44 Best and Essential Condiment Recipes

Condiments have the power to transform any dish and take it to the next level with just a few spoonfuls. They add flavor, texture, and depth to any meal, and are an essential part of many cuisines around the world. In this post, we’ll be exploring the best homemade condiment recipes from different countries and cultures, to help you elevate your dishes to new heights.

Whether you’re looking to add a touch of heat, a burst of flavor, or a tangy kick, we’ve got you covered. From Italian seasoning and Taco seasoning, to Cajun seasoning and chili seasoning, we’ll take you on a flavor journey around the world. You’ll find recipes for popular condiments like sweet and sour sauce, chili sauce, and sweet chili sauce, as well as traditional seasonings like garam masala and curry Powder.

Collage of different condiments in bowls.

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For those who love Asian cuisine, we’ve got you covered too. We’ve included recipes for classic sauces like stir fry sauce, teriyaki sauce, and orange sauce, as well as regional favorites like General Tso’s sauce, Kung Pao sauce, and Szechuan sauce. And for those who like it spicy, we’ve included recipes for buffalo wings sauce, vindaloo sauce, and tamarind sauce.

In addition to the various seasoning blends and sauces, we also have a selection of pastes and sauces that can be used as a base for many dishes. Tamarind paste adds a tangy flavor to sauces and marinades, while Thai red and yellow curry pastes are the foundation of many Thai dishes. Ginger garlic paste is a staple in many Asian cuisines, providing a fresh and pungent flavor.

On the other hand, pasta sauces like marinara, bechamel (white sauce), and homemade alfredo sauce, add richness and creaminess to pasta dishes. Garlic parmesan and garlic butter sauces are perfect for adding a burst of flavor to vegetables, meats, and pasta. And lastly, garlic butter, can be used as a spread, a dipping sauce, or as a cooking oil to add a rich, buttery flavor to dishes. These recipes will surely add a new level of depth and flavor to your cooking.

With these essential homemade condiment recipes, you’ll be able to add a world of flavor to your meals. Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a fancy dinner party, or just want to elevate your everyday meals, these recipes will help you do just that. So let’s get started and take your dishes to the next level!

You could also find different collections of recipes below and more at recipe collections.

Tahini

Tahini is a smooth and creamy condiment, boasting rich, nutty, and earthy flavors. Traditionally made with sesame seeds, neutral oil, and salt, it serves as a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. This savory ingredient forms the base for various dishes, including tahini sauce, tahini dressing, hummus, and baba ganoush. It can be enjoyed with falafel, pita bread, roasted or baked vegetables, salads, and grain bowls.

Caramelized Onions

Caramelized Onions are a rich, sweet, and deep brown condiment or side dish typically made with onions, oil, and a pinch of salt. Caramelizing Onions is an essential cooking technique suitable for novices and cooking experts alike. While the process is straightforward, achieving that deep brown caramelized stage demands a bit of patience and effort. Caramelized Onions are a versatile addition, elevating a variety of dishes, including soups, burgers, pizza, pasta dishes, sauces, steaks, and more

Italian Seasoning

Italian Seasoning is a sweet, savory, earthy, and aromatic herb blend, a popular kitchen basic used in Italian recipes. It is usually made with dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, and marjoram. This homemade spice mix is one of the best seasonings that can be used in a wide range of dishes like pasta, pasta sauce like marinara, alfredo, and bechamel sauce. It is also used in pizza, soups, and chicken dishes like fried chicken, chicken parmesan, seafood, and roasted and baked vegetables.

Taco Seasoning

Taco Seasoning is a classic Mexican spice mix known for its warm and spicy flavor profile. The mix is typically made using chili powder, paprika, black pepper, cumin powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano. This homemade Taco Seasoning is often utilized to add flavor to taco fillings, taco soup, and taco rice. Its versatility extends to various proteins like chicken, shrimp, beef, salmon, and more, as well as roasted or baked meats and vegetables. The best part? this DIY Taco Seasoning remains fresh for up to six months at room temperature when made in bulk.

Cajun Seasoning

Cajun Seasoning is a spicy, zesty, and flavorful blend that hails from Louisiana. It is typically made with ingredients such as paprika, black pepper, onion, garlic, cayenne, and dried herbs like oregano and thyme. This homemade Cajun spice mix is easy to make and the best way to add flavor to a variety of dishes, including chicken, seafood like salmon and shrimp, and soups, as well as roasted and baked foods. The options are endless!

