Mumbo sauce is like a dreamy combination of barbecue and sweet and sour sauce. It’s tangy and savory with a glaze-like texture that’s wonderful for coating chicken wings!

I love making homemade sauces because you have full control over how they taste. After this tangy mumbo sauce, you’ll have to try boom boom sauce, comeback sauce, and sweet chili sauce!

DC Mumbo Sauce Recipe

Mumbo sauce, also known as mambo sauce, is a tangy and savory condiment from Washington, D.C and Chicago. It’s actually been around since the 1950s-1960s! Made with ketchup, vinegar, hot sauce, and spices, it’s sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy. The best part? You can slather it on anything! Toss your chicken wings, glaze your grilled meats, dip some shrimp, or drizzle it over French fries and other fried foods. Mumbo sauce adds a unique flavor punch that locals adore. You’ll understand the hype once you give it a try!

And why go homemade? Well, with homemade mumbo sauce, you’re the boss of flavor. Tweak the spices, sweetness, and tanginess to your liking. I know you’re going to love it as much as I do! Mumbo sauce is like barbecue sauce with a little extra pizzazz, and it will enhance anything you put it on!

Mumbo Sauce Ingredients

You’ll find a lot of variations of this red-orange sauce, but this is how I like to make it. Feel free to adjust the flavor to your liking! If you’re looking for measurements, they can all be found below in the recipe card.

• Ketchup: Gives the sauce a sweet and tangy base. If you’re out of ketchup, tomato sauce or tomato paste mixed with a touch of sugar will work as substitutes.
• White Vinegar: Vinegar adds a pleasant tanginess to the sauce! It brings a subtle acidity that cuts through the richness and complements the sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: This umami-packed sauce contributes depth and richness to the mumbo sauce. If you’re looking for a substitute, Worcestershire sauce can also be used, although it may alter the taste slightly.
• Frank’s Hot Sauce: This adds a kick of spice that balances out the sweetness and the tanginess of the mumbo sauce. Adjust accordingly if you don’t want your sauce to be too hot.
• Brown Sugar or Granulated Sugar: The sweet component of the mumbo sauce comes from brown sugar or granulated sugar. Use whatever you have on hand! I personally like using brown sugar because of the subtle smoky but sweet flavor that it adds!
• Smoked Paprika or Cayenne Pepper: The choice between smoked paprika or cayenne pepper depends on the level of smokiness and heat you desire. Smoked paprika brings a subtle smoky flavor, while cayenne pepper provides a spicier kick.
• Salt (if needed): A pinch of salt can help enhance the overall flavors of the mumbo sauce. Taste the sauce before adding salt to determine if it’s necessary.
• Water (if needed): Water is used to adjust the consistency of the sauce. If you find the sauce to be too thick, gradually add water to achieve the desired thickness.

How to Make Mumbo Sauce

It’s super easy and takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish. Since mumbo sauce uses a lot of simple ingredients and is also simple to make, you can whip up a batch whenever you want to add extra flavor to your favorite meals! One of my favorite ways to use it is over fried chicken.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, hot sauce, sugar, and paprika.
2. Mix: Whisk together and heat over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to allow the ingredients to blend together.
3. Cool and Serve: Remove from the heat and allow to cool before serving. Enjoy as a dipping sauce or glaze!