Sauce

N/A Culinary Component

Sauce Culinary Component

At a Glance

  • Category Culinary Component

The Forktionary Angle

"The essential element that binds, brightens, and balances any meal."

Definition

A liquid or semi-liquid preparation used in cooking to add moisture, flavor, and visual appeal to a dish. Varies widely by cuisine.

Classic Mother Sauces Béchamel, Velouté, Espagnole, Hollandaise, Tomato
Storage Requirement Varies greatly; refrigerate most homemade sauces
Thickening Agents Roux, Slurry, Reduction, Emulsification

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Sauce are:

Varies greatly (Sweet Savory Spicy Tangy Umami)

Chef’s Secret

Always taste your sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust seasoning. A final squeeze of lemon juice or a knob of butter can brighten and enrich a finished sauce.

Best Substitutes

Varies depending on desired flavor/function

e.g., broth for light sauce, gravy for thick sauce

Buying Guide

Consider purpose (dipping, marinating, topping). Check ingredients for quality.

Recipes Using Sauce

Cuisine Vegan European Sauces

Bavarian Vegan Cheese Sauce

Indulge in the creamy, dreamy goodness of this Bavarian Vegan Cheese Sauce! Submitted by Felix Weber from Bavaria, Germany, this recipe is a taste of authentic German cuisine, made completely vegan. Perfect for drizzling over pasta, rice, or your favorite vegetables, this rich and satisfying sauce is ready in just 25 minutes. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Kid Friendly Dietary Course Inexpensive

Baked Macaroni And Cheese With Bacon

This creamy, dreamy baked macaroni and cheese is elevated with the smoky crunch of crispy bacon! A family favorite that's both incredibly satisfying and budget-friendly. Get ready for cheesy, comforting goodness in just an hour. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

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Main Ingredient Time To Make Main Dish Preparation

Bbq Shrimp And Cheese Grits Yum

Get ready to be amazed! This BBQ Shrimp and Cheese Grits recipe, adapted from a Light & Tasty magazine submission, is a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Sweet and smoky BBQ shrimp perfectly complement creamy, cheesy grits—a winning combination you won't believe. This easy 30-minute recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Course Course Mexican Taste Mood

Baked Beans Sweet And Spicy With Pineapple

This thick and hearty baked bean recipe is bursting with sweet and spicy flavors, enhanced by juicy pineapple chunks. Perfect for feeding a crowd at your next barbecue, potluck, or outdoor party! Get ready for a taste sensation that's both comforting and exciting.

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Weeknight Asian Occasion Meat

Asian Inspired Meatballs And Spaghetti

A culinary adventure awaits! Denise Woodward, from the popular Eat Boutique blog, shares her year-in-the-making recipe for mouthwatering Asian-inspired pork meatballs and soba noodles. This isn't your average meatball recipe – tender pork meatballs, studded with crunchy sesame seeds, are tossed in a vibrant, umami-rich sauce that's sweet, sour, and spicy. Get ready for an explosion of flavor in every bite! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Small Appliance Number Of Servings Cheese High Calcium

Antisocial Artichoke Dip

This legendary artichoke dip vanishes faster than you can say 'garlic'! A crowd-pleaser guaranteed to be the star of your next gathering. Bold garlic flavor (easily adjustable to your preference) combines with creamy artichokes for a dip so good, it might even cure a cold! Perfect for parties, game nights, or a cozy night in.

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Lunch Low Carb Sandwiches Low In Something

Barbecue Burgers Mix

Fire up your taste buds with this family-favorite Barbecue Burgers Mix! My sister's secret recipe delivers juicy, flavorful burgers bursting with barbecue goodness. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue.

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30 Minutes Or Less 30 Minutes Or Less Occasion Dietary

Shrimp Wontons With Sweet Sauce

Crispy, golden shrimp wontons bursting with flavor! These delightful appetizers are perfect for parties, potlucks, or a quick weeknight snack. Fry them to crispy perfection or steam them for a lighter option – delicious either way! Our irresistible sweet and tangy dipping sauce elevates this classic to a whole new level. Make ahead and freeze for easy OAMC (One-And-Make-Cook) convenience.