Chili Seasoning

Chili Seasoning is a simple, easy-to-make, and flavor-loaded homemade condiment. It is usually made with chili powder or paprika, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, and black pepper powder. These spices deliver the best flavor and taste to your favorite chili recipes such as white chicken chili, beef chili, vegetable chili, turkey chili, and more. This Homemade Chili Seasoning mix is one of the best seasoning recipes that comes in handy in under 10 minutes. And the best part is it stays good for up to 3 months at room temperature.

Chicken Seasoning (Dry Rub)

Chicken Seasoning is a simple and aromatic spice rub mix infused with herbaceous flavors. It's crafted from basic ingredients like paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and dried herbs. This homemade chicken spice rub is an essential condiment for enhancing the taste of your chicken breast, thighs, wings, or fried chicken dishes. Whether you're baking, grilling, or frying, this seasoning can add depth and richness to your dishes.

Chicken seasoning mix or dry rub in a black bowl on a white tabletop.

Fajita Seasoning

Fajita Seasoning is a classic Mexican spice mix renowned for its bold and spicy flavor profile. Typically made with chili powder, paprika, cayenne, cumin powder, onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, and salt. This homemade blend is often used to make chicken, shrimp, and steak fajitas, as well as roasted or baked meats and vegetables. The best part? When made in bulk, this Homemade Fajita Seasoning remains fresh for up to six months at room temperature.

Blackened Seasoning

Blackened Seasoning is a bold, spicy, and flavorful spice mix that originated from Cajun cuisine. Typically, it's made with a blend of paprika, garlic, onion, and black pepper powder, cayenne pepper, and dried herbs like oregano and thyme. This Homemade Blackened seasoning is one of the easy and best seasonings that can help create a flavorful blackened salmon, fish, or chicken using the blackening cooking technique.

Curry Powder

Curry powder is a warm, mildly spicy, and robust blend of spices that are packed with fresh aroma and flavor. It is typically made with Indian whole spices like coriander, cumin, mustard, fenugreek, and other seasonings. This homemade recipe for Curry Powder is one of the most simple and best ways to infuse the authentic flavors of Indian curries into your dishes. But it's not just curries that can benefit from the addition of Curry Powder, it's also a great way to enhance the taste of roasted and baked vegetables, side dishes, pasta, and rice for a burst of bold flavor.

Garam Masala

Garam Masala is a traditional and highly popular spice blend in Indian cuisine known for its warm and aromatic flavors. It is typically made using fresh, whole Indian spices that are roasted over low heat and then ground into a fine powder. This homemade Garam Masala recipe is one of the best seasonings for enhancing the flavor of most Indian curries, vegetables, biryani dishes such as lamb and chicken biryani, and other side dishes.

Chinese Five Spice Powder

Chinese Five Spice Powder is a bold, aromatic, and popular seasoning blend in Chinese cuisine. It's typically made using a combination of fennel seeds, cinnamon sticks, star anise, Szechuan peppercorns, and cloves. This homemade five-spice powder is easy to make and can be used to enhance the flavor of a variety of dishes, including chicken, pork, beef, salmon, roasted and baked vegetables, and stir-fried dishes.

Chinese 5-Spice Powder in a white cup with few ingredients scattered around.

Chai Masala Powder (Tea Masala)

Chai Masala is a fresh and aromatic powder used to flavor authentic Indian Tea or Masala Chai. It is nothing but a mix of whole Indian spices that are ground into a coarse powder. This homemade Chai or Tea Masala delivers the best flavor and taste to regular milk tea and is enjoyed as a hot beverage in the morning or evening. The best part is it is also filled with a lot of health benefits.

