveThis boom boom sauce recipe is a creamy, sweet and spicy dipping sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder and onion powder. You just whisk it together in about 5 minutes, and a short chill in the fridge lets the flavors blend. It makes about 1 cup. Serve it with fries, onion rings and chicken tenders, spread it on burgers, or toss it with fried shrimp. Below you’ll find what each ingredient adds, how it compares with bang bang and yum yum sauce, and how to adjust the heat and sweetness.
What Is Boom Boom Sauce?
Boom boom sauce is a pink-orange mayo-based sauce with gentle heat. Ketchup gives it a tangy tomato note, sweet chili sauce adds sweetness and little flecks of chile, and sriracha brings the kick. Garlic and onion powder make it savory enough for burgers and fries.
Boom boom vs. bang bang vs. yum yum sauce
| Boom boom | Bang bang | Yum yum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Mayo, ketchup | Mayo | Mayo, ketchup, butter |
| Sweet note | Sweet chili sauce | Sweet chili sauce, honey | Sugar |
| Heat | Sriracha | Sriracha | Mild (paprika, optional cayenne) |
| Best with | Fries, burgers, tenders | Shrimp, bowls | Hibachi rice and vegetables |
If you like a simpler sweet-heat sauce, try our bang bang sauce. For a milder hibachi-style sauce, see our yum yum sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Mayonnaise (3/4 cup): the creamy base. Full-fat mayo makes the richest sauce.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): tang, color and a little sweetness.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons): sweet, garlicky heat with visible chile flakes.
- Sriracha (2 teaspoons): the main heat. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) and onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): savory depth.
- Salt and black pepper (a pinch each): mayo and ketchup are already salted, so taste first.
How to Make Boom Boom Sauce
- Whisk. In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder and onion powder until smooth and evenly colored.
- Season. Taste, then add a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.
- Chill. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes so the garlic and onion powders soften and the flavors blend. Stir before serving.
Hotter, Milder or Sweeter
| You want | Change |
|---|---|
| Milder | Use 1 teaspoon sriracha |
| Hotter | Add 1 to 2 teaspoons more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne |
| Sweeter | Add 1 more tablespoon sweet chili sauce or 1 teaspoon honey |
| Tangier | Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or a squeeze of lemon |
| Lighter | Use half mayo, half plain Greek yogurt |
What to Dip in Boom Boom Sauce
Boom boom sauce is a natural with crispy, salty food. Dunk fries, tots, onion rings and chicken tenders in it, spread it on burgers and chicken sandwiches, or toss it with fried shrimp or cauliflower. It also makes a quick drizzle for tacos and rice bowls. For another burger spread, try our easy burger sauce.
Storing Boom Boom Sauce
Because it’s mayo-based, keep boom boom sauce cold. Refrigerate it in a covered container, don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), and keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below, as the CDC recommends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is boom boom sauce made of?
Mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder and onion powder.
Is boom boom sauce spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. Adjust the sriracha to make it milder or hotter.
What’s the difference between boom boom and bang bang sauce?
Boom boom adds ketchup and garlic for a tangier, more savory sauce; bang bang is usually just mayo, sweet chili sauce and sriracha.
Can I use a different hot sauce?
Yes. Any chili-garlic or cayenne hot sauce works; adjust the amount to taste.
Can I make it without mayo?
Swap in plain Greek yogurt; the sauce turns lighter and a bit more tart.