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Holiday Event Course Seasonal Occasion

Bamboozled Husband's Barbecue Sauce

Conquer your honey-do list with this irresistible BBQ sauce! Its smoky sweetness will have your husband begging for more, leaving him with extra time to tackle those chores. This easy 35-minute recipe is perfect for weeknight grilling or slow-cooked meats.

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Easy Beans Equipment Main Ingredient

Beer Baked Beans

Fall-apart tender, smoky beer baked beans simmered low and slow in your crockpot! This easy recipe is perfect for potlucks, game day, or a cozy weeknight meal. The rich beer adds incredible depth of flavor, while the simple ingredients create a crowd-pleasing dish everyone will love. Get ready for the most delicious baked beans you've ever tasted!

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For Large Groups Wild Game Moose Time To Make

Beef Moose Or Venison Chili

Warm up on a cold day with this intensely flavorful and customizable chili! Made with beef, moose, or venison, this recipe offers a thick, rich base with options to adjust the spice level to your preference. Easily adaptable for thinner chili lovers, this recipe is perfect for a cozy night in. Discover the delicious depth of flavor from the perfect blend of spices and hearty meats. Perfect for game meat lovers and chili enthusiasts alike!

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Course Gluten Free Meat Preparation

Asian Lettuce Cups With Turkey And Green Apple

Craving vibrant, modern Asian cuisine? This recipe, inspired by The Steamy Kitchen, delivers delicious gluten-free Asian lettuce cups bursting with flavor! Tender turkey, crisp green apple, and a zesty sauce combine for an unforgettable taste sensation. Perfect for impressing friends or enjoying a healthy, satisfying meal at home. Get ready to drool – this recipe is as gorgeous as it is tasty!

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Weeknight Chili Healthy Taste Mood

Atomic Canuck Chili

Unleash your inner fire with Atomic Canuck Chili! This Canadian chili recipe delivers a mouthwatering explosion of spicy heat and savory flavor. Perfect for chili lovers who crave bold tastes and a warming kick. Get ready for a taste bud adventure!

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Preparation 15 Minutes Or Less Number Of Servings Course

Venison Sausage Filling

Transform ground venison into delicious, lean sausages with this easy recipe! Perfect for a hearty breakfast, appetizer, or main course. Customize the spice level to your preference by adjusting the pepper and red pepper flakes. This recipe yields 30-40 sausages, depending on size. Get ready for a flavorful explosion!

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Dips Equipment Beans 3 Steps Or Less

Baked Bean Dip

This Christmas-favorite baked bean dip is a fiesta in your mouth! Impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make, warm and comforting dip—perfect for holiday gatherings or any Mexican-food craving. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation Oven Low In Something Dips

Artichoke Spinach Dip

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistible! This artichoke spinach dip recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties or a cozy night in. My spin on a classic features perfectly blended artichoke hearts, spinach, and three kinds of cheese for an unforgettable flavor explosion.

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Meat Time To Make Lamb Sheep Barbecue

Aussie Lamb Sandwich Souvlaki

Spice up your weeknight with this quick and easy Aussie Lamb Souvlaki Sandwich! Marinated lamb strips are grilled to perfection and nestled in warm Lebanese bread with a vibrant mix of fresh mesclun, tangy capers, creamy sour cream, and crunchy capsicum. Feel free to customize your veggie mix – swap tomatoes for capsicum, add olives instead of capers, or get creative with your favorite salad additions! This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal. Perfect with an ice-cold beer!

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Beans Dietary Easy Beans

Adzuki Bean Stew

Discover a delicious and healthy twist on a classic stew! This Adzuki Bean Stew is perfect for those watching their sugar intake, but its rich flavor and hearty texture will please everyone. Packed with protein and fiber, this recipe is both satisfying and nutritious. A simple yet flavorful dish, ideal for a weeknight meal or a comforting weekend treat.

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