Chai Masala Powder in a jar with few spices placed nearby.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a versatile condiment, known for its fluffy and creamy texture. It is traditionally made with egg, oil, Dijon mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, and salt. This sauce not only pairs well with fried chicken dishes, seafood, and salads, but also serves as a base for popular dips like tartar sauce, aioli, remoulade sauce, honey mustard sauce, and coleslaw dressing.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Sweet and Sour Sauce is a classic and popular sauce in Chinese cuisine, known for its unique sweet and sour flavor. It is usually made with soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and cornstarch. This homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce is one of the best and easy-to-make sauces that can be prepared in under 10 minutes. It is primarily used as a condiment to make sweet and sour chicken or pork, or as a dipping sauce for fried chicken dishes, egg rolls, snacks, or marinade for meats.

Chili Sauce

Chili Sauce is a sweet, spicy, and savory American condiment. It is usually made of tomato paste or puree, chili flakes and powder, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, spices, and sweetening agents like honey and brown sugar. This Homemade Chili Sauce is one of the best and easy-to-make sauces that are usually served as a dipping sauce for shrimp, chicken wings, snacks, or appetizers. It is also used as a marinade in chicken, and seafood recipes. You can also use it as a topping for sandwiches, and burgers, to glaze meatloaf, in meatballs, stir fry dishes, or as a salad dressing.

Sweet Chili Sauce

Thai Sweet Chili Sauce is a sweet, savory, and spicy Asian condiment from Thai cuisine. It is usually made with chili flakes, brown sugar, rice vinegar, mirin sauce, fish sauce, and basic aromatics. This Homemade sweet Chilli Sauce is one of the best thai sauces that tastes great with Thai starters, snacks, or for grilling, or stir-frying the chicken, salmon, or shrimp.

Chili Oil

Chili Oil is a hot, spicy, and aromatic Chinese condiment. It is typically made with chili flakes, shallots, garlic, and other aromatic spices that are infused with oil. Homemade Chinese Chili Oil is one of the best condiments used in Asian cuisine for years. It is great as a dipping sauce for dumplings, momos, and spring rolls, and also makes a great addition to noodles, stir-fries, and other chicken or shrimp dishes to add a spicy kick.

Stir Fry Sauce

Stir Fry Sauce is a sweet, savory, and moderately spicy Asian sauce. It is usually made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, chicken or veg stock, and basic aromatics. This Homemade Stir Fry Sauce is one of the easy and best sauces that can be used to make quick stir-fry dishes such as vegetable stir fry, chicken stir fry, and similar chicken, shrimp, fish, tofu dishes and red meats.

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki Sauce is a sweet, savory, and traditional Japanese seasoning loaded with umami flavors. It is usually made of Tamari, mirin sauce, brown sugar, honey, and basic aromatics. This Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is one of the best sauces to make Teriyaki Chicken, Teriyaki Salmon, or to flavor up chicken, seafood, or other meat dishes. You can also use the sauce in stir-fries, noodles, and soup to make some Asian-style dishes at home.

Teriyaki Sauce in a white square cup on a grey table with few ingredients around.

Salmon Marinade

Salmon Marinade is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and zesty freshness. It's composed of simple ingredients like olive oil, paprika, lemon juice, garlic, brown sugar, and soy sauce, along with basic herbs and seasonings. This marinade stands out as one of the easiest and most flavorful condiments that can truly enhance the taste of your salmon, whether you choose to grill it, bake it, air fry it, or pan-fry it.

Orange Sauce

Orange Sauce is a sweet, tangy, and orange flavor-loaded Chinese sauce. It is usually made with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, veg or chicken broth, orange juice, and zest. This Homemade Orange Sauce is one of the best stir fry sauces and also an essential ingredient to make Orange Chicken. And the best part is you can also use this sauce to toss your favorite veggies, and other proteins like shrimp, salmon, and tofu for different variations.

General Tso's Sauce

General Tso's Sauce is a sweet, spicy, and tangy Chinese dip or condiment. The authentic recipe is usually made with sesame oil, ginger, garlic, hoisin, soy sauce, chicken broth, and other seasoning ingredients. This Homemade General Tso's Sauce is easy to make and delivers the best flavor and taste. And it is served as a dip for most appetizers and used to make Tso's Chicken, Shrimp, or Tofu.

Kung Pao Sauce

Kung Pao Sauce is an authentic Szechuan style stir-fry sauce filled with sweet, spicy, and complex flavors. It is usually made with fresh aromatics, basic sauces, Szechuan peppercorns, and sesame oil. This homemade Kung Pao Sauce is one of the flavor-filled stir-fry sauces and is used to make Kung Pao Chicken, Kung Pao Shrimp, Kung Pao Tofu and similar other Chinese dishes.

