Secret sauce: 35 sauces & seasonings pump up the flavor

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Looking to give your meals a serious flavor boost? Our slideshow is packed with game-changing options, from the tangy zest of Salsa Verde to the sweet-salty richness of Miso Caramel Sauce. Whether you’re whipping up tacos or crafting a dessert, we’ve got a sauce or seasoning to take it to the next level.

A bowl of Vietnamese peanut sauce with an edible flower and fresh rolls on the side.
Vietnamese Peanut Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Enchilada Sauce

Overhead shot of a pot of enchilada sauce witih a spoonful of enchilada sauce above it.
Enchilada Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This sauce brings together multiple layers of flavor and spice. Ideal for enchiladas, it can also be used to zest up other Mexican dishes.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Sauce

Cucumber Raita

A low angle shot of a bowl of cucumber raita with radishes on top.
Cucumber Raita. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Indian side dish is ideal for cooling down spicy entrees. It blends well with biryanis and flatbreads, offering a refreshing contrast to complex spices.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Raita

Garlic Chutney

overhead shot of garlic chutney in a bowl with a plate of samosas.
Garlic Chutney. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This strong-flavored chutney is versatile, great as a dip or as a spread for sandwiches. Its pungent garlic tones are a must for garlic lovers looking to elevate their dishes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chutney

Salsa Verde

Salsa verde in a bowl with cilantro leaves on top.
Salsa Verde. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This tangy green sauce is perfect for adding vibrancy to various dishes. It works particularly well with grilled meats and seafood.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Verde

Pickled Jalapenos

Two canning jars filled with pickled jalapenos on a wooden board with fresh jalapenos on the side.
Pickled Jalapenos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A pantry staple for those who enjoy a spicy kick. They are perfect for topping on nachos or for incorporating into Mexican recipes.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Jalapenos

Vietnamese Peanut Sauce

A bowl of Vietnamese peanut sauce with an edible flower and fresh rolls on the side.
Vietnamese Peanut Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Ideal for dipping spring rolls or drizzling over salads. This Vietnamese classic combines sweet, salty, and nutty flavors.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Peanut Sauce

Guacamole

Guacamole in a white bowl with limes, cilantro, and tortilla chips on the side.
Guacamole. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

More than just a dip for chips, this Mexican staple can enhance sandwiches, salads, and even main courses. Its creamy texture and rich flavors add depth.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Thai Peanut Sauce

Spooning thai peanut sauce over salad.
Thai Peanut Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A versatile condiment that adds a creamy, spicy, and sweet element to many Thai dishes, particularly noodles and salads.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Sauce

Miso Caramel

Brownies and ice cream with miso caramel being drizzled over the top.
Miso Caramel. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A fusion of Japanese and Western cuisines, this sauce offers a complex sweetness. It’s a unique topping for desserts and savory dishes alike.
Get the Recipe: Miso Caramel

Thai Red Curry Sauce

Overhead shot of a bowl of thai red curry sauce with a cilantro leaf on top.
Thai Red Curry Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Add this sauce to various proteins for an instant Thai dish. Its rich and spicy profile brings complex flavors to simple meals.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Sauce

Prik Nam Pla

Overhead shot of Prik Nam Pla dipping sauce with limes and peanuts on the side.
Prik Nam Pla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Thai fish sauce mixture provides an umami punch. It’s commonly used as a dipping sauce for seafood and fried dishes.
Get the Recipe: Prik Nam Pla

Cilantro Mint Chutney

High angle shot of a bowl of cilantro mint chutney with a spoonful being lifted above the bowl.
Cilantro Mint Chutney. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

An aromatic sauce that works well as a dip or sandwich spread. The freshness of mint and cilantro makes it an ideal complement to grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Mint Chutney

Zhoug Sauce

low angle shot of a bowl of zhoug with veggies on the side.
Zhoug Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Originating in Yemen, this spicy cilantro-based sauce is a robust accompaniment for meats and vegetables, giving them an herby, spicy lift.
Get the Recipe: Zhoug Sauce

Shichimi Togarashi

Low angle shot of a white bowl filled with shichimi togarashi with a spoon in it.
Shichimi Togarashi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Japanese spice blend is excellent for those who enjoy a bit of heat. It serves as a versatile seasoning for noodles, soups, and seafood.
Get the Recipe: Shichimi Togarashi

Pickled Onions

Overhead shot of a jar of pink pickled onions with lime halves on the side.
Pickled Onions. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These add crunch and tanginess to any dish. They are especially good for balancing out fatty or rich foods.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Onions

Mango Habanero Salsa

Overhead shot of a bowl of mango habanero salsa with a hand lifting a spoonful of the salsa.
Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This salsa brings sweet, tangy, and spicy elements together. It’s a great pairing for grilled chicken or fish.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Chili Oil

low angle shot of a jar of chili oil with a spoon lifting some of the oil out of the jar.
Chili Oil. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

An essential in Sichuan cuisine, this oil adds a smoky heat to dishes. Use it sparingly to liven up stir-fries, dumplings, or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Chili Oil

