Craving that creamy, spicy zing from Burger King’s Zesty Royal Sauce? You’re in the right place. This BK Royal Sauce recipe brings you that bold, tangy flavor you love-right in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re dipping crispy onion rings, smothering a Whopper, or upgrading your homemade burgers, this sauce packs serious punch. With just a few pantry staples and five minutes of prep, you’ll whip up a mouthwatering condiment that tastes just like the real deal.
Forget those bland store-bought dips. Once you taste this creamy, zesty blend of horseradish, mustard, and spices, you’ll want to spread it on everything. Let’s get into it!
Why You Will Love This BK Royal Sauce
This sauce hits you with a creamy base, thanks to the mayonnaise, but it doesn’t stop there. The bold combo of horseradish and cayenne pepper gives it a fiery little kick that wakes up your taste buds.
A splash of white wine vinegar and lemon juice adds brightness, balancing out the richness. You’ll also notice subtle sweetness from the ketchup and sugar, making each bite complex and satisfying.
Overall, it’s spicy, tangy, a little sweet, and perfectly smooth-just like the dipping sauce you get with those crispy Burger King onion rings. It’s bold, but not overpowering.
Ingredients Used in This BK Royal Sauce Recipe
- 1 tablespoon White Wine Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Yellow Mustard
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Horseradish (grated)
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Tomato Ketchup
Essential Kitchen Equipment Required
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Grater (for horseradish)
- Measuring spoons
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: About ¾ cup (serves 4–6 as a dip)
Copycat BK Royal Sauce Recipe
1. Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl. Add in 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon ketchup, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
2. Mix the Liquids and Spices
Use a spoon or small whisk to mix everything until the dry ingredients dissolve and the mixture looks smooth. This creates a tangy-spicy flavor base for the sauce.
3. Grate Fresh Horseradish
Take a small piece of fresh horseradish root and grate about 1 teaspoon using a fine grater or microplane. Add it directly to the bowl for that signature zesty punch.
4. Add the Creamy Element
Scoop in ½ cup of mayonnaise. This gives the sauce its creamy, rich texture and helps balance out the heat from the spices.
5. Whisk Until Smooth
Whisk the mixture thoroughly for about 1–2 minutes until everything is fully combined. The sauce should look thick, creamy, and pale orange in color.
6. Serve or Chill
Serve immediately with fries, onion rings, or sandwiches. For deeper flavor, refrigerate the sauce for 15–30 minutes before serving.
Notable Tips to Make This BK Royal Sauce Recipe Perfect
Here are some notable tips, that can help you to make this recipe perfect in the very first attempt. Check below
1. Use fresh lemon juice
Fresh lemon tastes better than bottled. Just squeeze it right from the lemon!
2. Don’t skip the horseradish
It makes the sauce spicy and fun. Try not to leave it out!
3. Stir slow and steady
Mix everything with a whisk until it looks smooth and creamy. Take your time!
4. Taste as you go
Give it a tiny taste. Want more spice? Add a pinch of pepper.
5. Chill it a little
Put it in the fridge for 15 minutes. It helps all the flavors mix better.
6. Use clean tools
A clean bowl and spoon keep your sauce fresh and tasty.
7. Try it on more than fries
It’s yummy on chicken, burgers, and even veggies!
8. Make a little or a lot
Just double the recipe if you’re sharing with family or friends.
9. Keep it covered
Put the sauce in a small jar or bowl with a lid. That keeps it from drying out.
10. Have fun!
Cooking should be happy and fun. Smile and enjoy your sauce!
Some Delicious Ways to Pair and Enjoy This BK Royal Sauce
Whether it’s a party, family function or you are enjoying this BK Royal Sauce at your home, the following serving ideas can make your meal more comfortable and delicious to enjoy.
1. Dipping Sauce for Onion Rings
Honestly, this is how we first fell in love with it. There’s nothing quite like crispy, golden onion rings dunked in this zesty, creamy sauce. It clings to every curve and brings out the sweetness in the onions.
2. Spread on Cheeseburgers
We’ve slathered this sauce on everything from backyard smash burgers to gourmet-style patties. That spicy kick and creamy base balance beautifully with melted cheese and juicy beef.
3. With French Fries (Especially Waffle Fries)
It’s a total game-changer. Instead of plain ketchup, we dip our waffle fries or even crinkle cuts into this sauce-and wow. You get the tang, the spice, and that perfect mayo-rich finish.
4. Chicken Sandwich Upgrade
Tried this on a crispy chicken sandwich, and let me tell you-so much better than mayo. The sauce cuts through the richness and makes each bite super satisfying.
5. As a Wrap or Burrito Sauce
Sometimes we mix it with a little extra lemon juice and drizzle it over grilled chicken wraps or veggie burritos. It brings life to even the simplest fillings.
6. Veggie Dipper Companion
This one surprised us! Carrot sticks, cucumber, bell pepper slices-you name it. That creamy-spicy combo actually works so well with fresh, crunchy veggies.
