The Best Condiments You Don’t Have But Your Pantry Needs

If you’re looking to elevate your culinary adventures, it’s time to explore the world of unique and weird sauces (aka…delicious condiments).

While the classics like ketchup and mustard have their place, there’s a whole universe of different types of sauces waiting to be discovered. To help get your creative juices flowing. We’ve rounded up 10 of the best condiments that will take your meals to the next level.

Whether you’re a foodie seeking new flavors or simply want to spice up your pantry, these condiments are a must-try.

Harissa Paste

Harissa is a North African chili paste known for its smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy flavor. It’s incredibly versatile and can add depth to a variety of dishes.

Mix harissa into couscous, blend it into hummus, or use it as a marinade for roasted vegetables and meats. It’s also a delightful addition to soups and stews.

Aioli

If you’re interested in trying some weird sauces and condiments that are mouth-wateringly delicious, don’t miss this one: aioli.

While your modern-day aioli is pretty much garlic mayonnaise, that doesn’t mean it’s anything short of delicious. It’s made with garlic, egg yolk, lemon juice, olive oil, and a splash of mustard. Use it as a dip, sandwich spread, meat marinade, or anything else you want to make delicious.

Gochujang

Gochujang is a Korean chili paste that combines red chili peppers with fermented soybeans and glutinous rice. It delivers a deep, umami-rich heat with a touch of sweetness and smokiness…which is exactly what you want in the best condiments.

Toss it with stir-fried vegetables or make spicy dipping sauces for dumplings and Korean BBQ.

Black Garlic Spread

As you experiment with different types of sauces, you can’t go wrong with garlic. Black garlic sauce is made from fermented black garlic cloves, resulting in a sweet and savory condiment with a molasses-like richness.

Use black garlic sauce as a glaze for roasted vegetables, a topping for grilled fish, or a unique twist on classic stir-fry dishes.

Sriracha Sauce

This sauce has exploded in popularity over the last few years, so much so that we’ve encountered a sriracha shortage. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still find this sauce on the shelves in places (or considered making your own sriracha when you’re desperate for the spicy tang).

This is easily one of the best condiments since you can add it on everything: meat, vegetables, carbs, and everything in between.

Tahini Paste

Tahini is a creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds, offering a rich, nutty flavor that’s perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.

Use tahini as a base for salad dressings, a dip for veggies, a drizzle for falafel or shawarma, or as an ingredient in desserts like halva.

Sambal Oelek Chili Sauce

Sambal oelek is an Indonesian chili paste made with fresh red chili peppers, vinegar, and salt. It’s pure, unadulterated heat with a vibrant chili flavor.

Add sambal oelek to noodle dishes, stir-fries, soups, and even scrambled eggs to bring a fiery punch to your meals.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a sweet and savory condiment popular in Chinese cuisine. It’s a key component in many classic dishes like Moo Shu Pork and stir fry.

You can experiment with hoisin sauce on grilled meats, use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, or incorporate it into your stir-fries for a delightful flavor boost.

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Expand your culinary horizons by introducing these exceptional condiments into your pantry or fridge. Whether you prefer fiery heat, smoky richness, or tangy sweetness, there’s a condiment on this list that will add a new dimension to your cooking repertoire.