Boom Boom Sauce is the kind of dip that instantly makes fries, shrimp, or chicken sandwiches unforgettable. Creamy, slightly sweet, and with just enough heat, it’s one of those sauces people try once and then crave again and again. Popularized by Sheetz gas station restaurants and now bottled by brands like Ken’s, this sauce has gone from a regional secret to a pantry staple. In this guide, you’ll not only learn how to make a foolproof copycat recipe in just 5 minutes but also discover where to buy it, how it compares to similar sauces like Yum Yum and Bang Bang, and creative ways to use it at home.
What Is Boom Boom Sauce? Taste, Ingredients, and Best Uses
What Does it Taste Like?
This Sauce is best described as creamy, tangy, a little sweet, and lightly spicy. The base is mayonnaise, which gives it a smooth texture, while ketchup and sweet chili sauce add sweetness and depth. A touch of sriracha delivers the heat. It’s not overwhelmingly spicy, but you can adjust the kick depending on your preference.
Core Ingredients (With Simple Swaps)
The classic recipe calls for just a few everyday items:
- Mayonnaise (avocado oil mayo or vegan mayo work too)
- Ketchup (or tomato paste + extra chili sauce if you want it less sweet)
- Sweet chili sauce (bottled Thai-style works best)
- Sriracha (adjust to taste or swap with chili-garlic paste)
- Garlic and onion powder (add depth without overpowering)
- Salt to balance the flavors
Optional swaps:
- Greek yogurt for part of the mayo (lighter, tangier)
- Mustard or pickle juice for extra tang
- Smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky finish
What Is Boom Boom Sauce Used For?
This creamy dip pairs perfectly with chicken dishes, and if you love easy stir-fries, you’ll enjoy making Chicken Lo Mein or Mushroom Chicken. And this versatile sauce pairs well with almost anything:
- Fries and onion rings
- Shrimp, fish sticks, or calamari
- Chicken tenders and nuggets
- Burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches
- Tacos, wraps, and rice bowls
- Thinned out as a salad dressing
It’s especially famous for “Boom Boom Shrimp”, fried shrimp coated in this sauce for a quick appetizer that rivals restaurant versions.
Origin of Boom Boom Sauce
This creamy sauce gained popularity through Sheetz restaurants, a convenience chain in the U.S. Its reputation spread quickly, leading to bottled versions like Ken’s Boom Boom Sauce, and variations popping up on menus at places like Chuy’s, Culver’s, and Waba Grill. While each brand puts its own twist on the flavor, the base idea remains the same, a creamy, sweet, slightly spicy dip that makes food addictive.
5-Minute Boom Boom Sauce Recipe [Step-by-Step]
Ingredients and Measures
To make a classic Sheetz-style Boom Boom Sauce, you only need pantry staples. This version is balanced for a creamy, tangy, sweet, and mildly spicy flavor, but you can adjust easily:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (use avocado oil mayo or vegan mayo for alternatives)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (reduce for mild, increase for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
Optional swaps: Greek yogurt for lighter texture, Dijon mustard for tang, or pickle juice for acidity.
How to Make Boom Boom Sauce
This sauce is as easy as it gets:
- Whisk everything together. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Taste and adjust. Add more sriracha for spice or a dash of sugar if you prefer it sweeter. Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes so the flavors meld.
That’s it, in just 5 minutes, you have a dip that works with almost anything.
Variations and Heat Control
This sauce is flexible. Try these simple tweaks to match your taste and diet:
- Mild version: Use less sriracha and more mayo.
- Extra spicy: Add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne.
- Without ketchup: Swap with 1 teaspoon tomato paste and a splash more chili sauce.
- Lighter option: Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt.
- Vegan: Use vegan mayo and confirm your chili sauce is egg-free.
- Salad dressing conversion: For every 2 tablespoons of sauce, whisk in 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk or buttermilk until pourable.
Nutrition, Calories, Allergens, and Storage Safety
Calories Per Tablespoon and Per 2 Tablespoons
A homemade Boom Boom Sauce made with regular mayonnaise contains about:
- Per 1 tablespoon (15g): ~90 calories | 8g fat | 3g carbs | 0.2g protein
- Per 2 tablespoons (30g): ~180 calories | 16g fat | 6g carbs | 0.5g protein
These numbers are approximate and can shift depending on your mayo choice (regular vs light vs avocado-oil) and chili sauce brand. Using Greek yogurt for part of the mayo cuts fat by up to 40%.
