10 Condiments That Will Up Your Cooking Game
31st July 2023 | By Astrid Carter
Chips dipped in mayo or a bacon sandwich slathered with HP are a given, but if you really want to up your cooking game, fill up your pantry with these 10 elevated condiments.
As Brits, we never really think about condiments as something very ‘cheffy,’ they’re more like staples you bring out without thought on your most rotated meals, or bottles and jars that sit in the cupboard untouched until you do a clear out. But the world of condiments has seriously upped its game recently, with artisanal products that will take your meals from mediocre to magnificent in a simple dollop.
We’ve handpicked our top 10, from the foodie’s chilli sauce of choice to a riff on classic ketchup and everything in between. Trust us, you will want to add these to everything.
Scroll on for some seriously good condiments to add to basket in your next online shop…
1.
With a combination of sweet honey, paprika, mustard, a hint of chilli and top flavours of sun-kissed tomatoes and peppers, Tiptree is your regular u003ca href=u0022https://www.thehandbook.com/best-bbq-restaurants-to-enjoy-whatever-the-weather/u0022u003eBBQu003c/au003e sauce’s posh big sister.rnrnYou can use it copiously in marinades, on burgers, squeezed into hotdogs or to add depth to smokey stews. Plus, the vintage-inspired bottle looks pretty nice on your u003ca href=u0022https://www.thehandbook.com/summer-tablecloth-we-love/u0022u003esummer tabletopu003c/au003e.
2.
Basically the east London hipster of mayos, Japanese mayo brand Kewpie brings new depths to one of the nation’s most popular dips. Darker yellow in colour with a unami tang – thanks to rice vinegar and mustard powder – it packs more of a punch than your usual Hellmann’s.rnrnUse it unadulterated as a dip or as a base for sriracha mayo, to elevate summer slaws or potato salads, or as the base to a sauce for things like teriyaki salmon and buddha bowls.
3.
If you’ve eaten at one of u003ca href=u0022https://www.thehandbook.com/from-udon-to-hot-pots-where-to-eat-oodles-of-noodles/u0022u003eLondon’s best ramen restaurantsu003c/au003e, Tonkotsu, you’ll be familiar with their cult Eat The Bits Oil that sits upon every table.rnrnYou can buy a jar to take home or easily order online and we suggest you do, pronto, to add to everything from soups to salads, fried chicken to pizza.
The taste hits somewhere between umami rich and hot nuttiness and it is 100% moreish
4.
There are few sauces we don’t rave about from Sauce Shop, a British brand dedicated to stocking the inner shelves of your fridge to the brim, but the Chipotle and Lime Aioli is a clear standout.rnrnSpicy, smokey and criminally garlicky, dollop it onto fish tacos, slide it into a fish finger sandwich or drizzle it over your favourite pizza.
5.
Handmade in Mexico, this little sauce packs a huge punch with flavours of smoked chilis, garlic, caramelised onions and balsamic vinegar. Add to that a sweetness of honey and you’ve got a truly unique sauce you’ll want to pair with everything.rnrnWe love it mixed with grated carrot for a zingy side salad, drizzled over goat’s cheese, rocket and walnuts for a riff on a classic starter, and used to marinate everything from chicken thighs to pork chops. Yum.
6.
This spread doesn’t exactly come in cheap at £21.50, but damn is it good. Made from Parmigiano Reggiano, cream, ricotta, butter and Italian white truffles (we didn’t say it was healthy), it’s outrageously rich.rnrnSpread it on toasted bruschetta or stir it through tagliatelle to make your next u003ca href=u0022https://www.thehandbook.com/we-ask-3-experts-how-to-plan-the-perfect-dinner-party/u0022u003edinner partyu003c/au003e feel like a five-star u003ca href=u0022https://www.thehandbook.com/londons-top-18-restaurants-for-an-authentic-italian-experience/u0022u003eitalian restaurant u003c/au003e.rnrnOne to add to the Christmas list for sure.
7.
Taking nut butters (and their price points) to new heights is Fortnum u0026 Mason’s all vegan Pecan u0026 Maple spread. Fu0026M can do little wrong in our eyes, but this is a real winner, made in small batches by an artisan producer in Shropshire using all-natural, quality ingredients.rnrnThe rich buttery pecans balance out the tooth-achingly sweet maple perfectly, making it the ideal topping to waffles, u003ca href=u0022https://www.thehandbook.com/best-pancakes-in-london/u0022u003epancakesu003c/au003e, apple slices and even cheese sandwiches – trust us, it’s good.
8.
Sounds weird, tastes great. Geo Watkin’s ketchup contains zero tomatoes but will add oomph to so many dishes. We love a dollop stirred into mushroom risotto for the lazy cook’s way to add flavour, or served with a pie to dip in those flakey bits of pastry.
9.
In the same vein but with peas instead, this gloriously green ketchup will take the humble fish finger sandwich to new heights. Made by dedicated condiments and pickles brand, Puckett’s, they add sweet peas and mint with tangy organic cider vinegar to give it a fresh new take. Think of it as mushy peas 2.0.
10.
We’d happily buy this for the name alone, but Saucy Bitch’s Pomegranate Hot Sauce is seriously good. Made in East London with fermented chilis, pomegranates and middle eastern spices, it works particularly well on top of a falafel wrap. rnrnIt’s also vegan and great for your gut thanks to its fermented goodness. Win win.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.