Other/Global · dipping
Boom Boom Sauce
Boom Boom Sauce is a creamy American condiment made from mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce that delivers a mildly spicy, tangy flavor used primarily as a dipping sauce or sandwich spread.
Quick facts
Core identity, dietary fit, and storage ranges in a scannable reference table.
| Origin | United States, early 21st century |
|---|---|
| Base | Mayonnaise |
| Primary ingredients | mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, ketchup |
| Flavor profile | creamy, sweet, tangy, mildly spicy |
| Color | Pale orange-pink |
| Consistency | Thick; smooth and spreadable with a dense, creamy body |
| Refrigerator shelf life | 7 days |
| Freezer shelf life | Not established |
| Vegan | No |
| Gluten-free | Depends on the recipe or product |
| Dairy-free | Yes |
Dietary note
Recipes and labels vary
Check ingredient labels and individual dietary requirements; homemade and packaged versions can differ.
Browse sauces sharing an ingredient
How it’s made
Mayonnaise is whisked together with sweet chili sauce, sriracha, ketchup, and garlic powder until smooth. No cooking is required. The sauce is refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Boom Boom Sauce recipe
Mayonnaise is whisked together with sweet chili sauce, sriracha, ketchup, and garlic powder until smooth. No cooking is required. The sauce is refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Method
- Combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, ketchup, garlic powder, and onion powder in a medium bowl.
- Whisk until the mixture is fully smooth and uniform in color.
- Taste and adjust sriracha for heat or sweet chili sauce for sweetness.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.
Common uses
Practical applications with the role this sauce plays in each dish.
Use 01
Dipping sauce for shrimp
Served alongside fried or grilled shrimp as a creamy, spicy dipping sauce.
Use 02
Burger spread
Applied to burger buns as a flavorful alternative to plain mayonnaise or ketchup.
Use 03
Dipping sauce for fries
Used as a dipping sauce for french fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings.
Use 04
Sandwich condiment
Spread on sandwiches, wraps, or hoagies to add creaminess and mild heat.
Use 05
Chicken tender dip
Paired with fried or baked chicken tenders as a sweet-spicy dipping sauce.
Use 06
Drizzle for tacos
Drizzled over fish or shrimp tacos to complement seafood and slaw toppings.
Use 07
Vegetable dip
Served as a dip for raw or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers.
Use 08
Grain bowl topping
Drizzled over rice or grain bowls to add a creamy, spiced finish.
Pairings
Pairing ideas grouped by food role for quick comparison.
Proteins
- fried shrimp
- grilled chicken
- fish fillets
- crab cakes
- chicken tenders
Vegetables
- broccoli
- bell peppers
- carrots
- cucumber slices
- roasted cauliflower
Carbs
- french fries
- sweet potato fries
- burger buns
- flour tortillas
- steamed rice
Boom Boom Sauce substitutes
Starting ratios, best uses, and the main functional tradeoff for each alternative.
| Substitute | Ratio | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yum Yum sauce | 1:1 | Dipping and drizzling | Milder and slightly sweeter; lacks sriracha heat. |
| Spicy mayo | 1:1 | Sushi, burgers, and dipping | Simpler flavor; omits sweet chili and ketchup components. |
| Thousand Island dressing | 1:1 | Sandwiches and burgers | Tangier and less spicy; similar creamy orange appearance. |
| Remoulade sauce | 1:1 | Seafood dipping | More complex and herbal; works well with shrimp and crab. |
| Sriracha mayo | 1:1 | Spreading and dipping | Spicier and less sweet; omit ketchup and sweet chili sauce. |
Storage
Keep time and temperature guidance visible, and discard sauce when spoilage signs appear.
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Keep away from raw proteins to prevent cross-contamination.
Freezer
Freezing is not recommended. Mayonnaise-based sauces separate upon thawing, resulting in an unacceptable texture.
Signs of spoilage
Discard if the sauce develops an off odor, visible mold, or significant liquid separation after stirring.
Boom Boom Sauce FAQ
Short, self-contained answers to common questions.
What does Boom Boom Sauce taste like?
Boom Boom Sauce is creamy, mildly spicy, and slightly sweet with a tangy undertone. The mayonnaise base provides richness, sweet chili sauce adds sweetness, and sriracha contributes gentle heat. The overall flavor is approachable rather than intensely hot.
Is Boom Boom Sauce the same as yum yum sauce?
No. Both are mayonnaise-based condiments, but Boom Boom Sauce includes sweet chili sauce and sriracha for more pronounced heat and sweetness. Yum yum sauce typically uses tomato paste or ketchup with butter and is milder and less spicy.
Is Boom Boom Sauce gluten-free?
It depends on the specific ingredients used. Mayonnaise and sriracha are generally gluten-free, but some sweet chili sauces and ketchup brands may contain gluten or be processed in shared facilities. Check individual product labels to confirm gluten-free status.
How long does homemade Boom Boom Sauce last?
Homemade Boom Boom Sauce keeps for up to 7 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because it contains mayonnaise, it should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Can Boom Boom Sauce be made less spicy?
Yes. Reduce or omit the sriracha and use a mild sweet chili sauce to lower the heat level. Adding a small amount of honey can further balance any remaining spice while preserving the sauce's characteristic sweetness.