20 Condiments That’ll Upgrade Your Food

Condiments are often ignored, quietly sitting on the table yet holding the power to elevate any dish. While a simple meal can satisfy, adding the right condiment can transform it into a whole new dining experience. They can bring together diverse ingredients, enhance textures, and even create a new flavor profile entirely. Here are some of the best condiments that will upgrade your food and bring excitement to your plate.

Sriracha

Known for its spicy kick and garlicky undertone, Sriracha is a versatile hot sauce that adds heat and depth to everything from eggs to noodles. Its balance of sweetness and spice makes it a favorite for many. Whether you’re drizzling it on your favorite foods or using it as a marinade, Sriracha delivers a consistent and powerful flavor boost.

Aioli

Aioli, a garlic-infused mayonnaise, brings a creamy richness and a hint of zing to sandwiches, fries, and seafood. Its luxurious texture and flavor profile make it an indulgent addition to many dishes. Perfect for dipping or spreading, aioli enhances both the taste and mouthfeel of your meals.

Chimichurri

This vibrant Argentine sauce made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and chili flakes is perfect for grilled meats. Chimichurri’s fresh and tangy flavors add brightness and a herbaceous note to any dish. It’s an excellent topping for steak, chicken, or even roasted vegetables, bringing a zesty, aromatic flair.

Harissa

A North African chili paste, Harissa combines roasted red peppers, spices, and olive oil. It adds a smoky heat and complex spice to stews, grilled meats, and even roasted vegetables. The deep, rich flavors of Harissa can transform simple dishes into culinary masterpieces with just a spoonful.

Tahini

Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. Its nutty flavor and creamy texture make it ideal for dressings, sauces, and spreads, adding richness to both savory and sweet dishes. Drizzle it over salads, mix it into hummus, or use it as a base for desserts for an earthy, luxurious touch.

Pesto

Traditional pesto is a blend of basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. Its fresh, herbal flavor and creamy consistency make it a fantastic addition to pasta, sandwiches, and grilled vegetables. Pesto’s versatility and vibrant taste make it a must-have for any kitchen.

Kimchi

This Korean fermented cabbage is spicy, tangy, and umami-rich. Kimchi can be eaten as a side dish or added to soups, sandwiches, and stir-fries for an extra punch of flavor and probiotic benefits. The fermentation process gives kimchi a unique, complex flavor that enhances a variety of dishes.

Miso Paste

Miso, a fermented soybean paste, brings a deep umami flavor to soups, marinades, and dressings. Its salty and savory notes enhance the taste of meats, vegetables, and even desserts. Miso adds a depth and richness that is both satisfying and complex, making it a valuable ingredient in any kitchen.

Tzatziki

A Greek yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and dill, tzatziki is refreshing and tangy. It pairs well with grilled meats, pita bread, and raw vegetables, adding a cool and creamy contrast. Tzatziki’s fresh flavors and creamy texture make it a perfect addition to a variety of dishes, especially in the summer.

Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard offers a sharp, tangy flavor with a smooth texture. It’s perfect for salad dressings, marinades, and sandwiches, bringing a sophisticated spice to your meals. The mustard’s bite enhances flavors and adds a level of complexity that elevates simple dishes.

Hoisin Sauce

This thick, sweet, and salty Chinese sauce made from fermented soybeans is excellent for glazing meats, stirring into stir-fries, or adding depth to dipping sauces. Hoisin sauce’s rich, complex flavors make it a versatile condiment that can transform ordinary meals into extraordinary ones.

Fish Sauce

A staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, fish sauce is intensely salty and umami-rich. A few drops can enhance the flavor of soups, curries, and dressings, adding a savory depth. Its powerful flavor means a little goes a long way, making it a potent addition to many dishes.

Gochujang

A Korean fermented chili paste, gochujang is sweet, spicy, and deeply savory. It’s great for marinades, stews, and adding a flavorful kick to rice dishes. Gochujang’s unique combination of flavors makes it a versatile and exciting ingredient in any kitchen.

Tamarind Paste

Tamarind paste offers a tangy, sweet-sour flavor that is popular in Asian and Latin American cuisines. It’s ideal for sauces, marinades, and beverages, adding a unique tartness. Tamarind’s distinctive taste can brighten up and balance a variety of dishes.

Chutney

Chutneys are sweet and spicy preserves made from fruits, vinegar, sugar, and spices. They are perfect for pairing with cheeses, meats, and sandwiches, adding a complex flavor profile. Chutneys can range from mild to fiery, offering a wide range of flavors to suit any palate.

Ponzu Sauce

Ponzu is a citrus-based Japanese sauce with soy sauce, vinegar, and mirin. Its tangy, umami flavor is excellent for dipping, dressing salads, or drizzling over grilled meats and fish. Ponzu’s bright and refreshing taste adds a zesty kick to your dishes.

Chipotle in Adobo

These smoked and dried jalapeños in a tangy tomato sauce add a smoky, spicy kick to soups, sauces, and marinades. They bring a depth of flavor that is both rich and fiery. Chipotle in adobo sauce can transform the simplest of dishes into something extraordinary with its complex, smoky heat.

Barbecue Sauce

A blend of tomato, vinegar, sugar, and spices, barbecue sauce is sweet, tangy, and smoky. It’s perfect for slathering on grilled meats, as a dipping sauce, or even as a pizza base. Barbecue sauce’s robust flavors make it a favorite for adding a smoky, sweet depth to various dishes.

Wasabi

This Japanese horseradish brings a sharp, pungent heat that’s perfect for sushi, but also adds a unique flavor to dressings, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables. Wasabi’s intense flavor adds a thrilling bite to many dishes, enhancing their overall taste profile.

Truffle Oil

Infused with the luxurious aroma of truffles, truffle oil adds a rich, earthy flavor to pastas, pizzas, and roasted vegetables. A drizzle can transform simple dishes into gourmet experiences. Truffle oil’s distinctive, luxurious flavor makes it a prized addition to many recipes.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

More From RetailShout

So, I went on a massive taste test adventure, trying dozens of different store-bought BBQ sauces, and let me tell you, it was quite the flavorful journey. Honestly, most were just okay, but I found 18 that really stood out and thought you might want to check them out. Read More.

15 Delicious Prepared Meals to Get at Trader Joe`s

A rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish that’s packed with tender chicken in a flavorful tomato sauce. Simply microwave or heat on the stove, and pair with rice or naan. Read More.

The 13 Unhealthiest Costco Bakery Foods

Walking through the Costco bakery section can be both a delight and a challenge. The aroma of fresh-baked goods is irresistible, and the selection is vast. Read More.