McDonald's Big Mac sauce 'secret recipe' shared by ex chef - and there's no ketchup

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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.

Comprising 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. However, 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, reports the Express.

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Interestingly, the video revealed that despite its characteristic pink colour, there's no ketchup in the tangy condiment.

Instead, the mayonnaise-based sauce derives its distinctive taste from a blend of Dusseldorf mustard and white wine vinegar.

Mike disclosed that the orange hue comes from a small amount of paprika, which serves as both a dye and a flavour enhancer. Apart from mustard, vinegar, and paprika, the remaining ingredients are pretty standard.

The Big Mac sauce is concocted from 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 30 minutes to create a thick sauce similar to the one used in McDonald's restaurants.

The former employee maintains that this is the closest approximation to the original recipe, 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 serves as a fantastic alternative for those wanting to create a McDonald's-inspired meal without the cost or calorie content.