Spicy Zax Sauce Recipe

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If you’ve ever found yourself chasing the flavors of this mouth-watering concoction long after your meal has ended, you’re not alone. My love affair with this sauce began on a rainy afternoon when the allure of crispy chicken led me to Zaxby’s doorsteps, and one taste of their Spicy Zax Sauce had me hooked.

How to make Spicy Zax Sauce

Spicy Zax Sauce is a condiment offered by Zaxby’s, a popular fast-food chain known for its chicken dishes. It’s a tangy, creamy sauce with a blend of spices that gives it a spicy kick. The sauce is often used as a dipping sauce for chicken fingers and fries or even as a topping for sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika (consider using smoked paprika for a deeper flavor dimension)
• 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust based on your spice preference)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for an extra kick)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (for that slight tanginess)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and ketchup until you achieve a smooth base. This forms the creamy backbone of your sauce.
2. Add the Spices: Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and ground black pepper into the mix. These spices are key to obtaining that distinctive Spicy Zax flavor profile.
3. Introduce the Liquids: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. The vinegar not only adds tanginess but also helps to balance the flavors, while the hot sauce dictates the spiciness of the overall sauce.
4. Finalize Your Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, and if desired, a pinch of cayenne pepper for added heat.
5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the sauce for at least an hour before serving. This waiting period allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a more cohesive and powerful sauce.

Tips for Making Spicy Zax Sauce:

• Quality of Ingredients: Use high-quality mayonnaise for a creamier and more luxurious texture. The quality of the mayonnaise and ketchup can significantly influence your sauce’s overall flavor.
• Adjusting the Heat: The heart of the Spicy Zax Sauce lies in its adaptability to different heat levels. Start with a minimal amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper, tasting and adjusting as you go to find your perfect spice level.
• Resting Time: Don’t underestimate the importance of letting the sauce rest in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for flavor development; ideally, let it sit overnight.
• Serving Suggestions: While perfect with chicken, this versatile sauce can elevate the taste of burgers, wraps, or even as a zesty salad dressing.
• Storage: Store your Spicy Zax Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavor will continue to develop and mature over the first few days.

What to serve with

Whether you’re planning a simple family meal, hosting a gathering, or just looking for ways to jazz up your snacks, this sauce can play a starring role in your culinary creations.

Classic Pairings:

• Chicken Tenders or Nuggets: For a classic Zaxby’s experience, dunk your crispy, golden chicken tenders into the Spicy Zax Sauce.
• Fried Chicken Sandwich: Spread a generous layer of sauce over toasted buns to complement the savory crunch of a fried chicken sandwich.
• Grilled Chicken: If you’re opting for a healthier meal, a grilled chicken breast with a side of Spicy Zax Sauce for dipping adds an indulgent twist without the guilt.

Snack Time Favorites:

• French Fries: Sweet potato fries, curly fries, shoestring fries, or regular crinkle-cut fries – all are leveled up with a dip into Spicy Zax Sauce.
• Vegetable Sticks: For a refreshing contrast, serve a platter of crisp vegetable sticks such as carrots, cucumbers, and celery with this sauce as a dip.
• Mozzarella Sticks: For a tangy, spicy alternative to marinara, use spicy Zax Sauce to enjoy these gooey cheese treats.

Creative Combinations:

• Burgers and Sliders: A dollop of Spicy Zax Sauce can replace traditional condiments, providing a creamy kick that binds the burger patty with the toppings.
• Buffalo Wings: Use the sauce as a unique dip to cool down the heat of spicy Buffalo wings.
• Flavorful Wraps: Incorporate the sauce into chicken, veggie, or fish wraps for added zest.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade Spicy Zax Sauce involves blending creamy, tangy, and spicy components. If you come across a recipe for this sauce and you’re missing an ingredient or two, or perhaps you have dietary restrictions, worry not – there are several substitutes you can use that will still deliver a similarly delicious result.

Mayonnaise (Base Ingredient)

The base for the sauce is typically mayonnaise, which offers a creamy texture and subtle flavor that supports the other ingredients well.

Substitutes:

• Greek Yogurt: For a healthier alternative with a tangier flavor.
• Sour Cream: For a thicker sauce with a distinct tang.
• Vegan Mayo: For those who prefer a plant-based alternative.

Ketchup

Ketchup adds a sweet and tangy tomato flavor that balances the heat.

Substitutes:

• Tomato Paste: Mixed with some sugar and vinegar, it can mimic ketchup’s flavor profile.
• BBQ Sauce: Provides a similar sweetness with an additional smoky flavor.

Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce provides complexity with its fermented mix of ingredients.

Substitutes:

• Soy Sauce: Mixed with a touch of tamarind concentrate or a bit of apple cider vinegar and sugar.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Diluted with water and added sugar for a similar fermentative quality.

Hot Sauce

A critical ingredient for bringing the “spicy” to Spicy Zax Sauce.

Substitutes:

• Chili Flakes or Cayenne Pepper: Adds heat without the additional liquid.
• Chili Paste/Sambal Oelek: Adds heat and a bit of texture.
• Sriracha: An alternative hot sauce with a unique flavor profile.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder provides a spicy and savory undertone.

Substitutes:

• Fresh Minced Garlic: Be mindful of the texture for a more potent flavor.
• Granulated Garlic: A coarser form of garlic powder but with a similar taste.

Onion Powder

Onion powder offers a subtle sweetness and depth.

Substitutes:

• Fresh Minced Onion: Use sparingly; it provides a stronger flavor and a bit of crunch.
• Granulated Onion: Similar to garlic, the granulated form has a coarser texture but the same flavor.

Black Pepper

Black pepper adds a bit of sharp, woody heat.

Substitutes:

• White Pepper: Offers a sharper and less earthy heat.
• Ground Green or Pink Peppercorns: For a different heat profile.

Seasoned Salt

It brings together the flavors and adds a savory note.

Substitutes:

A mix of salt and a small pinch of herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

• Regular Salt: The most accessible substitute, though it lacks the additional flavoring.

Dry Mustard

Dry mustard provides the sauce with a piquant tang.

Substitutes:

• Prepared Mustard: A bit of Dijon or yellow mustard could work if no dry mustard is available.
• Wasabi/Horseradish Powder: For a different kind of heat, though use sparingly.

Worcestershire Powder

This can add another layer of umami flavor.

Substitutes:

• Worcestershire Sauce: If you substitute the powder with the sauce, you’ll be adding more liquid, so adjust your other ingredients accordingly.

Smoked Paprika (Optional)

If used, smoked paprika can add a hint of smokiness.

Substitutes:

• Sweet Paprika: Lacks the smoky flavor but holds the color and sweetness.
• Liquid Smoke: A drop or two can lend the desired smokiness.

Final Thoughts

Creating your Spicy Zax Sauce at home brings the iconic taste of Zaxby’s into your meals and allows you to tweak the recipe to your liking. 

More Zaxby’s Recipes:

• Zaxby’s Fry Seasoning Recipe