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If your meal-prepped lunches or go-to dinners have started feeling a little bland, one easy way to kick things up a notch: Sub in some of our recs for the best condiments, instead of your usual sauces or finishing ingredients. We’re talking spicing up your weeknight chicken with a little gochujang sauce, or tossing your noodles in some hot Peri Peri sauce. Giving your meals a major glow-up in 3, 2, 1…
A cult-fave crunchy chili oil from a renowned chef’s restaurant…
Aka David Chang of Momofuku. The oil’s got a flash of heat thanks to three different kinds of Mexican chilis, and lots of texture from the crunchy garlic and shallots. It also comes in two other flavors — a black truffle–infused oil and an extra spicy oil with the addition of habaneros for a lasting heat. If you’re looking for an easy dish to drizzle your oil over, try the brand's elevated take on the instant noodle. Chili oil, meet pantry staple. ($13+, Momofuku)
Natural Sichuan chili sauce crafted in Chengdu…
If we had to describe it, we’d say Zhong sauce is like a spicy dumpling sauce with more umami flavor. It’s got lots of soy sauce that’s been slow-brewed with brown sugar, mushrooms, garlic, and a blend of spices for a more complex flavor than your regular ol’ dumpling sauce. If that sounds like a must-try, we recommend snagging this woman-founded brand’s dumpling variety pack for the full flavor effect. ($15+, Fly By Jing)
A mix of heat and sweetness perfect for drizzling on all your faves…
You may already know it and love it, but if you haven’t tried Mike’s Hot Honey yet, what are you waiting for? It’s made from 100% pure honey, chilis, and vinegar. It pairs beautifully with wings, BBQ, spicy cocktails, pizza, and even ice cream if you’re feeling adventurous. And extreme heat-seekers might wanna try the extra-hot version, made with even more chilis. ($10.99+, Amazon)
Four bestselling sauces in convenient packaging…
The bundle from Haven’s Kitchen contains an herbaceous chimichurri, golden turmeric tahini, gingery miso sauce, and edamame green goddess — perfect for marinades and dressings. The reusable squeeze pouch makes dispensing and storing ’em easy-breezy. The four sauces can last about 20 meals, and if you’re not sure what to dress up with them, check out the brand’s own sauce-forward recipes. Oh, and if you end up falling in love with the bestseller package, we rec subscribing to their monthly delivery for 20% off. ($31.20+, Haven’s Kitchen)
Your new destination for quality rubs and spices…
Like the al pastor rub with ancho and guajillo chili powder, everything bagel seasoning perfect for bagels, salads, and dips, or Mom’s Taco Seasoning that all come through with their namesake flavors. And serious home chefs might wanna snag this multi-pack of essential spices for the serious home chef. You can use code SKIMM15 for 15% off your purchase through May 25. ($6.49+, Spicewalla)
Korean gochujang sauce you can use on almost everything…
Like comfort tteokbokki or homemade kimchi. Gochujang is also great for any other recipes that need a little sweet heat. This one has got a medium spice level and is made from all-natural brown rice, fermented soybeans, and red pepper powder. If you’re a major fan, snag the 35.2-ounce pack so you’re always in stock. ($9.62+, Amazon)
And a premade tteokbokki sauce in case you don’t want to make your own…
It’s got the same sweet heat as gochujang, but in powder form. This sauce is perfect for tossing on your boiling rice cakes, or even as a rub for marinating meats. There are five different spice levels — from mild and sweet to fiery — to satisfy every level of heat-seeker. ($12/5 pack, Amazon)
Bulgogi sauce that’ll give your favorite Korean BBQ place a run for its money…
It’s got no MSG, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial ingredients, and it's non-GMO and gluten-free. Most importantly, though? It’s delicious on all meats — not just bulgogi. Douse your poultry, seafood, and even veggies, and use it as a marinade or dipping sauce. Oh, and snag one of these smokeless indoor grills so you can have the ultimate KBBQ experience without even having to leave home. ($9.99, Amazon)
A variety pack of Portuguese sauces you’ll want to spoon on everything…
If you find Peri Peri wings to be the most addictive foods to ever be invented, good news: Now you can make them at home. This Nando’s four pack has a hot and medium-spice Peri Peri sauce as well as a lemon and herb and garlic flavor. Throw ’em on your eggs, burgers, and pastas — or try this insanely tasty chicken recipe that just might become your new go-to. ($27.47+, Amazon)
Reusable condiment cups for your leftovers…
These are a great way to kick single-use plastic to the curb. They’re stackable, made from durable, BPA-free materials, and perfect for tossing in your lunch bag or for helping keep your fridge tidy. You won’t have to worry about any spillage, since these have leakproof and airtight soft covers. We love that they’re dishwasher- and freezer-safe, and come in a few different sizes for all your dippin’ needs. Oh, and check out our guide to more eco-friendly kitchen organization tips. ($5.99/6 pack+, Amazon)
An eight pack of condiment bottles for convenient storage…
They’re made from food-grade plastic that’s 100% BPA-free, nontoxic, and see-through — aka major bonus points in the fridge-organization department. They’ve got tiny measurements along the sides that make cooking a lil’ bit easier and no-leak lids to prevent spilling. Psst…you can also use these squeeze bottles to organize liquids like paints, soaps, or cleaning supplies. ($14.45+, Amazon)
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