Sauces
In-N-Out Inspired Animal Style Sauce
A creamy burger spread with tangy pickle relish, mustard, and a touch of sweetness. It's the perfect finishing touch for burgers, fries, and sandwiches.
Inspired by In-N-Out Burger
Prep
5 min
Cook
0 min
Serves
8
Difficulty
Easy
Method
- 1
Combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, sugar, paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- 2
Whisk until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
- 3
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if desired.
- 4
Cover the bowl or transfer the sauce to a sealed container.
- 5
Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to develop.
- 6
Stir thoroughly before using.
- 7
Spread generously on burgers or sandwiches.
- 8
Use as a dipping sauce for fries if desired.
- 9
Return any unused sauce to the refrigerator promptly.
- 10
For the best flavor, prepare the sauce a few hours before serving.
Recipe notes
Use finely chopped relish so every bite has pickle flavor without large pieces. One hour of chilling gives the vinegar, mustard, and spices time to blend into the mayonnaise.
Planning, storage, and serving
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate in a clean sealed container for up to 5 days. Do not freeze, and discard any serving portion that has contacted food or remained out longer than 2 hours.
Make-ahead tips
Mix 1-24 hours ahead and stir before serving. Portion the sauce separately if it will be used for both spreading and dipping.
What to serve with it
- - Smash burgers with grilled onions
- - Crispy fries
- - Grilled chicken or vegetable wraps
Equipment needed
- - Small bowl
- - Whisk
- - Lidded refrigerator container
Difficulty explained
This easy recipe is mostly measuring; the chill is important for a rounded flavor.
Nutrition estimate
Calories
105
Protein
0g
Carbs
4g
Fat
10g
Sat. fat
1.5g
Fiber
0g
Sugar
3g
Sodium
210mg
Estimated nutrition per serving. Values are approximate and can change materially with brands, substitutions, optional toppings, portion size, and cooking method.
Alternatives
- Dill relish can replace sweet relish for a tangier sauce; keep or omit the listed sugar according to taste.
- Add a spoonful of finely browned onions for an animal-style variation, but cool them fully before mixing and use within 3 days.
- Replace one-third of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for less richness, understanding that the sauce becomes tangier and looser.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Warm onions or other add-ins can destabilize mayonnaise and shorten storage; cool all cooked additions first.
- Too much relish liquid thins the sauce, so drain watery relish before measuring.
- Adjust salt only after chilling because ketchup, mustard, and relish already contribute sodium.
Nutrition Context
- Mayonnaise supplies most calories and fat; ketchup and relish add sugar, and several condiments contribute sodium.
- A thin burger spread uses less sauce than dipping fries, so portion size has a large effect on the nutrition estimate.
FAQ
What changes if I make Animal Style sauce with dill relish?
Dill relish makes the spread sharper and less sweet. Add the listed sugar gradually, then taste after the sauce has chilled.
How can I make the sauce more tangy?
Add white vinegar or yellow mustard a few drops at a time. Too much liquid can thin the mayonnaise base quickly.
Why does the sauce improve after chilling?
The dried paprika and garlic hydrate while the relish, mustard, and vinegar blend into the mayonnaise. One hour is useful; several hours is better.
Can I use this sauce on hot fries?
Yes, but serve it on the side or drizzle just before eating. Heat and steam can loosen the sauce and soften crisp fries.
What is the best storage method?
Keep it in a clean airtight container in the refrigerator and use within about one week. Never return sauce that has touched cooked food to the container.