2 Irresistible Sauce Recipes: Can’s Sauce & Burger Sauce for Bold Flavor
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or whisk
- Airtight containers (for storage)
Ingredients
Can's Sauce
- 1 can 15 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil Optional
Burger Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp hot sauce Optional
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce Optional
Instructions
Can's Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir in fresh basil if desired.
Burger Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce if desired. Mix until smooth.
- Chill for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust salt levels as preferred.
- For a thicker Can’s Sauce, add more tomato paste or simmer longer.
Twists and Variations
- Spicy Sriracha Burger Sauce: Swap ketchup for sriracha and add lime juice.
- Smoky Chipotle Can’s Sauce: Add chopped chipotles in adobo.
- Herb-Infused Burger Sauce: Add fresh herbs like dill or chives.
- Sweet and Tangy Can’s Sauce: Stir in 1 tbsp of honey or maple syrup.
- Vegan Burger Sauce: Substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo.
Tips for Perfecting
- Taste & Balance: Adjust acidity, sweetness, and salt levels as desired.
- Make Ahead: Flavors improve after resting in the fridge.
- Fresh Herbs: Finely chop fresh herbs for smooth integration.
- Spice Caution: Start with less spice and add gradually.
Table of Contents
Starting
There’s something undeniably satisfying about having a delicious sauce that elevates a simple meal into something extraordinary. Whether you’re grilling up a juicy burger or whipping up a quick dip, sauces are the magical elements that tie everything together. Today, I’ll walk you through making a simple yet incredibly versatile Can’s Sauce and Burger Sauce—two easy, flavor-packed recipes that will have everyone asking for more. These sauces are adaptable, rich, and offer plenty of room for creativity!
Preparation Time and Total Duration
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Total Duration: 15 minutes
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Let’s start with the Can’s Sauce, a tomato-based wonder perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or fries.
Can’s Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) of crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil for a herby twist
Burger Sauce Ingredients:
- ½ cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of ketchup
- 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon of pickle juice (from your favorite pickles)
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- ½ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce (optional for a more savory kick)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of hot sauce for some extra heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Can’s Sauce:
- Prepare the Base: Start by heating the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. This step caramelizes the tomato paste, deepening its flavor.
- Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the can of crushed tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Season It Up: Add in the balsamic vinegar, sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Finishing Touches: If you’re using fresh basil, stir it in at the end for a pop of freshness. Your Can’s Sauce is now ready to be served!
Making Burger Sauce:
- Mix It Together: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. If you want a richer flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce. For a little heat, stir in some hot sauce.
- Chill: Cover the sauce and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors develop.
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of the two Sauces lies in their versatility. They aren’t limited to burgers and fries—you can find many creative uses to enjoy these sauces.
- Burgers: Slather the Burger Sauce generously on your favorite grilled or pan-seared burger. Pair it with crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and pickles for a classic combo. Add grilled mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Fries and Onion Rings: Use the Can’s Sauce as a dip for fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings. Its rich tomato flavor complements fried foods perfectly. You could even serve it alongside potato wedges for a fun twist.
- Sandwiches: Spread either sauce on sandwiches to add a burst of flavor. They both pair wonderfully with cold cuts or grilled veggies. Try it on a grilled cheese sandwich for a gourmet twist.
- Grilled Meats: Can’s Sauce also doubles as a great marinade or side for grilled chicken or steak. Serve alongside grilled corn for a backyard BBQ treat.
- Tacos: Use Burger Sauce as a topping for tacos. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor work wonders with beef or chicken tacos. Add a drizzle on fish tacos for an unexpected twist.
- Pizza Base: Use Can’s Sauce as a quick pizza base. Spread it over pizza dough, add your toppings, and bake for a delicious homemade pizza.
- Salads: For a twist, drizzle Burger Sauce over a loaded salad especially one featuring crispy chicken or bacon. The combination of creamy sauce with the crunch of greens is a refreshing change.