Szechuan Sauce (Schezwan Sauce)

Szechuan or Schezwan Sauce is a blend of sweet and spicy Chinese condiment made with fresh ingredients. It is traditionally made with red chili, Sichuan Pepper, sesame oil, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. This Szechuan Sauce is typically used in stir-fries, fried rice, noodles, or as a dipping sauce.

Tamarind Sauce

Tamarind Sauce is a sweet, tangy and authentic Indian dip or condiment loaded with fresh flavors of ginger and cumin. It is usually made with dried seedless tamarind, jaggery, and basic spices. This Tamarind Sauce is a perfect dip to enjoy with most Indian street foods like samosa or other similar snacks. And it can be also a flavor-enhancing condiment in veg curries and non-veg curries that calls for it.

Buffalo Wings Sauce

Buffalo Wings Sauce is a spicy, tangy, and easy-to-make dip prepared with simple ingredients. It is usually made with butter, hot sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce. This homemade Buffalo Sauce for wings is one of the best dips to make your favorite buffalo wings using oven-baked chicken wings, fried chicken wings, or air fryer chicken wings. You can also use it as a dip for your starter or appetizers.

Remoulade Sauce

Remoulade sauce is a creamy, spicy, and pungent French condiment. Traditionally made with ingredients such as mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Cajun seasoning, horseradish, pickle and lemon juice, herbs, and seasonings. This Remoulade Sauce is one of the best sauces that pair well with fried foods like salmon patties, crab cakes, fried fish, fried chicken, and the beloved Po'Boy sandwich.

ChimiChurri Sauce

Chimichurri Sauce is a bright, vibrant, and flavorful oil-based condiment originating from Argentine and Uruguayan cuisine. Typically made with fresh ingredients such as parsley, oregano, shallots, garlic, olive oil, red chili, and red wine vinegar, this homemade sauce is one of the best accompaniments to grilled or roasted meats, seafood, and vegetables. It can also be used as a marinade to infuse the meat with its delicious flavors.

Pico De Gallo

Pico De Gallo is a beloved Mexican salsa and is renowned for its abundance of fresh and vibrant flavors. This classic condiment features a delightful combination of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeno peppers, zesty lime juice, and basic seasonings. With its refreshing taste, Pico de Gallo stands out as one of the finest dips, perfectly complementing tortilla chips, tacos, quesadillas, fajitas, and an array of other Mexican dishes.

Vindaloo Sauce and Paste

Vindaloo Sauce is a spicy, flavorful, and classical Indian Goan-style curry sauce made with Vindaloo Paste. It is usually made with whole Indian spices, onion, tomatoes, tamarind, vinegar, and sugar. This homemade Vindaloo Sauce makes the best Chicken Vindaloo, Lamb Vindaloo, Shrimp Vindaloo, veg, or vegan-friendly Vindaloo curries to serve especially when you are craving for an authentic Indian curry. And it is usually served with rice, roti, chapati, paratha, or similar other dishes.

Vindaloo Sauce in a white bowl on a table

Tamarind Paste

Tamarind Paste is a thick, sour, and tangy Asian condiment. It is one of the essential condiments used in most Indian, Thai, and Chinese cooking. This homemade Tamarind Paste stays good for up to 2 months in the refrigerator and tastes great in curries, stir-fries, soups, candies, desserts, and drinks that call for it. This post also covers the best substitutes for Tamarind, where to buy tamarind paste, and the difference between paste, puree, pulp, concentrate and extract etc.

Thai Red Curry Paste

Thai Red Curry Paste is a simple, easy-to-make, and flavor-bursting condiment. It is usually prepared with dry red chilies, shallots, garlic, galangal, and other fresh ingredients that are pounded or blended in a processor. This homemade red curry paste is one of the best flavor enhancers used in most Thai curries, like vegetable Thai red curry, chicken Thai red curry, soups, stir-fries, and more. And the best part is this homemade version stays fresh for weeks in the refrigerator and up to a month in the freezer.

