Shake Shack has mastered the art of the modern smashburger, and much of its success comes down to the legendary "ShackSauce." It is slightly spicy, deeply savory, and features a unique tang that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese. PhillyBite Magazine and WherePhilly have put together the perfect recreation so you can bring that gourmet burger stand experience right to your own dining table.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Hellmann's mayonnaise (for the most authentic flavor base)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 4 slices kosher dill pickle, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
Instructions:
- Finely mince the dill pickles until they are almost a paste—you want the flavor without large chunks disrupting the texture of the sauce.
- Combine the minced pickles with the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and spices.
- Mix thoroughly until the sauce takes on a pale, slightly pink-orange hue.
- Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before spreading generously on toasted buns.
Pro-Tip for Locals: A great sauce is only as good as the burger it sits on. For that authentic Shake Shack crunch, we recommend grabbing fresh lettuce and tomatoes from Iovine Brothers Produce at the Reading Terminal Market and serving your burgers on classic Pennsylvania-made Martin's Potato Rolls.