Allergen and Diet Notes
This creamy dip is naturally gluten-free when all ingredients are certified (double-check bottled chili sauces).
- Contains: Eggs (from mayo) and soy (common in some mayo brands).
- Diet modifications:
- Vegan: Use egg-free mayonnaise.
- Dairy-free: Standard recipe is already dairy-free.
- Keto-friendly: Reduce ketchup and choose a no-sugar chili sauce.
Storage and Food Safety
Since this recipe uses mayonnaise as the base, food safety is important:
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Keeps for 5 to 7 days. Stir if separation occurs.
- Do not freeze: the emulsion breaks and the sauce turns grainy.
- For the best flavor, use within 3 to 4 days if made with homemade mayonnaise.
Competitors give mixed timelines (some say 5 days, others a month). This range is safe and evidence-based for mayo-based sauces.
Where to Buy Boom Boom Sauce (Retailers and Restaurants)
This homemade creamy dip is easy to whip up in minutes, but sometimes you just want to grab a bottle. Here’s where you can find it:
Amazon and Walmart
Bottled versions of Boom Boom Sauce are often available online. Amazon lists several brands, including Ken’s Steak House, that ship nationwide. Walmart also carries Ken’s Boom Boom Sauce in select stores and on their website.
If you’re shopping online, check the product descriptions carefully, some variations may be spicier or sweeter than the Sheetz-style dip.
Ken’s and Other Bottled Options
The most widely sold retail version is Ken’s Boom Boom Sauce, available in the Steak House line. It’s creamy, slightly tangy, and usually a bit sweeter than homemade. Other store brands occasionally sell similar “sweet chili mayo” blends under different names.
Restaurant Versions and Menu Callouts
Several restaurant chains feature this creamy dip or close variations:
- Sheetz: Famous for serving it with fries and sandwiches.
- Chuy’s: Offers a “Boom Boom Sauce” with a Tex-Mex twist.
- Culver’s: Features it as a limited dipping option.
- Waba Grill: Known to use spicy mayo-style sauces similar to Boom Boom.
While taste and heat level vary between restaurants, they’re all rooted in the same creamy, sweet-heat profile.
Boom Boom vs Yum Yum vs Bang Bang vs Fry Sauce [Comparison Table]
Not sure how this creamy dip stacks up against other popular dipping sauces? Here’s a clear side-by-side so you can see the differences at a glance.
Ingredients and Base Differences
- Boom Boom Sauce: Mayo base + ketchup + sweet chili sauce + sriracha + spices
- Yum Yum Sauce: Mayo base + tomato paste + rice vinegar + sugar + paprika (lighter, sweeter, no chili heat)
- Bang Bang Sauce: Mayo base + sweet chili sauce + sriracha (usually hotter than Boom Boom)
- Fry Sauce: Mayo base + ketchup (sometimes vinegar or pickle juice, no chili heat)
Taste and Heat Profile
- Boom Boom Sauce: Creamy, sweet, tangy, with a moderate kick
- Yum Yum Sauce: Sweet, creamy, mild, no real spice
- Bang Bang Sauce: Creamy, sweet, but much spicier than Boom Boom
- Fry Sauce: Tangy and slightly sweet, not spicy at all
Best Uses and Restaurant Associations
- Boom Boom Sauce: Fries, onion rings, shrimp, chicken sandwiches; made famous by Sheetz
- Yum Yum Sauce: Japanese steakhouses; used with grilled meats, shrimp, fried rice
- Bang Bang Sauce: Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill; popular on seafood and tacos
- Fry Sauce: Classic American dip for fries and burgers, especially in the Midwest
Comparison Table
| Sauce | Base Ingredients | Heat Level | Sweetness | Color | Best Uses | Famous For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boom Boom | Mayo, ketchup, sweet chili, sriracha | Medium | Moderate | Orange-pink | Fries, shrimp, chicken, burgers | Sheetz + Ken’s bottled version |
| Yum Yum | Mayo, tomato paste, sugar, rice vinegar | None | High | Pale pink | Hibachi, steak, fried rice | Japanese steakhouses |
| Bang Bang | Mayo, sweet chili, sriracha | Hot | Moderate | Deep orange | Shrimp, tacos, seafood | Bang Bang Shrimp (Bonefish) |
| Fry Sauce | Mayo, ketchup, vinegar/pickle juice | None | Low | Pale orange | Fries, burgers | Utah/Idaho fast food culture |
When comparing Boom Boom, Yum Yum, Bang Bang, and Fry Sauce, you’ll notice subtle differences in flavor, texture, and ideal pairings. Each one has its own signature taste, making it perfect for different dishes. For a deeper dive into the origins of these sauces, The Spruce Eats offers a great overview of popular Asian-inspired sauces.