- Check also our chicken breast recipe, perfect with this sauce.
Storage Recommendations
Both sauces are easy to store, making them perfect for meal prep or keeping on hand for quick meals.
- Can’s Sauce: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. If you want to keep it for longer, freeze it in small portions (ice cube trays work great for this) for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
- Burger Sauce: Keep the sauce in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s best consumed fresh, but you can stir it up to revive the texture if it separates a bit over time.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Can’s Sauce:
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 2g
Burger Sauce:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
Notes
- Customizing Heat: If you like your sauces with a kick, feel free to add chili powder or cayenne to the Can’s Sauce, and adjust the amount of hot sauce in the Burger Sauce.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker Can’s Sauce, let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce further, or add more tomato paste. For a thinner sauce, add a tablespoon or two of water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Salt Adjustments: Both sauces can be easily adjusted for sodium levels. If you’re watching your salt intake, start with less salt and add gradually.
History and Culture
Both of these sauces are inspired by classic American burger culture but with a twist that modernizes the flavors. Can’s Sauce draws influence from traditional tomato sauces but adds layers of smokiness and tanginess from balsamic vinegar and smoked paprika. This creates a unique combination that stands out from basic ketchup.
Burger Sauce, on the other hand, is often referred to as “secret sauce” or “special sauce” in many iconic burger joints across the U.S. Its roots can be traced back to the early days of fast food culture when simple ingredients like mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard were combined to create a quick, flavorful spread. Our version stays true to that legacy while adding tang from the pickle juice and depth from Worcestershire sauce. Many burger lovers claim that a good burger sauce is the key to unlocking a truly indulgent, memorable burger experience.
Variations and Modern Twists
These sauces can easily be adapted to suit a range of tastes and occasions. Whether you’re into bold flavors or prefer a more subtle approach, here are some creative variations:
- Spicy Sriracha Burger Sauce: Replace ketchup with sriracha for a spicy, Asian-inspired twist. Add a bit of lime juice for brightness and a tangy contrast to the heat.
- Smoky Chipotle Can’s Sauce: Add chopped chipotles in adobo to the Can’s Sauce for a smoky, spicy variation that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or even roasted vegetables.
- Herb-Infused Burger Sauce: Mix in fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives into the Burger Sauce to make it more herbaceous and vibrant. This pairs beautifully with fish or chicken sandwiches.
- Sweet and Tangy Can’s Sauce: For a sweet kick, stir in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the Can’s Sauce. This balances out the acidity with a touch of sweetness and works great with fried appetizers.
- Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the mayonnaise in the Burger Sauce with vegan mayo to make it completely plant-based without sacrificing flavor. You can even use aquafaba (chickpea water) as a base for a homemade vegan mayo.
Tips for Perfecting
- Balance Is Key: In both sauces, balancing acidity, sweetness, and saltiness is essential. Taste as you go and adjust to your preferences. Sometimes, a dash of sugar can balance out acidity, while a squeeze of lemon can brighten a rich sauce.
- Make It Ahead: Both sauces taste even better after resting for a while in the fridge. The flavors meld together, becoming more harmonious, and the texture improves.
- Freshness Matters: If you’re using fresh herbs or garlic in your variations, ensure they’re finely chopped to integrate smoothly into the sauces. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the sauces considerably.
- Heat Control: If you’re aiming for a spicy version, always start with less heat and build up. It’s easier to add more spice than to tone it down, so add cautiously.
Final Thoughts
These sauces are more than just condiments they’re flavor boosters that can transform any meal. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue, a weeknight dinner, or just looking for a new
sauce to spice up your fries, the Can’s Sauce and Burger Sauce are sure to impress. Let your creativity shine with endless variations and make them your own signature recipes!
We’d love to hear from you! Leave your questions or comments below, and we’ll be sure to reply. Your feedback helps us improve and creates a vibrant community.
Sauces make any dish better
yummyy