Jack in the Box Midnight Sauce has taken everyone’s taste buds on a wild, late-night ride. This sweet and spicy maple-chili concoction has quickly become a fan favorite, transforming simple meals into something truly crave-worthy.
Table of Contents
How to make Jack in the Box Midnight Sauce
Jack in the Box Midnight Sauce is a sweet and mildly spicy maple-chili sauce created for the chain’s limited-time Gremlins Midnight Meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until everything is evenly blended.
- Adjust consistency: Add the water, one teaspoon at a time, and mix thoroughly until you reach the desired thickness. The sauce should be pourable but not runny.
- Taste and tweak: Give the sauce a quick taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Want it sweeter? Add a drizzle more maple syrup. Craving more heat? Sprinkle in an extra pinch of cayenne.
- Let the flavors meld: Cover the sauce and let it sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to blend together. If you’re prepping ahead, refrigerate it for up to a day.
- Serve and enjoy: Use your Midnight Sauce as a dipping sauce for chicken strips, tacos, fries, or onion rings—anything Jack in the Box pairs it with!
Tips for the Perfect Midnight Sauce
- Experiment with spice levels: Not everyone loves their sauce super spicy, so start with less chili garlic sauce and cayenne and gradually add more until you hit the perfect heat level for your taste buds.
- Use high-quality maple syrup: The quality of your syrup can make or break the sauce! Real maple syrup offers complexity that’s hard to replicate with processed syrup.
- Pair it with your favorites: Midnight Sauce isn’t just for Jack in the Box menu items. Try it with homemade chicken tenders, loaded curly fries, or even drizzled on a burger—you might discover your new favorite pairing!
- Make a bigger batch: This sauce is so tasty, you’ll want it around for more than one meal. Double or even triple the recipe and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
What to serve with
Jack in the Box Midnight Sauce is a versatile condiment that combines sweetness and spice, making it a perfect match for a variety of dishes.
1. Crispy Chicken Strips: A match made in fast-food heaven! Pair the Jack in the Box Midnight Sauce with golden-brown chicken strips for dipping. The sweet maple and spicy chili flavors contrast beautifully with the crunchy and savory chicken. To maximize the experience:
2. French Fries and Curly Fries: You can’t go wrong with fries, and Jack in the Box Midnight Sauce is the perfect dip to accompany both traditional straight-cut fries and curly fries. The sauce’s rich, bold flavor complements the crispy, salty texture of the potatoes.
3. Tacos: Jack in the Box is famous for its signature tacos, and Midnight Sauce is an instant upgrade for these crispy delights. You can stuff your tacos with seasoned beef, chicken, or even vegetarian options like black beans, and use the sauce as a drizzle or dip.
Ingredients Substitutes
If you’re excited to recreate Jack in the Box Midnight Sauce but don’t have all the ingredients on hand—or are looking for alternative options to suit your taste—don’t worry. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility.
1. Maple Syrup Substitute
Maple syrup contributes sweetness and a distinct, natural flavor to the sauce, but there are several alternatives depending on what you have available.
- Honey: Honey can offer a similar level of sweetness with a smoother, floral undertone. For an almost-identical vibe, use the same quantity as the original recipe (1/4 cup).
- Brown Sugar: If you don’t have syrup or honey, brown sugar works as a simple sweetener substitute. Combine 1/4 cup of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of water and gently heat it until dissolved for a syrup-like consistency.
- Agave Syrup: Agave provides a sweeter, less intense flavor than maple syrup and is a great vegan option. Use a slightly smaller amount than the recipe calls for (start with 3 tablespoons).
- Molasses: For a richer, more robust flavor, molasses could be an excellent swap, although it’s much stronger in taste. Use only 2 tablespoons and balance with extra chili garlic sauce to ensure the sweetness isn’t overwhelming.
2. Chili Garlic Sauce Substitute
Chili garlic sauce brings heat, a touch of garlic, and a bit of tanginess. If you’re out of this specific ingredient, there are other options to achieve a similar spiciness.
- Sriracha Sauce: Sriracha is a close match for chili garlic sauce in terms of heat, but it’s sweeter and less garlicky. Add 1 tablespoon of sriracha and, if needed, a pinch of garlic powder to capture the desired flavors.
