Looking for that perfect all-purpose sauce that’s creamy, spicy, and addictively delicious? This homemade boom boom sauce recipe takes just 5 minutes to make and elevates everything from seafood to burgers. Your taste buds will thank you!

What is Boom Boom Sauce?

Let me introduce you to your new favorite condiment! Boom boom sauce is that magical blend of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors that somehow makes everything taste better. This sauce first gained popularity at Sheetz convenience stores, where it was served alongside their crispy fried appetizers. Now, it’s become a cult favorite across America, and for good reason!

Think of boom boom sauce as the cooler cousin of remoulade or spicy mayo. It’s got that perfect balance of creaminess from mayonnaise, a sweet-and-tangy kick from chili sauce, and just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them. The best part? You probably already have most of the boom boom sauce ingredients in your kitchen right now!

When I first discovered this sauce, I couldn’t believe how versatile it was. I’ve drizzled it over fish tacos, used it as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries, spread it on sandwiches, and even tossed it with shrimp for an instant flavor upgrade. Once you make this, you’ll find yourself reaching for it constantly.

Why You’ll Love This Boom Boom Sauce Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this sauce:

Quick and easy: Takes just 5 minutes from start to finish
Versatile: Works as a dip, spread, drizzle, or marinade
Customizable: Easily adjust the heat level to suit your preference
Make-ahead friendly: Actually tastes better after it sits for a bit
Budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry staples
Crowd-pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults will love it (just adjust the spice!)

I’ve served this sauce at countless family gatherings and potlucks, and I’m always asked for the recipe. It’s one of those secret weapons that makes people think you’re a culinary genius, when really, you just combined a few simple ingredients in a bowl!

Boom Boom Sauce Ingredients

Let’s break down what you’ll need to make this magical sauce:

Base Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise (I prefer full-fat for richness, but light works too)
2-3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
Salt and pepper to taste

Don’t worry if you need to make substitutions! The beauty of boom boom sauce is its flexibility. No sweet chili sauce? Use honey and a dash of hot sauce. No sriracha? Try any hot sauce you have on hand. The sauce is very forgiving and adaptable to what’s in your pantry.

I remember one time when I was making this for a last-minute gathering and realized I was out of sweet chili sauce. I subbed in some honey and red pepper flakes, and honestly, my guests couldn’t tell the difference. That’s the beauty of homemade sauces – they’re endlessly adaptable!

How to Make Boom Boom Sauce from Scratch

You won’t believe how simple this is. No cooking required!

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a medium bowl, add the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and ketchup. Whisk until smooth and well combined. The mixture should have a pale orange-pink color.

Step 2: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Add the Worcestershire sauce and fresh lemon juice. Whisk again until everything is perfectly incorporated.

Step 3: Finish and Taste

Fold in the chopped fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is the moment to adjust any flavors – need more heat? Add more sriracha. Want it sweeter? A bit more chili sauce does the trick.

Step 4: Let the Flavors Meld

While you can absolutely use your boom boom sauce right away, I highly recommend letting it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight). This gives all those amazing flavors time to get to know each other and results in a more complex, delicious sauce.

One of my favorite things about making boom boom sauce is how it fills the kitchen with those aromatic spices. Even though there’s no cooking involved, just opening those bottles of paprika and chili sauce creates the most mouthwatering scent that has everyone asking, “What are you making?”

Tips for the Perfect Boom Boom Sauce

After making this sauce more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to absolutely irresistible:

Use room temperature mayo: This helps all the ingredients blend more smoothly without lumps.
Taste as you go: Everyone’s preference for spice is different, so add the sriracha gradually until you reach your perfect heat level.
Quality matters: Since there are relatively few ingredients, use the best quality mayonnaise you can find. It really does make a difference.
Fresh garlic option: For an even more robust flavor, substitute the garlic powder with 1-2 minced fresh garlic cloves. Just be aware the flavor will intensify over time.
The secret ingredient: A tiny splash of pickle juice adds an incredible tang that most people can’t identify but absolutely love!

I learned that last tip from my grandmother, who always added a splash of pickle juice to her special sauce. The first time I tried it in boom boom sauce, it was a total game-changer. Those little touches are what make homemade sauces so special.

Delicious Variations of Boom Boom Sauce

One of the reasons I adore this boom boom sauce recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs:

Spicy Boom Boom Sauce

For heat lovers, add an extra tablespoon of sriracha plus a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Smoky Boom Boom Sauce

Double the smoked paprika and add a dash of liquid smoke or chipotle powder for a deliciously smoky version that pairs beautifully with grilled meats.

Herb-Loaded Boom Boom Sauce

Add a variety of fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, basil, and extra chives for a garden-fresh take that’s perfect for spring and summer dishes.

