If you’ve ever visited Ike’s Place, you know the magic isn’t just in their sandwiches but also in their legendary Dirty Sauce. This sauce is a perfect blend of tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that elevate any sandwich or dish to a whole new level.
While Ike’s keeps their exact recipe under wraps, food enthusiasts and copycats alike have worked tirelessly to recreate this iconic condiment at home. Today, I’m excited to share a detailed, easy-to-follow recipe that captures the essence of Ike’s Dirty Sauce, so you can enjoy that addictive flavor anytime you want.
Whether you’re a fan of bold sauces or simply looking to add a new staple to your kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress.
This sauce pairs beautifully with sandwiches, burgers, and even as a dip for fries or veggies. The combination of mayo, BBQ sauce, mustard, hot sauce, and some special spices creates a creamy yet complex condiment that’s tangy, smoky, and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for more.
Ready to make your own batch of Ike’s Dirty Sauce? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Dirty Sauce recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold, flavorful condiments. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to make, and uses common pantry ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
The sauce strikes a perfect balance between creamy, tangy, smoky, and spicy, making it an excellent addition to sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and even grilled veggies.
Another reason to love this recipe is that it’s customizable. If you prefer more heat, a little extra hot sauce does the trick.
If you’re after a sweeter note, a splash more BBQ sauce will satisfy that craving. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks, so you can always have some on hand for quick meals or snacks.
If you enjoy this sauce, you might also want to check out some of my other recipes like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious and Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping for more tasty ideas!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use vegan mayo for a plant-based option)
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (for a subtle tang)
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (balances out the flavors)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl (medium size)
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Storage jar or airtight container
Instructions
- Combine the base ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add the 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce, and 1 tablespoon yellow mustard. Stir well to create a smooth, uniform base.
- Add the heat and tang: Mix in 1 tablespoon hot sauce and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. These ingredients bring the signature tanginess and spice to the sauce.
- Season the sauce: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and optional 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Whisk thoroughly to blend all the spices evenly.
- Sweeten and balance flavors: Add 1 teaspoon sugar or honey to balance the acidic and spicy components. Mix again until fully incorporated.
- Let it rest: For best flavor, cover the bowl or transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve and enjoy: Use the Dirty Sauce generously on sandwiches, burgers, or as a dip for fries and veggies. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Tips & Variations
Tip: Adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce and cayenne pepper. For a milder version, omit the cayenne entirely.
Variation: For a smoky twist, try adding a dash of liquid smoke or chipotle powder instead of smoked paprika.
Make it vegan: Use vegan mayo and ensure your BBQ sauce is plant-based to keep this sauce entirely vegan-friendly.
Storage tip: Store in a sealed container in the fridge, and always use a clean spoon to prevent contamination and extend shelf life.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per 2 tablespoons |
---|---|
Calories | 90 kcal |
Fat | 8 g |
Saturated Fat | 1.2 g |
Carbohydrates | 3 g |
Sugar | 2 g |
Protein | 0.2 g |
Sodium | 180 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Dirty Sauce shines brightest when paired with sandwiches and burgers, but its versatility is what makes it a kitchen favorite. Here are a few ideas on how to enjoy it:
- Spread generously on your favorite sub or hoagie sandwich for that authentic Ike’s experience.
- Use as a dipping sauce for crispy fries, onion rings, or even sweet potato fries.
- Drizzle over grilled or roasted vegetables for an extra punch of flavor.
- Mix into potato salad or coleslaw to add a smoky, spicy twist to classic sides.
- Try it as a burger topping with lettuce, tomato, and pickles for an irresistible combo.
Conclusion
Making Ike’s Place Dirty Sauce at home is easier than you might think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. This sauce captures the unique balance of smoky, tangy, spicy, and creamy flavors that make Ike’s sandwiches so unforgettable.
Whether you’re a sandwich aficionado or simply looking to boost your condiment game, this recipe is a must-try. It’s flexible, easy to store, and enhances a variety of dishes beyond just sandwiches.
Experiment with the spice levels and ingredients to tailor it to your taste buds, and soon you’ll have a homemade sauce that rivals the original. Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes such as Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious or the Best Vegan Pepper Jack Cheese Slice Recipe for Melty Flavor to continue your culinary adventure!
📖 Recipe Card: Ike's Place Dirty Sauce
Description: A tangy and spicy sauce perfect for sandwiches and dips. This recipe balances heat and flavor for an addictive condiment.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard in a bowl.
- Add pickle relish, hot sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Mix in smoked paprika, black pepper, and sugar.
- Stir in lemon juice until fully blended.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 90 kcal | Protein: 0.5 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 2 g
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