If you’ve ever dunked your fries into Burger King’s creamy, smoky sauce and thought, “I wish this were vegan…” — you’re in for a treat. This Burger King–inspired vegan chipotle sauce captures that same bold, tangy, spicy flavor — but made completely plant-based. It’s creamy, zesty, and has just the right amount of heat from chipotle in adobo.
The best part? It takes only 5 minutes to make, and you probably already have everything you need in your fridge. Whether you’re drizzling it over a veggie burger, tossing it with roasted potatoes, or sneaking a taste straight from the spoon (I’ve been there), this sauce will instantly become your new obsession.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Burger King Sauce
- Smoky & spicy in the best way – thanks to chipotle peppers in adobo, you get a deep, complex flavor that’s miles ahead of store-bought dressings.
- 100% plant-based – creamy without dairy or eggs, perfect for vegan or dairy-free diets.
- Ridiculously easy – blend, taste, chill, and done. No cooking required.
- Versatile – great on burgers, tacos, wraps, sandwiches, or even as a dip for fries and nuggets.
- Tastes just like fast-food sauce – but fresher, cleaner, and better for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this addictive vegan chipotle sauce — plus a few handy substitution ideas.
- ½ cup vegan mayonnaise – use your favorite store-bought brand (like Hellmann’s Vegan or Vegenaise). This is your creamy base.
- ½ cup vegan sour cream or unsweetened vegan yogurt – adds tang and smoothness. You can also blend soaked cashews for a whole-food version.
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo – these canned smoky peppers bring the heat! Adjust to taste if you prefer it mild.
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce – from the same can; it’s packed with flavor.
- 1½ tablespoons fresh lime juice – brightens everything up.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – for that savory kick.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – balances the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – extra smokiness if you love BBQ-style depth.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt – taste and adjust as needed.
- 1–2 tablespoons water or unsweetened plant milk – to thin the sauce if you prefer a lighter texture.
Tip: Can’t find chipotle peppers in adobo? Substitute 1 teaspoon chipotle powder and a splash of vinegar — it won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This is one of those recipes that looks fancy but couldn’t be simpler.
Step 1: Prep Your Peppers
Scoop out two chipotle peppers from the can and roughly chop them. They can be pretty spicy, so if you’re new to chipotle, start with one and taste before adding the second.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Base
In a blender or food processor, add vegan mayo and sour cream (or yogurt). This will give your sauce that smooth, indulgent consistency.
Step 3: Add the Flavor Boosters
Toss in the chopped chipotle peppers, a tablespoon of adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
Step 4: Blend It All Up
Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or plant milk to reach your preferred consistency.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Taste and tweak the seasoning. Want more heat? Add another pepper. Need it tangier? A little more lime juice does the trick.
Step 6: Chill & Serve
Transfer the sauce into a jar or bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Tips & Variations
- Make it cashew-based: Blend 1 cup soaked cashews with the same ingredients (skip the mayo and sour cream). You’ll get a silky, whole-food version that’s rich and thick.
- Go oil-free: Replace mayo with silken tofu — it creates a lighter, protein-packed sauce.
- Love it smoky? Add a dash of liquid smoke or extra smoked paprika.
- Want a tangier kick? Try adding ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar for a little zing.
- Kid-friendly version: My niece isn’t a fan of spice, so I make her batch with just the adobo sauce and no peppers. It’s still flavorful but totally mild.
Serving Ideas
You can pretty much put this sauce on anything and it’ll taste better — but here are my favorites:
- Vegan burgers – obviously! It’s the perfect companion to a plant-based patty.
- Crispy fries or potato wedges – serve it as a dip instead of ketchup.
- Tacos or burritos – drizzle it over roasted veggies or tofu.
- Grilled corn or veggies – brush it on for a smoky, tangy glaze.
- Sandwich spread – my friend Leah swears by this as her go-to sandwich dressing.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Before serving: Give it a quick stir if it separates a bit after chilling.
- Freezing: Not recommended — it’ll lose its creamy texture when thawed.
Recipe Card
Burger King Vegan Sauce (with Chipotle in Adobo)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: About 1½ cups
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegan mayo
- ½ cup vegan sour cream or yogurt
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce
- 1½ tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 1–2 tbsp water or plant milk
Instructions
- Roughly chop chipotle peppers.
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning and texture as desired.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
1. Is this sauce spicy?
A little! Chipotle peppers bring a medium smoky heat. If you prefer it milder, use just one pepper or stick to the adobo sauce.
2. Can I make this without vegan mayo?
Absolutely! Use silken tofu or soaked cashews instead for a dairy-free, oil-free version.
3. How long does it last?
It stays fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge — just stir before using.
4. What if I don’t have a blender?
You can whisk it by hand using finely chopped chipotles, though the texture will be chunkier (still delicious!).
5. Can I use this as a salad dressing?
Yes! Thin it out with a bit of water or plant milk and drizzle over your favorite greens or grain bowls.
Final Thoughts
This vegan chipotle-in-adobo sauce is everything — smoky, tangy, creamy, and completely plant-based. It’s the kind of sauce that transforms a plain veggie burger into something restaurant-worthy.
When I first made this, my brother (a self-proclaimed “non-vegan”) couldn’t stop dipping fries into it. He said, “Wait, this is vegan?” — and then proceeded to eat the rest of the bowl. That’s how good it is.
So go ahead, make a batch of this Burger King–inspired vegan sauce, stash it in your fridge, and add a dollop of flavor to everything you eat this week. You’re gonna love how easy and delicious it is.
If you loved this recipe, try next:
- Vegan BBQ Sauce (Smoky & Tangy)
- Easy Vegan Ranch Dressing
- Creamy Cashew Garlic Sauce
Don’t forget to pin this recipe and share it with a friend who loves spice!
Also Check:
Fast Food Veganuary Recipes – Quick, Comforting, and 100% Plant-Based