Lighter Boom Boom Sauce

Substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version with a pleasant tang. This variation has less calories but still maintains that creamy texture we all love.

Sweet Boom Boom Sauce

Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter sauce that kids especially love. It’s perfect for those who enjoy sweet-and-spicy combinations.

I came up with the herb-loaded version last summer when my garden was overflowing with fresh herbs. It was such a hit at our family barbecue that it’s now a seasonal tradition when fresh herbs are abundant.

What to Serve with Boom Boom Sauce

This versatile sauce pairs beautifully with so many foods! Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

Seafood Pairings:

Drizzled over grilled or fried shrimp
As a dipping sauce for fish sticks or crab cakes
Mixed into tuna or shrimp salad
Spread on fish tacos or seafood sandwiches
As a flavor boost for salmon patties

Veggie Options:

Dipping sauce for sweet potato fries or onion rings
Drizzled over roasted vegetables
As a spread for veggie burgers
Mixed into coleslaw for a flavor twist
Dressing for a quick salad

Meat and Poultry Ideas:

Spread on burgers or chicken sandwiches
Dipping sauce for chicken tenders or nuggets
Drizzled over tacos or burritos
Mixed with shredded chicken for quick wraps
As a dip for grilled steak bites

I once served this at a potluck with a platter of air-fried vegetables, and it disappeared faster than anything else on the table! The combination of the crispy veggies with the creamy, tangy boom boom sauce was absolutely irresistible.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about homemade boom boom sauce is that it actually gets better with time as the flavors meld together.

How to Store:

Keep your sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will stay fresh for up to 7-10 days (if it lasts that long!).
Give it a good stir before using, as some separation is natural.

Make-Ahead Tips:

This sauce is perfect for meal prep! I often make a double batch on Sundays.
For the freshest flavor, add the herbs just before serving if you’re making it several days in advance.
If the sauce thickens too much in the refrigerator, add a tiny splash of water or lemon juice to thin it to your desired consistency.

I always keep a jar of boom boom sauce in my fridge for impromptu gatherings. Last month, when friends stopped by unexpectedly, I was able to transform some leftover grilled chicken and vegetables into an impressive appetizer platter just by adding this sauce. It’s truly a lifesaver for entertaining!

Dietary Adaptations

Need to adjust this boom boom sauce recipe for dietary restrictions? I’ve got you covered:

Vegan Boom Boom Sauce:

Simply substitute the regular mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegan (many contain anchovies). The taste is nearly identical!

Gluten-Free Option:

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your Worcestershire sauce and sweet chili sauce, as some brands may contain gluten.

Keto-Friendly Version:

Use a sugar-free sweet chili sauce or substitute with a combination of sugar-free sweetener and red pepper flakes. Skip the ketchup or use a no-sugar version.

Egg-Free Alternative:

Look for egg-free mayonnaise options at your grocery store, or make a base using silken tofu blended until creamy.

My neighbor follows a vegan diet, and she absolutely raves about this sauce made with vegan mayo. She says it’s one of those recipes where you truly can’t tell the difference between the original and the adapted version.

Frequently Asked Questions

After sharing this boom boom sauce recipe with friends and family, these are the questions I get asked most often:

What is boom boom sauce made of?

Boom boom sauce is primarily made of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, along with various seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs. It’s a creamy, tangy sauce with a hint of sweetness and spice.

Is boom boom sauce the same as yum yum sauce?

While they’re similar, they’re not identical. Boom boom sauce typically has more heat from sriracha and a more complex flavor profile with smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce. Yum yum sauce (often served at Japanese steakhouses) is usually sweeter and less spicy.

Can I make boom boom sauce less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the sriracha and add a bit more sweet chili sauce. You’ll still get all the wonderful flavors without the heat.

How long does homemade boom boom sauce last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade boom boom sauce will stay fresh for 7-10 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day!

Can I freeze boom boom sauce?

I don’t recommend freezing this sauce as mayonnaise-based sauces tend to separate and become grainy when thawed. It’s so quick to make fresh that freezing isn’t necessary!

What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?

If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can make a quick substitute by mixing honey or sugar with red pepper flakes and a splash of vinegar. Adjust the sweetness and heat to your liking.

Let’s Connect!

I hope this boom boom sauce recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine! There’s something so satisfying about creating a versatile sauce that can transform even the simplest dishes into something special.

Have you tried making boom boom sauce before? What’s your favorite way to use it? I’d love to hear how you’ve incorporated this delicious condiment into your meals or any creative variations you’ve come up with!

Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next gathering or weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you start making your own boom boom sauce, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought condiments again. The fresh, vibrant flavors and the ability to customize it exactly to your taste make all the difference.

Until next time, happy cooking and boom boom sauce making!

Hungry for more? Check out our top rated recipes :

Table of Contents