Here are 6 MVP sauces that elevate homemade cooking — versatile, flavor-packed, and simple enough to become pantry staples. Each includes a breakdown of flavor profile, key ingredients, how to make, and how to use:
1. Chimichurri
💡 Flavor Profile: Herbaceous, tangy, garlicky, fresh
🌿 Key Ingredients:
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Fresh parsley (and/or cilantro)
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Garlic
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Red wine vinegar
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Olive oil
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Red chili flakes
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Salt
👩🍳 How to Make:
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Finely chop 1 bunch parsley and 3–4 cloves garlic.
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Mix with 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, and 1/2 cup olive oil.
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Salt to taste. Let sit 10+ minutes to meld.
🍽️ Use It On: Grilled steak, roasted vegetables, seafood, grain bowls, eggs.
2. Romesco
💡 Flavor Profile: Smoky, nutty, savory, with a touch of sweetness
🌰 Key Ingredients:
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Roasted red peppers
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Garlic
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Almonds or hazelnuts
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Olive oil
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Sherry or red wine vinegar
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Paprika
👩🍳 How to Make:
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Blend 1 cup roasted red peppers, 1/4 cup toasted nuts, 1–2 garlic cloves.
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Add 2 tbsp vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt.
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Blend until smooth.
🍽️ Use It On: Grilled chicken, fish, roasted cauliflower, sandwiches, pasta.
3. Tahini Sauce
💡 Flavor Profile: Creamy, nutty, tangy
🌿 Key Ingredients:
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Tahini
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Lemon juice
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Garlic
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Water
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Salt
👩🍳 How to Make:
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Whisk 1/2 cup tahini with juice of 1 lemon and 1 grated garlic clove.
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Slowly add cold water until smooth and pourable (around 1/3 cup).
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Salt to taste. Optional: add cumin or herbs.
🍽️ Use It On: Falafel, grain bowls, roasted veggies, salads, pita.
4. Gochujang Mayo
💡 Flavor Profile: Spicy, creamy, umami-rich
🌶️ Key Ingredients:
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Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
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Mayonnaise
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Rice vinegar or lime juice
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Honey (optional)
👩🍳 How to Make:
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Mix 2 tbsp gochujang with 1/2 cup mayo.
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Add 1 tsp vinegar or lime juice, and 1 tsp honey if you want a sweet touch.
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Stir until smooth.
🍽️ Use It On: Burgers, tacos, fries, sushi rolls, sandwiches.
5. Salsa Verde (Italian Style)
💡 Flavor Profile: Bright, herbal, zesty, savory
🌿 Key Ingredients:
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Parsley
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Capers
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Anchovy fillets (or paste)
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Garlic
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Olive oil
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Lemon juice or vinegar
👩🍳 How to Make:
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Finely chop 1 bunch parsley, 1 tbsp capers, 2 anchovies, and 1 clove garlic.
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Mix with 1/2 cup olive oil and 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar.
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Adjust salt and acid to taste.
🍽️ Use It On: Grilled fish, meats, boiled potatoes, roasted squash.
6. Peanut Sauce (Southeast Asian Style)
💡 Flavor Profile: Savory, sweet, spicy, creamy
🥜 Key Ingredients:
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Peanut butter
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Soy sauce
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Lime juice
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Garlic or ginger
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Brown sugar or honey
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Chili flakes or Sriracha
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Water
👩🍳 How to Make:
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Whisk 1/2 cup peanut butter with 2 tbsp soy sauce, juice of 1 lime, 1 tbsp sweetener, and minced garlic or ginger.
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Add chili for heat, and water to thin to desired consistency.
🍽️ Use It On: Noodles, grilled chicken, spring rolls, satay, salads.
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