Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tiger Sauce is a bold, creamy, and zesty condiment often used in Cajun and Southern cuisine. With a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors, it pairs wonderfully with fried foods, sandwiches, grilled meats, and seafood. Its versatility and kick make it a standout addition to any dish needing extra flavor.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
mayonnaiseprepared horseradishDijon mustardlemon juicegarlic powderonion powdersaltblack pepperpaprika(optional) cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat
directions
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, and Dijon mustard.
Stir in lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
If desired, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat.
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 1 cup of sauce.Preparation time: 5 minutesChilling time: 30 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes
Variations
Use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version.
Add fresh chopped parsley or dill for extra freshness.
Swap lemon juice for apple cider vinegar for a different tang.
Use smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
storage/reheating
Store Tiger Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.Do not freeze as the texture may separate.
FAQs
What does Tiger Sauce taste like?
It has a creamy, spicy, and tangy flavor with a strong horseradish kick.
Is Tiger Sauce the same as the store-bought version?
This homemade version is creamier and more versatile; the bottled kind is typically thinner and more vinegary.
Can I make it less spicy?
Yes, reduce or omit the cayenne or hot sauce to tone down the heat.
Is Tiger Sauce gluten-free?
Yes, if all the ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayo?
It’s possible, but it will add a sweeter flavor that changes the profile.
Can I use fresh horseradish?
Yes, but use sparingly and taste as you go since it’s more potent than the prepared kind.
How do I thicken Tiger Sauce?
Add more mayonnaise or a bit of sour cream to adjust the consistency.
What dishes go well with Tiger Sauce?
It’s excellent with roast beef sandwiches, crab cakes, chicken tenders, or as a dipping sauce for fries.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, use vegan mayonnaise and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.
Does Tiger Sauce contain dairy?
No, the classic version is dairy-free unless dairy-based substitutions are used.
Conclusion
Tiger Sauce is a quick and flavorful addition to your condiment lineup. With its spicy kick and creamy texture, it’s perfect for elevating everything from sandwiches to seafood. Make a batch and discover the bold difference it brings to your favorite dishes.
Print
Tiger Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (includes chill time)
- Yield: 12 (1‑Tbsp) servings
- Category: Sauce & Dip
- Method: No‑cook mixing
- Cuisine: American (Baltimore regional)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy, tangy and mildly spicy horseradish‑mayonnaise sauce from Baltimore, perfect with roast beef, seafood, fries, and sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup prepared horseradish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, horseradish, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 1 hour) to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled alongside roast beef, sandwiches, fried foods, or vegetables.
Notes
- Adjust heat by adding more or less horseradish.
- For a lighter version, substitute part of the mayo with sour cream.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge, use within about a week.