Dipping Sauces
“These are 7 of my favorite sauces; use them to dip, spread, smother, whatever your style may be.”
It’s completely normal, and acceptable, to base an entire meal around a sauce. It’s okay for food to solely be a vehicle for them, too (Chicken McNuggets?). These are 7 of my favorite sauces; use them to dip, spread, smother, whatever your style may be.
I can count on a single hand the number of times I’ve actually measured out a sauce recipe. They turn out a little different every time, and I’m actually really into that. I’ve listed my go-to ingredients for each one, in order of amount generally used. They’re versatile enough to add or remove whatever you have on hand or have a taste for. And they take just minutes to make, so use an extra second to get them just the way you want.
Tartar Dijonnaise
Delicious on a salmon burger, make it chunky or smooth depending on how finely ingredients are chopped.
Mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
Yellow mustard
Lemon juice
Worcestershire
Cornichons or dill pickle, finely chopped
White onion, finely chopped
Garlic, microplaned
Fresh dill and parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly cracked pepper
Sugar
Hot Honey
Drizzle it over crispy fried chicken or oven-roasted cauliflower. Also pictured: Garlic Aioli (detailed further down)
Honey or agave
Hot sauce (like Frank’s)
Sriracha
Warm water, just a splash
Crushed red pepper flakes
Salt
Peanut Sauce
This adds a really nice savory depth to any dish, especially rice and noodle dishes.
Peanut butter
Low-sodium soy sauce
White miso
Warm water (starchy pasta water is even better)
Sesame oil
Hoisin
Worcestershire
Garlic, microplaned
Ginger, microplaned
Crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and freshly cracked pepper
Garlic Aioli
Best with everything. Tip: Let the garlic hang out in the lemon juice for a couple minutes to reduce the sharpness.
Mayonnaise
Lemon juice
Worcestershire
Olive oil
Garlic, microplaned or finely chopped
Fresh parsley
Other fresh herbs (depending on your preference)
Paprika
Salt and freshly cracked pepper
Avocado Crema
Dip tortilla chips in this or drizzle it over tacos.
Sour cream
Avocado, puréed or mashed
Lime juice
Cold water (for a thinner consistency)
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and freshly cracked pepper
Cayenne pepper
Country Gravy
Smother this on biscuits or use it as a sidekick to fried chicken tenders.
Flour and butter, cooked until golden
Milk or heavy cream
Turkey sausage (optional)
Freshly cracked pepper
Dried thyme or poultry blend
Salt
Crushed red pepper flakes
Burger Sauce
Obviously for a burger, but don’t forget to dip the fries too.
Mayonnaise
Ketchup
Cornichons or dill pickle, finely chopped
Garlic, microplaned or finely chopped
Dried onions or onion powder
Apple cider vinegar
Sugar
Fresh parsley
Salt and freshly cracked pepper