- Hot Sauce + Minced Garlic: Combine 1 tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco) with 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic to replicate the spiciness and garlic essence.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes + Garlic: For a DIY substitute, mix 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, a dash of vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of tomato paste or ketchup to mimic chili garlic sauce’s slightly tangy base.
3. Soy Sauce Substitute
Soy sauce provides saltiness and umami richness to balance the sweetness and spice of the sauce. If you prefer a lower-sodium or different flavor profile, here are substitute ideas:
- Tamari: A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, tamari has a similar umami taste with a slightly milder saltiness. Replace soy sauce at a 1:1 ratio.
- Coconut Aminos: Perfect for those following paleo or low-sodium diets, coconut aminos are sweeter and less salty but add depth to the sauce. Substitute in equal amounts.
- Fish Sauce: For an extra savory kick, you can use fish sauce sparingly (1 teaspoon). It’s stronger in flavor, so balance with a hint of extra maple syrup or honey.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar Substitute
Apple cider vinegar introduces a tang that balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor complexity. If you’re out of apple cider vinegar, don’t worry—these substitutes work brilliantly.
- White Vinegar: A common pantry staple, white vinegar is more acidic than apple cider vinegar. Use slightly less, about 3/4 teaspoon instead of 1 teaspoon.
- Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar has a mild, sweeter tang that fits naturally with the flavor profile of Midnight Sauce. Use an equal amount as you would apple cider vinegar.
- Lemon Juice: If you prefer a citrus alternative, fresh-squeezed lemon juice works well. Use 1 teaspoon for a subtle tang that leans toward brightness.
5. Smoked Paprika Substitute
Smoked paprika adds a smoky, earthy depth to the sauce that complements the chili’s heat. If you don’t have smoked paprika, there are several ways to replicate that smoky flavor.
- Regular Paprika: While it doesn’t have the smokiness, regular paprika can still provide a mild, peppery flavor. Add 1/2 teaspoon of regular paprika and complement it with a drop of liquid smoke or smoked salt.
- Liquid Smoke: Use a couple of drops (not more than 1/8 teaspoon) of liquid smoke as a substitute—it adds a punch of smokiness that mimics smoked paprika’s aroma.
- Chipotle Powder: Chipotle powder is smoky and spicy, making it an excellent alternative. Use 1/2 teaspoon to preserve the smoky essence while adding a touch of heat.
6. Cayenne Pepper Substitute
The optional cayenne pepper gives an extra kick to the heat in Midnight Sauce. If cayenne isn’t available, try one of these alternatives:
- Red Pepper Flakes: These provide similar heat but add texture. Crush them into a finer consistency for a more uniform spice while maintaining visual appeal. Use about 1/2 teaspoon.
- Hot Sauce: A small splash (1/4 teaspoon or less) of your favorite hot sauce can replace cayenne as it adds heat without altering the overall consistency of the sauce.
7. Water Substitute
Water is used to slightly thin the sauce and bring it to the perfect consistency. However, in a pinch, other liquids can be used.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Add a teaspoon or two of low-sodium broth to maintain the savory depth of the sauce while thinning it.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: While unconventional, this works if you want to add a subtle creamy smoothness without altering the flavor drastically.
Final Thoughts
Jack in the Box Midnight Sauce may have started as a fast-food cult favorite, but the possibilities are limitless when you bring it into your kitchen.
More On Jack In The Box:
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until everything is evenly blended.
- Adjust consistency: Add the water, one teaspoon at a time, and mix thoroughly until you reach the desired thickness. The sauce should be pourable but not runny.
- Taste and tweak: Give the sauce a quick taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Want it sweeter? Add a drizzle more maple syrup. Craving more heat? Sprinkle in an extra pinch of cayenne.
- Let the flavors meld: Cover the sauce and let it sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to blend together. If you’re prepping ahead, refrigerate it for up to a day.
- Serve and enjoy: Use your Midnight Sauce as a dipping sauce for chicken strips, tacos, fries, or onion rings—anything Jack in the Box pairs it with!
