We all know that McDonald's Big Mac has some secret sauce that makes it the Big Mac as opposed to simply a double decker cheeseburger. Because the sauce is a pale peachy pink color with green flecks that resemble pickle relish, many people assume that the secret sauce is just Thousand Island dressing. However, the sauce is not Thousand Island dressing - the sauce is thicker, sweeter, and has a slightly different taste.
Though the list of actual ingredients is long with things like "xanthan gum," I found a recipe in a book called Fast Food Fix that claims that it almost exactly replicates the original sauce. The recipe even uses low-fat mayo, so I guess when you're making Big Macs at home (why you would do this, I have no idea), you can use this recipe for the secret sauce and also feel less guilty:
In a small bowl, combine 1/3 c. low-fat mayo, 2 tsp dill pickle relish, 2 tsp. ketchup, 2 tsp. sugar, and 2 tsp. yellow mustard. (The mustard is what make it definitely NOT Thousand Island dressing.) Cover and refrigerate for up to one month. Stir in 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp. finely chopped white onion right before serving.
New York Times Magazine's food issue
Chicken McNuggets frolic at New York City pet store
Eat your broccoli orbs! 
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-18-2006 @ 9:43AM
Buck Q. Fitch said...
I figured that was the recipe, except without the extra sugar and mustard. And making food at home allows you to adjust quality to your liking. I use more pickles, better and bigger meat, and a brioche roll.
Reply
7-18-2006 @ 10:00AM
B said...
I thought they made it by leaving mayonaise out in the sun.
Reply
7-18-2006 @ 2:08PM
jtg said...
^^ Ah, a Simpson's reference. Bravo.
Reply
7-19-2006 @ 2:27PM
BDA Boy said...
Wel one of the reason for making a Big Mac at home is if you are in a place where ther are no McDonald's. Places like Bermuda don't allow franchise outlets and the only way to get your Mac Attac is to home brew these things. I used a sauce recipe similar to this one but it had white vinegar in it instead of mustard.
it was so good I almost cried. I even made the buns out of other buns.....jsut perfect
Some Cavendish shoestrings and some watery Coke and the meal is complete.
Sorry Hamilton Ice Queen - but we miss Ronny Macs.
Reply