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In N Out Sauce

This copycat In N Out sauce brings that iconic West Coast burger flavor right into your kitchen in less than 5 minutes. Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy, this legendary condiment is perfect for burgers, fries, or pretty much anything that needs a flavor boost.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 16 tablespoons
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Calories: 65
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise preferably full-fat for authentic flavor
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish not dill
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon paprika optional, for color

Equipment

  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Airtight container or jar for storage
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

  1. Add the mayonnaise and ketchup to your mixing bowl and whisk until completely smooth with no streaks. Mix thoroughly until the mixture looks uniform and peachy-orange.
  2. Stir in the sweet pickle relish, making sure to include some of the brine from the jar. The pickle chunks should distribute evenly throughout the sauce.
  3. Pour in the white vinegar and sprinkle in the sugar, then whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until the sugar dissolves completely.
  4. Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika if using. Whisk again until the spices disappear into the sauce with no dry spots or clumps floating on top.
  5. Dip a clean spoon into the sauce and taste it. If it tastes too rich, add a tiny splash more vinegar. If it's too tangy, add a pinch more sugar or an extra dollop of mayo.
  6. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let all the flavors marry together.
  7. Pull the sauce from the fridge and give it a stir with a spoon. If it's too thick, whisk in water a teaspoon at a time until you reach the right consistency.
  8. Do one last taste test now that the sauce has chilled. The sauce should taste tangy, creamy, and slightly sweet with a subtle savory background. Stir before each use.

Notes

Make this sauce at least a few hours ahead, or even the night before, for the best flavor. The overnight rest in the fridge allows the onion and garlic powders to fully bloom and all the ingredients to meld into that signature taste. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Always use a clean spoon when scooping out sauce to prevent contamination. Do not freeze as mayo-based sauces separate and become grainy when thawed.