Killer Burger Peanut Butter Sauce Recipe
This killer burger peanut butter sauce recipe brings a bold, creamy twist to your burgers with its perfect blend of nutty peanut butter, tangy pickles, and a hint of spice. It's quick to whip up using everyday ingredients and delivers that addictive sweet-savory flavor made famous by gourmet burger spots. Drizzle it over juicy patties with bacon and cheese for an unforgettable meal. The sauce chills in minutes and keeps well in the fridge. Ideal for barbecues or elevating weeknight dinners.
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or Fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula (optional)
- Small food processor or blender (optional for smoother texture)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter natural is best
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for sweetness
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce for flavor
- 1 clove of garlic minced
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish or finely chopped dill pickles for tang
- 1 teaspoon lime juice to brighten it up
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Base
- In a medium bowl, add the 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter and 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Whisk them together until smooth and well combined. This creates the creamy foundation that holds everything else.
- If the peanut butter is too thick, microwave it for 10 seconds to soften. Stir vigorously to avoid lumps. Set aside while you prep the flavors.
Add Sweet and Savory Elements
- Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Mix thoroughly to incorporate the sweetness and umami. Taste as you go to balance the flavors.
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. These add a subtle kick without overpowering. Keep whisking until evenly distributed.
Incorporate Tangy Components
- Fold in 1 tablespoon of pickle relish for that classic burger twist. Add the teaspoon of lime juice for brightness. Stir gently to combine without breaking down the relish too much.
- Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a final mix. The sauce should be thick but spreadable—if needed, thin with a teaspoon of water.
Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully. Stir once more before using.
- Spoon generously over hot burgers. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
Always use creamy peanut butter at room temperature for easy mixing, and don’t skip the chilling step—it lets the flavors come together beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go, since peanut butter brands vary in saltiness and sweetness. This sauce thickens in the fridge, so let it sit out a few minutes before spreading if needed.