Del Taco Secret Sauce - Cracking the Code

That bold, tangy secret sauce you love slopped on tacos and burritos at Del Taco keeps you coming back for more. While the true recipe is closely guarded, this copycat version gets you tantalizingly close to decoding the mystery of Del Taco’s famous secret sauce. The key is blending ketchup, mayo, mustard, vinegar, and seasonings into a creamy, orange-hued dressing with the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory. Drizzle this sauce lavishly on tacos, burritos, fries, burgers, and more to give them that iconic Del Taco flair. Read on to unlock the secrets of this top-secret sauce!

Origins of Del Taco's Secret Sauce

The origins of the secret sauce can be traced back to the founding of the Del Taco chain in 1964. Founder Ed Hackbarth formulated the tangy sauce to complement Del Taco's Mexican-style tacos and burgers. It quickly became a distinctive part of the Del Taco experience.

Why Recreate the Secret Sauce?

This copycat recipe lets you enjoy Del Taco's famous sauce at home by:

Saving Money

Making it yourself costs a fraction of buying packets.

Controlling Ingredients

You can make it as healthy or indulgent as you want.

Customizing Flavors

Adapt it to your tastes by tweaking ingredients.

Using On More Foods

Drizzle it on whatever you crave - tacos, fries, wings, etc.

Impressing Guests

Recreate the Del Taco experience at your next gathering.

Nailing the Secret Sauce Flavor

To mimic the taste, you'll need:

Tang

A combination of ketchup, mustard, vinegar, lemon juice.

Creaminess

Mayonnaise and yogurt give it a rich base.

Spices

Onion and garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne.

Sweetness

Sugar and orange marmalade balance the tangy flavors.

Color

Paprika gives it that distinctive orange hue.

Secret Sauce Ingredients

To make about 1 cup, you'll need:

Condiments

1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp yogurt, 1 tbsp mustard

Flavor Boosters

1 tbsp vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce

Sweeteners

1 tbsp orange marmalade, 1 tsp sugar

Spices

Onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to assemble the secret sauce:

Combine wet ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together mayo, ketchup, yogurt, mustard, vinegar, lemon juice.

Add sweeteners

Stir in orange marmalade and sugar.

Season

Add all spices and seasonings and whisk until fully blended.

Adjust flavors as needed

Taste and tweak ingredients to get the perfect tangy-sweet flavor.

Refrigerate

Cover and chill sauce for 1 hour before using to allow flavors to blend.

Serving Suggestions

Use this versatile secret sauce on:

Tacos and Burritos

Beef, chicken, fish, or vegetarian

Nachos and Totchos

Drizzle over cheesy nachos and tater tots

Fries and Tots

As a dip for french fries and tater tots

Burgers and Sandwiches

Chicken sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs

Salads

As a tangy salad dressing or taco salad topper

Storage and Shelf Life

Store your secret sauce:

Refrigerated

Keeps for up to 2 weeks chilled.

Frozen

Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before using.

Storage Container

Use an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Conclusion

With its irresistible balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy, this copycat recipe comes deliciously close to replicating the secret sauce from Del Taco. Drizzle it over tacos, nachos, fries, burgers, and more to give them that iconic zesty flavor. Make a batch to keep on hand for whenever those secret sauce cravings strike. One taste and you’ll be hooked!

FAQs

1. Does the sauce need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the mayo it's important to store the sauce refrigerated.

2. How long does the sauce keep in the fridge?

It will maintain best quality for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.

3. Can I adjust the spiciness?

Absolutely, add more or less cayenne pepper to your desired spice level.

4. What's the best way to make it vegan?

Substitute vegan mayo for the regular mayo.

5. Can I use fresh garlic and onion instead of powder?

Yes, substitute minced fresh garlic and onion if you prefer.