Sauce
Sauces play a crucial role in cooking, whether you’re incorporating them into pasta dishes or using them to enhance the flavor of grilled meats. From soy sauce to pesto to salsa, there are numerous methods to employ sauce to enhance and elevate your dishes.
1. Barbeque sauce
Barbeque sauce is a flavorful mixture of tomatoes and vinegar, sweetened with brown sugar and enhanced with spices such as smoked paprika and fresh chilies. Adored worldwide, different types of BBQ sauce are created using regional ingredients and techniques—such as Korean BBQ, made with soy sauce and gochujang. To make a traditional barbeque meal, think about beginning with juicy baby back pork ribs or spicy Indonesian shredded barbeque chicken.
2. Aioli/Mayo
Aioli and mayo are both creamy sauces made by emulsifying oil with a few additional ingredients. True aioli is simply olive oil and garlic while mayo adds egg yolks and other seasonings. However, aioli is sometimes made by modifying a mayonnaise recipe by adding garlic, lemon or other flavorful additions. These two sauces boast different flavor palates. Aioli can be used when dipping vegetables or as a sauce for shellfish, whereas mayo is often used as a spread or a base for pasta/potato salads.
3. Hot Sauce
Spicy sauces made from chili and peppers, commonly known as hot sauces, can be found in nearly every global cuisine. Known for their flexibility and various flavor options, hot sauces are commonly used to add some spice to your meal, such as sriracha, sambal oelek, Szechuan chili oil, Caribbean jerk, harissa, Ethiopian awaze, or classic buffalo sauce. Grilled beef sriracha skewers are a great option for people looking to add some excitement to their meal.
4. Chutney
Chutney is a condiment made with spices and commonly used to add flavor to different types of food. Having its roots in India, chutney has made its way into various culinary traditions, enhancing the flavors of both sweet and savory dishes. Delicious chutneys, created using ripe fruit, provide a pleasing difference, while tangy and hot chutneys enrich meals with their flavorful mix of vegetables, spices, and herbs. Experience a burst of taste by experimenting with a chutney such as mint cilantro.
5. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a salty, thin black sauce that dates back centuries. Providing a salty flavor to dishes, it is often used when sauteing vegetables with meats and noodles. The base of many East and Southeast Asian recipes, it is also a popular table condiment. Alternatives to soy sauce can be found in shoyu (Japanese soy sauce), tamari or soy-free coconut aminos. The next time you’re looking to flavor a dish with soy sauce, try making Asian lime dressing.
6. Salsa
Salsa is a thick red or green sauce used in many Spanish, Mexican and South American meals. Found throughout many countries, some popular variations of this tomato, onion and chili sauce are salsa huancaina, a Peruvian salsa, or chancho en piedra, which is found in Chile. Salsa has a number of uses, including as a condiment, filling or base of recipes.
7. Alfredo Sauce
Alfredo sauce is a decadent, creamy white cheese sauce. Even though it is often paired with Alfredo pasta, this flexible sauce can be savored with any kind of cooked noodles. If you’re craving Alfredo, try sweet potato noodles with Alfredo sauce, pancetta, and peas for a tasty meal.
8. Pesto Sauce
Pesto is a lively green sauce made mainly by crushing basil and mixing with olive oil. Usually comprised of garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese, but can be personalized by adding roasted red peppers or walnuts. Pesto, in its traditional form, is adaptable and suitable for various recipes such as pasta, bread, and roasted chicken.
9. Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce for pasta is a large category that can cover a wide range of recipes. Some common ingredients include –tomatoes along with garlic, basil and onion to name a few.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common types of sauces used in cooking?
Some common sauces include barbeque sauce, aioli/mayo, hot sauce, chutney, soy sauce, salsa, Alfredo sauce, pesto sauce, and tomato sauce. Each of these sauces brings a unique flavor profile to dishes and can be used in various ways to enhance meals.
How is aioli different from mayonnaise?
Aioli is traditionally made by emulsifying olive oil and garlic, while mayonnaise typically includes egg yolks, oil, and other seasonings. Aioli can sometimes be made by modifying a mayonnaise recipe with the addition of garlic, lemon, or other flavorful ingredients.
What is the primary use of soy sauce in cooking?
Soy sauce is primarily used to add a salty flavor to dishes, especially in East and Southeast Asian cuisines. It’s often used in sautéing vegetables, meats, and noodles and also serves as a popular table condiment.