A former McDonald’s corporate chef has revealed the ingredients that go into the chain’s iconic Big Mac sauce, and it turns out it’s not as complicated as you might think
The McDonald’s Big Mac, second only to the chain’s signature French fries in popularity, is a favourite for many, and it’s easy to see why.
Made with two 100 percent British beef patties sandwiched between three layers of sesame seed bun, the burger is topped with cheese, finely chopped onion, shredded lettuce, pickles, and the iconic secret Big Mac sauce. While the unique condiment has won over countless fast-food lovers, few know what goes into it.
But now, a former employee of the fast-food giant has now spilt the beans on the secret recipe by sharing his imitation version on TikTok. In a video uploaded to his account, ex-McDonald’s corporate chef Mike Haracz unveiled the unexpected list of ingredients that come together to create the renowned burger sauce.
Interestingly, the video revealed that despite its characteristic pink colour, there’s no ketchup in the tangy condiment, reports the Express. Instead, the mayonnaise-based sauce gets its distinctive taste from a blend of Dusseldorf mustard and white wine vinegar. Mike said the orange hue comes from a small amount of paprika, which is used as both a dye and a flavour enhancer. Apart from mustard, vinegar, and paprika, the remaining ingredients are pretty standard, he said.
The Big Mac sauce is made with a mix of mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, onion powder, granulated garlic, and white pepper. According to Mike, these ingredients should be combined and left to sit for at least half an hour to create a thick sauce that closely resembles the one used in McDonald’s restaurants.
The former employee is adamant that this is as close as you can get to the real deal, and given the ingredients listed on McDonald’s website, it seems likely. Interestingly, there’s no ketchup or any other tomato-based products included in the list. Instead, a host of stabilisers, preservatives, and spices are used, which can be left out when making the sauce at home. While the homemade version won’t last as long, it’s a fantastic alternative for those wanting to recreate a McDonald’s-style meal without the cost or calorie content.