7. With Fried Pickles or Mozzarella Sticks
When we host friends, this is a must. Fried apps like pickles or cheese sticks paired with this sauce? It disappears fast. People always ask what it is.
8. Topping for Grilled Hot Dogs or Sausages
Swap out your usual mustard for this sauce. We drizzled it over grilled sausages last weekend, and it added such an unexpected kick. Especially good with spicy or smoked varieties.
9. Drizzle on Roasted Potatoes
Leftover roasted potatoes got a makeover when we tossed them with a little warm BK Royal Sauce. It sticks just enough and brings a bold contrast to the crispy skins.
10. Dip for Fried Shrimp or Fish Fillets
We recently tried it as a dip for fried shrimp-and wow. It’s like a zesty remoulade with more personality. Works great with fish sticks or pan-fried cod too.
How to Store and Reheat This BK Royal Sauce Properly
Store your BK Royal Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. No reheating needed-just give it a quick stir before serving.
BK Royal Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl. Add in 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon ketchup, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
- Use a spoon or small whisk to mix everything until the dry ingredients dissolve and the mixture looks smooth. This creates a tangy-spicy flavor base for the sauce.
- Take a small piece of fresh horseradish root and grate about 1 teaspoon using a fine grater or microplane. Add it directly to the bowl for that signature zesty punch.
- Scoop in ½ cup of mayonnaise. This gives the sauce its creamy, rich texture and helps balance out the heat from the spices.
- Whisk the mixture thoroughly for about 1–2 minutes until everything is fully combined. The sauce should look thick, creamy, and pale orange in color.
- Serve immediately with fries, onion rings, or sandwiches. For deeper flavor, refrigerate the sauce for 15–30 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
FAQs on This BK Royal Sauce Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the BK Royal Sauce that people often ask.
1. What is in Burger King Royal Sauce?
From our experience recreating it at home, Burger King’s Royal Sauce-also known as Zesty Sauce-has a creamy mayo base mixed with vinegar, mustard, horseradish, and a blend of spices. Our version combines mayo, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, yellow mustard, cayenne, black pepper, horseradish, ketchup, sugar, and salt. It’s tangy, spicy, and super flavorful-just like the real thing.
2. What are the 5 royal sauces at Burger King?
Burger King has offered a few signature sauces over the years, and while not all are branded “Royal,” here are five fan favorites we’ve tried or recreated: Zesty Sauce (aka Royal Sauce), BBQ Sauce, Honey Mustard, Ranch, Buffalo Sauce. Each one has its own flavor profile, but Zesty is by far the boldest of the bunch.
3. What is the special sauce at Burger King?
The term “special sauce” often refers to their creamy, tangy Zesty Sauce that’s served with onion rings. From our kitchen tests, it’s the mix of horseradish, mustard, and cayenne that gives it that extra punch. It’s a go-to dipping sauce that tastes just as good (or better!) when made fresh at home.
4. Can I make BK Royal Sauce without horseradish?
Yes, you can-but we’ve tried it both ways, and horseradish really makes a difference. It adds that signature bite. If you’re out of it or not a fan, a small pinch of wasabi or a bit more mustard can help mimic the flavor, but the result won’t be quite the same.
5. How spicy is the Burger King Zesty Sauce?
It’s mildly spicy with a little kick from the cayenne and horseradish. When we make it at home, we sometimes increase the cayenne for extra heat, but the original version has a balanced warmth that complements fried food perfectly without being too overpowering.
6. How long does homemade BK Royal Sauce last?
Based on our own storage experience, it stays fresh in the fridge for about 5 days when kept in an airtight container. Just give it a stir before serving, and don’t leave it out at room temperature for too long.
7. What can I serve with this sauce?
Pretty much anything! We’ve dipped fries, onion rings, chicken tenders, even grilled vegetables in this sauce. It also makes a killer spread on burgers and sandwiches-it’s that versatile.
8. Is Burger King Zesty Sauce gluten-free?
Our homemade version is gluten-free, assuming all ingredients you use (like mustard and vinegar) are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels if you’re cooking for someone with celiac or gluten sensitivity.
9. Can I use bottled horseradish instead of fresh?
Absolutely! We’ve used both, and while fresh gives a slightly sharper flavor, bottled prepared horseradish works great and is way more convenient. Just make sure it’s plain, not creamed or mixed with mayo.
10. Can I double the recipe for a party or BBQ?
Totally! We’ve made big batches for cookouts and it’s always a hit. Just scale up all the ingredients evenly and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. It also makes a great make-ahead sauce since the flavor gets better as it sits.
Making your own BK Royal Sauce at home is quick, easy, and seriously delicious. With bold flavor and creamy texture, it’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or spreading on just about anything.
Give it a try and let us know how you used it! And if you love recreating fast-food classics at home, be sure to check out our other copycat recipes. Your taste buds will thank you!
Drop a comment on the blog with your feedback-I can’t wait to hear what you think.
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Absolutely loved this sauce recipe! It’s creamy, rich, and the perfect complement to so many different meals.