Thai Yellow Curry Paste

Thai Yellow Curry Paste is a warm, mildly spicy, and bright yellow-colored condiment that is one of the main ingredients used in Thai Yellow Curry. It is usually made with fresh spices like galangal, lemongrass, whole spices, and basic Asian ingredients. This Homemade Yellow Curry Paste is one of the best and easy-to-make condiments that can be used in Thai curries, stir-fries, soups, or recipes that call for it.

Ginger Garlic Paste

Ginger garlic paste is one of the essential condiments in Indian cooking. It is usually prepared with fresh ginger and garlic that are ground into a smooth paste along with some natural preservatives. It is also naturally a vegan-friendly condiment that stays good for up to 1 month in the refrigerator and 6 months in the freezer. This ginger garlic paste is traditionally used in Indian veg, nonveg curries, biryanis, and similar dishes to enhance the flavor, taste, and aroma of the food.

Basil Pesto

Basil Pesto is a fresh, savory, and herbaceous oil-based sauce that is authentic to Italian cuisine. It is typically made with basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, and basic seasonings. This homemade Basil Pesto is one of the best sauces that can elevate the taste of pasta dishes. It is also an essential sauce to make Pesto Pasta, Pesto Chicken Pasta, and Pesto Shrimp Pasta.

Homemade Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo Sauce is a rich, thick, and creamy Italian pasta sauce. It is one of the popular white sauces made with butter, heavy cream, garlic, parmesan cheese, and basic Italian seasonings. This Homemade Alfredo Sauce is one of the best and easy-to-make sauces that pairs perfectly with pasta, roasted and baked vegetables, chicken, shrimp, or salmon for lunch and dinner.

Alfredo Sauce in a black bowl with few ingredients around.

Marinara Sauce

Marinara Sauce is a simple, and easy-to-make Italian tomato sauce. It is usually made with crushed or whole tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil leaves, and other Italian seasonings. This Homemade Marinara Sauce is one of the best pasta sauces that can be served over spaghetti, rotini, or in the recipes that call for it.

Bechamel Sauce (White Sauce)

Bechamel Sauce also called White Sauce or cream sauce is a thick, creamy, and silky smooth sauce. It is one of the five mother sauces of French Cuisine and is also used in most Italian recipes. This simple White Sauce is usually made with butter, flour, milk, and basic seasonings. This homemade Bechamel Sauce is used to make the best pasta, pizza, lasagna, casserole, souffle, and similar other dishes.

Creamy Bechamel or White Sauce in a bowl on a table

Pasta Sauce

Pasta Sauce is a sweet, savory, and authentic Italian tomato-based condiment. It is prepared with olive oil, crushed tomato, carrot, onion, garlic, and other Italian herbs. This homemade Pasta Sauce is one of the easy-to-make vegan-friendly sauces that can be made in under 30 minutes. And it pairs great with pasta, pizza, lasagna, or polenta that is perfect for lunch and dinner.

Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a rich, creamy, and silky smooth Dip or Condiment packed with flavors of garlic and parmesan cheese. It is prepared with butter, garlic, milk, chicken broth, parmesan cheese, flour, and other seasoning ingredients. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a perfect condiment to prepare pasta, pizza, and even for baking veggies. And can be used as a dip for chicken wings, shrimp and steak.

Garlic Butter Sauce

Garlic Butter Sauce is a rich and aromatic condiment filled with flavors of garlic and fresh herbs. This homemade sauce is made with creamy salted butter that is melted with garlic, dill, parsley, chives, pepper, and lemon juice. Garlic Butter Sauce is a perfect condiment or dip that pairs great with pasta, steak, chicken, shrimp, bread, and other similar dishes.

Garlic butter

Garlic Butter is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dip loaded with the freshness of garlic and Italian herbs. It is usually prepared with room temperature butter, garlic, and fresh herbs. This Homemade Garlic Butter is one of the perfect dishes to flavor up your bread, pasta, chicken, seafood, or steak.

Roasted Garlic

Roasted Garlic is soft, and golden cloves that have a mild and sweet flavor. It's usually made by roasting whole garlic bulbs with basic seasonings and herbs. Roasting brings out the natural flavors of garlic and is a fantastic way to enjoy its taste. You can use it as a spread for bread and can be a great addition to soups, stews, sauces, pasta dishes, and other side dishes to enhance their flavor.

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