If you’re curious how it stacks up against Asian-inspired sauces, recipes like Honey Sesame Chicken or Black Pepper Chicken also use bold, sweet-spicy flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s made from mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Some versions also add mustard or pickle juice for extra tang.
It tastes creamy and smooth with a sweet, tangy base and just enough heat from sriracha. The spice level is mild to medium, but you can easily make it hotter or keep it mild depending on how much chili you add.
To make Boom Boom Sauce at home, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness or heat, then refrigerate for 10 minutes before serving.
No. Yum Yum Sauce is a hibachi-style Japanese steakhouse condiment that’s creamy and sweet but not spicy. This sauce, on the other hand, has sweet chili and sriracha for a sweet-heat flavor. They look similar but taste very different.
Boom Boom Sauce (Sheetz Copycat Recipe – 5 Minutes of Sweet Heat)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Airtight storage jar (for refrigeration)
- Optional: Small funnel for transferring sauce into bottles
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise substitute: avocado oil mayo, vegan mayo, or Greek yogurt for lighter texture
- 2 tbsp ketchup substitute: tomato paste + extra chili sauce if avoiding sugar
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce store-bought Thai-style recommended
- 1 tbsp sriracha adjust for heat preference
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard adds tang
- 1 tsp pickle juice adds acidity
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika adds smoky depth
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth.
- Taste and adjust: Add more sriracha for extra spice, or a pinch of sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
- Optional variation: Stir in Dijon mustard, pickle juice, or smoked paprika for a flavor twist.
- Rest: Let the sauce sit for at least 10 minutes in the fridge so flavors meld.
- Serve: Use as a dipping sauce for fries, shrimp, or chicken, or spread it on burgers and sandwiches.
- Pro Tip: For a salad dressing version, thin 2 tbsp of sauce with 1–2 tsp milk or buttermilk until pourable.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per 1 tbsp serving, ~15g)
SERVING: 15g | CALORIES: 90 kcal | CARBOHYDRATES: 3 g | PROTEIN: 0.2 g | FAT: 8 g | SATURATED FAT: 1.5 g | CHOLESTEROL: 5 mg | SODIUM: 180 mg | POTASSIUM: 40 mg | FIBER: 0 g | SUGAR: 2 g | VITAMIN A: 60 IU | VITAMIN C: 4 mg | CALCIUM: 5 mg | IRON: 0.1 mgPrice of Recipe
- Total Cost: ≈ $4.50 for 1 cup (16 servings)
- Breakdown:
- Mayonnaise: $2.50
- Ketchup: $0.50
- Sweet chili sauce: $1.00
- Sriracha + spices: $0.50
Recipe Notes
- Ingredient substitutions: Vegan mayo for plant-based; light mayo or Greek yogurt for lighter calories.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 5–7 days. Do not freeze.
- Reheating: Not applicable; simply stir before use.
- Variations: Make it spicier with cayenne; sweeter with honey; smokier with paprika.
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Low-Carb adaptable, Vegan adaptable
Call-to-Action (CTA)
Did you make this recipe? Leave a star rating and a comment below to share how you served it. Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so you can make it again whenever the craving hits! Looking for more sauces? Try my [Yum Yum Sauce], [Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce], or [Spicy Mayo] next.Conclusion & Next Steps
Boom Boom Sauce is one of those condiments that instantly transforms a simple meal into something special. In just 5 minutes, you can recreate the creamy, sweet-heat flavor that made it a Sheetz favorite, adjust it to your spice level, and even use it as a salad dressing. Whether you whip up a homemade batch or reach for a bottled option like Ken’s Boom Boom Sauce, this versatile condiment deserves a place in your kitchen.
From Boom Boom to Yum Yum, Bang Bang, and Fry Sauce, each brings its own personality to the table. Experiment with them all and discover which one becomes your go-to.
Boom Boom Sauce is proof that a simple condiment can transform meals. For more Asian-inspired takeout favorites you can make at home, explore our Panda Express Recipes Hub with classics like Beijing Beef and Chow Mein
Try It and Share Your Feedback
Did you make this creamy dip? Leave a star rating and a comment below to tell me how you served it, I’d love to hear your twist on this recipe. Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so you can come back to it anytime.
