In cooking, flavour is the most essential element. Flavour is the soul of any dish, bringing joy and a sense of satisfaction with every bite. Sauces, in particular, can amplify these flavours. They are the secret weapon of every cook. Sauces can turn any simple dish into a finger-licking dish. A variety of sauces flavours are present in the market, like sweet, sour, and tangy, However, some flavours might not be available in the local market for you. Their versatility has no bounds, as these can be customized, mixed or created according to your preference. Sauces are a touch of magic that is loved by most of the people. But do you know there are various types of sauces that you still don’t know? In this blog post, you’ll get insights into the types of Sugar Free BBQ Sauces and the dishes in which you can use these sauces.
Types of sauces
There’s a vast array of sauces from various traditions and countries. Each and every sauce has its unique ingredients and tastes. Here are some popular sauces for you to know, along with the dishes they complement.
- Tomato sauce: It is the most common sauce and is available in the local market, too. It is a staple in Italian cuisine. This sauce has a variety of ingredients, including tomatoes, garlic, onions, olive oil, herbs, carrots, salt, and many more. This sauce tastes tangy, slightly sweet, and herbaceous and will leave you with an aromatic taste of tomatoes. You can use this sauce in pasta, pizza, nuggets, sandwiches, etc. It is even used as a dipping sauce to eat with fries, etc.
- Alfredo sauce: This sauce also originated in Italy, and its luxurious, creamy texture makes it perfect for pasta. To make this mouth-dissolving creamy sauce, butter, heavy cream, garlic, parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and sometimes egg yolk are used. This sauce is rich in cream, butter, subtle garlic, and cheese making it the perfect choice to make alfredo or white sauce pasta.
- Pesto is a brilliant green sauce that originated in Genoa, Italy. Don’t you wonder how many sauces Italy has given to the world? Well, an estimated number could be more than a hundred sauces. Isn’t it surprising? It’s produced by combining fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. With cheese and olive oil, this sauce is nutty and garlicky.
- Hollandaise Sauce: it is a traditional French sauce that is thick and silky and often paired with eggs Benedict and veggies. It’s made using Egg yolks, butter, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and sometimes cayenne pepper. This sauce is rich in creamy texture along with buttery, tangy and slightly acidic, making it perfect to cater to your taste.
- Soy sauce is an essential element in Asian cuisine (mainly in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean meals). It’s composed of fermented soybeans, browned grains, salt, and water. This salty, savoury sauce with fermented flavours improves the taste of the foods it is used in. This sauce can be used in noodles, fried rice, etc.
- Barbecue sauce: This sauce is typically made with tomato paste or tomato sauce mixed with vinegar, sweeteners (molasses or brown sugar) to give it a sweet flavour, spices (paprika, garlic powder), onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Various BBQ sauces are available, from ordinary to specialty ones. Sugar-free BBQ sauces are also available. These sauces can be used in Pork, wings, as a pizza base, and many more. There is no limit to using BBQ sauces.
- Thai peanut sauce: Thai peanut sauce is a creamy and savoury condiment commonly used in Thai cuisine. It’s created using peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and chilli paste, giving in a delicious combination of nutty, savoury, tangy, and spicy flavours. This sauce is especially used for coating spring rolls or dressing salads and noodles.
- Bechamel Sauce: Bechamel Sauce, also known as white sauce, is a French mother sauce produced by first whisking together butter and flour to form a roux and then gradually adding milk while stirring constantly until thick. It’s seasoned with salt and, sometimes, nutmeg, producing a creamy sauce. This silky sauce is ideal for lasagna, gratins, and creamy pasta dishes.
- Salsa: Salsa is a flexible sauce that is also widely used as a dip. It is made with fresh ingredients, including tomatoes, onions, cilantro, chilli peppers and jalapeños or serranos. It originated in Mexico. It’s flavoured with lemon juice and salt for a zesty, tangy flavour with a touch of fire.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Teriyaki sauce is a sweet, salty, and savoury mainstay of Japanese cuisine. It’s made by cooking soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), sugar or honey, garlic, and ginger until thick. That salty, savoury taste with the hint of garlic and ginger makes it popular. The end product is a glossy sauce suitable for coating grilled or stir-fried meats and vegetables.
Final Words!
Undoubtedly, there is a diverse range of sauces originating from various places. These sauces enhance the flavour of food and make it delicious. Simple vegetable dishes can be enhanced into a gourmet experience. These sauces are versatile. They have different flavours, each adding its own distinct taste to a meal, such as sweet, acidic, spicy, or savoury. As you explore the world of sauces, you’ll find new flavours and combinations that will boost your cooking creations. So, explore the vast, diverse world of sauces and be inspired to create recipes that not only fulfill hunger but also bring joy and satisfaction.