Every chef and food lover alike knows that the secret to amazing food at home is an arsenal of the best condiments. Whether it’s classics like ketchup and mustard, or punchier choices like sambal olek and fish sauce, condiments are a great way to elevate your cooking.
We’ve compiled a list of some basic must have condiments for your pantry below. Let’s get cooking!
9 Must Have Condiments Your Should Always Have
1. Oil
Oil is a must-have no matter what you’re cooking or how you’re using it. Whether it’s olive oil, sesame, vegetable, sunflower, or other kinds, oils are cooking fats that enhance the flavor of our cooking. Oil is used to sauté, fry, bake, make salad dressings, or as a garnish. Want to know the 10 best and worst oils for your health? Read this article on Times magazine.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar is an essential condiment used to make salad dressings, pan sauces, pickles, other dips and condiments, and more. There are plenty of options to choose from. Apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, and Modena balsamic vinegar are a great trio to have in your pantry rotation.
3. Honey
Firstly, Honey has many uses in the kitchen, both sweet and savory. Secondly, it adds an earthy sweetness to many recipes, and enhances meats and fish, like salmon and chicken, as well as root vegetables and potatoes.
Thirdly, Honey is an essential sweetener used in baking as well. Try drizzling it on a crusty piece of bread and butter, or serve as a condiment with an elaborate Charcuterie board.
4. Maple Syrup
This sweet condiment is great on pancakes, French toast, sweet potatoes, pork, and more! Most importantly, maple syrup is a great sweetener to have on hand for many recipes, sauces, and glazes. Look for the high-quality stuff that’s not mass-marketed and diluted with cane sugar and corn syrup.
5. Mayonnaise or Aioli
This condiment is made from egg yolks and oil. Create an aioli by adding mustard, lemon juice, vinegar, and other spices. Moreover, Mayonnaise is a perfect condiment to add to sandwiches or mix into salads such as tuna, egg, or potato. Mayonnaise can also be used as a base for other sauces and dips.
6. Ketchup
Ketchup is known as the all-American summertime condiment. However, it has more uses than just sat atop your favorite burgers, hot dogs, and fries. Moreover, ketchup is a great tomato-based condiment used to create glazes, barbecue sauces, meatballs, cocktail sauce, and more.
7. Mustard
There are many types of mustard, and they all have their place in your pantry. This condiment is made from ground mustard seeds and liquids like lemon juice, vinegar, and water. Mustard is an essential addition to foods like sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs. In addition, it’s also a great ingredient in barbeque sauces and salad dressing. This versatile condiment adds a spicy punch to any meal.
8. Soy Sauce
This condiment is a liquid derived from fermented soybeans. It’s a perfect way to add salty, umami taste to many Asian dishes, stir-fries, and more. Elevate the flavor of your roasted mushrooms by hitting them with a splash of soy sauce.
9. Fish Sauce
Finally, fish sauce may not be a condiment you’ve cooked with before. It’s a salty, umami-rich sauce packed with flavor, and a pungent smell too! It has an assertive taste that’s perfect for vegetables, chillis, pad Thai, and other hearty dishes.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, these condiments listed above only scratch the surface of what you need in a fully stocked pantry. Although they don’t cover everything, they’re a good place to start. Above all, with these condiments in your cupboards, you’ll be able to whip up a wide array of dressings, sauces, and dishes to enhance your home cooking.
For a more detailed post on Kitchen Organization – check this guide on Porch.com.
