Mumbo sauce. (aka Mambo sauce) is a condiment or dipping sauce that’s similar to a traditional barbecue sauce, but the undertones are generally sweeter (and sometimes more spicy or sour, depending on the recipe variations).
It’s made with just a few simple ingredients, like soy sauce, tomato paste, pineapple juice, and cayenne pepper, if you want a little kick to it. The best part is that this red-orange sauce can be ready in about 30 minutes.
We love the versatility of this zesty dipping sauce, and I know after one taste, you’re going to love it too! Serve our homemade mumbo sauce with French fries, chicken tenders, and fried chicken wings. It’s even a delicious complement to egg rolls and fried rice.
Think of this as your own “secret sauce,” and trust me, this is better than Capital City’s Mambo sauce!
Chicago has staked its claim as the homeland of mumbo sauce, though Washington, D.C., has been quick to adopt its own version.
The good news is that you don’t have to book a flight to try mumbo sauce on your favorite fried foods and sandwiches! With our simple recipe, you can make it today in the comfort of your home in less than half an hour.
Ingredients
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make our homemade Mumbo Sauce recipe. In Chef Speak, this is called the Mise en Place, which translates into Everything in its Place.
Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.
We used cayenne pepper to add a little heat to our recipe, but you can also use your favorite hot sauce to add a little zing to the sauce.
How to Make Mumbo Sauce
Follow along with my easy numbered instructions to see how to make mumbo sauce in your own kitchen.
- Add the tomato paste, ketchup, and brown sugar to a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk to combine and heat for 2 – 3 minutes until it begins to bubble.
- Add the pineapple juice, white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper to the tomato mixture.
- Whisk to combine and heat for an additional two to three minutes
- Lower the temperature to simmer and continue simmering the mixture for 10 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the Mumbo sauce cool for at least 30 minutes. For the best results, let the sauce chill for 2-4 hours (overnight is best).
*This will allow time for all the flavors to combine.
Use your mumbo sauce in place of BBQ sauce on your favorite dishes, such as pulled pork (pictured above), ribs, and chicken. It has the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and sour notes, which also makes it an excellent replacement for sweet and sour sauce.
Mumbo sauce also makes a delicious dipping sauce for jumbo shrimp cocktail and fried shrimp!
Store any leftovers refrigerated in a glass jar or airtight container for up to 10 days.
For a different flavor profile, try our cowboy butter recipe which is a rich and zesty compound butter that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and vegetables.
Recipe FAQs
Mumbo sauce is made in a variety of ways, some of which are spicy and some of which are not!
Our recipe calls for an optional teaspoon of cayenne pepper. You can leave it out entirely, add some of that amount, add the full amount, or even add more! One of the best things about making your condiments at home is controlling the ingredients, flavor, and heat.
Mumbo or mambo sauce is incredibly popular in the regions where it is most often used. Chicago and Washington D.C. both claim the sauce as their own, but the popularity has continued to spread beyond each of these regions. For a time, even the fast food chain McDonald’s offered mambo dipping sauce, illustrating the wider appeal of this spicy side.
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Mumbo Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz tomato paste
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce regular or low sodium
- 2 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper *optional
Instructions
- Add the tomato paste, ketchup, and brown sugar to a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk to combine and heat for 2 – 3 minutes until it begins to bubble.
- Add the pineapple juice, white vinegar, soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper to the tomato mixture.
- Whisk to combine and heat for an additional two to three minutes
- Lower the temperature to simmer and continue simmering the mixture for 10 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the Mumbo sauce cool for at least 30 minutes. For the best results, let the sauce chill for 2-4 hours (overnight is best).*This will allow time for all the flavors to combine
- Mumbo sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for wings, chicken tenders, and French fries. It also makes an excellent sauce for pulled pork and pulled chicken, as well as a condiment for burgers or any of your favorite grilled sandwiches.
Henry T says
Love this sauce might just be the best mumbo sauce I have had. Goes great with just about anything. Thanks!
Chef Dennis Littley says
That’s what I like to hear!