Tamarind Chutney

Overhead shot of a bowl of tamarind date chutney with samosas and cilantro mint chutney.
Tamarind Chutney. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Indian chutney offers a unique tangy and sweet flavor. It’s an excellent dip for fried snacks like samosas or bhajis.
Get the Recipe: Tamarind Chutney

Mango Pico de Gallo

A bowl of mango pico de gallo sits on a rustic wooden cutting board surrounded by limes, cilantro, and a pink linen.
Mango Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

A tropical twist on a classic, this Pico de Gallo pairs well with grilled meats and seafood, offering a burst of freshness.
Get the Recipe: Mango Pico de Gallo

Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Pineapple pico de gallo in a black bowl surrounded by limes and a yellow linen.
Pineapple Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Similar to its mango counterpart, but with a more tart profile. It complements a variety of dishes from grilled chicken to fish tacos.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

Lemon herb vinaigrette in a copper-colored spoon.
Lemon Herb Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This light and citrusy dressing is a healthier option for salads. Its herby undertones add complexity.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

Chinese 5 Spice Plum Jam

Chinese 5 spice plum jam in a white bowl with a small spoon.
Chinese 5 Spice Plum Jam. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This jam brings a Chinese twist to a Western staple, making it a versatile condiment for both sweet and savory applications.
Get the Recipe: Chinese 5 Spice Plum Jam

Orange Cranberry Sauce

A bowl of cranberry sauce with oranges and cinnamon.
Orange Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

A holiday classic with a citrusy spin, this sauce pairs well with turkey and other roasted meats, providing a sweet and tart contrast.
Get the Recipe: Orange Cranberry Sauce

Quick Pickled Celery

Pickled celery in a glass jar.
Quick Pickled Celery. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This pickled condiment can offer a refreshing crunch to sandwiches and salads. It’s a quick way to add complexity to simple dishes.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Celery

Spicy Homemade Green Hot Sauce

Green hot sauce on black background.
Spicy Homemade Green Hot Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This sauce provides a clean, spicy heat to any dish. Ideal for those who appreciate an extra kick without overwhelming other flavors.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Homemade Green Hot Sauce

Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce in a glass container.
Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

A healthier alternative for holiday dinners. It keeps the tartness of cranberries while cutting down on added sugar.
Get the Recipe: Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce

Lime Pickled Radish

Quick pickle recipe using radishes and a jar.
Lime Pickled Radish. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These pickled radishes offer a bright acidity. They can add a new dimension to tacos, salads, or Asian-inspired dishes.
Get the Recipe: Lime Pickled Radish

Savory Apple Thyme Butter

Apple thyme butter in a glass jar garnished with thyme leaves.
Savory Apple Thyme Butter. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This seasoned butter brings a herbal and fruity dimension to breads or roasted meats. It offers an autumnal feel to any dish.
Get the Recipe: Savory Apple Thyme Butter

Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette

A jar of honey jalapeno lime vinaigrette sits on a cutting board surrounded by limes, cilantro, and jalapenos.
Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This vinaigrette offers a balanced profile of sweet, acidic, and spicy. It’s especially good for perking up summer salads.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette

Quick Pickled Shallots

Quick pickled shallots in a glass jar on a rustic wooden cutting board.
Quick Pickled Shallots. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These shallots can add a tangy crunch to a variety of dishes. They are particularly useful for cutting through rich, heavy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Shallots

Creamy Salsa Dressing

Overhead shot of creamy salsa dressing in a glass jar surrounded by cilantro, fresh tomatoes, and a halved lime.
Creamy Salsa Dressing. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

A fusion of creamy dressing and classic salsa, this condiment is great for salads, tacos, or as a veggie dip.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Salsa Dressing

Tiger Sauce

A picture of homemade tiger sauce in bowl on cutting board.
Tiger Sauce. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This tangy and slightly spicy sauce is versatile and can add an unexpected kick to grilled meats and stir-fries.
Get the Recipe: Tiger Sauce

Spiced Orange Beet Apple Chutney

Spiced orange beet apple chutney in a small sauce pot with a spoon.
Spiced Orange Beet Apple Chutney. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This chutney offers a melange of flavors and works well as a side for meats or a spread for sandwiches. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and spicy.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Orange Beet Apple Chutney

Chipotle Southwest Sauce

chipotle southwest sauce in a glass jar beside a red linen.
Chipotle Southwest Sauce. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This sauce brings smoky and creamy elements to any dish. It’s ideal for wraps, sandwiches, or as a dip for fried foods.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Southwest Sauce

Balsamic Glaze

Balsamic glaze on prosciutto and melon.
Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

A reduction of balsamic vinegar, this glaze is excellent for adding a rich, tangy flavor to both sweet and savory dishes.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glaze

Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

A plate with a slice of toast spread with homemade dairy-free hazelnut spread.
Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Spread. Photo credit: Sage Alpha Gal.

A dairy-free alternative to the popular spread, this recipe provides the same creamy texture and rich flavor without animal products.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

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