Condiment | Gluten Free Low Fat Low Calorie

Sauce

N/A Allergen-Free
sauce

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source N/A

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

A liquid or semi-liquid accompaniment used to add flavor, moisture, and visual appeal to food dishes. Often savory or sweet.

Sensory Profile

TasteSavory, Umami
TextureViscous, Smooth
AromaAromatic, Pungent
AcidityMed

Technical Metrics

Classic Mother Sauces

Béchamel, Velouté, Espagnole, Hollandaise, Tomato

Storage Requirement

Varies greatly; refrigerate most homemade sauces

Thickening Agents

Roux, Slurry, Reduction, Emulsification

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g
Calories80 kcal
Total Fat4.0 g
Saturated Fat1.5 g
Trans Fat0.0 g
Cholesterol5 mg
Protein2.0 g
Total Carbohydrate8.0 g
Dietary Fiber0.5 g
Total Sugars3.0 g
Calcium15 mg
Iron0.5 mg
Potassium80 mg

Chef’s Secret

A well-balanced sauce should hit all five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami, even subtly.

Substitutions

Best Match

Broth (chicken/veg)

1:1

Good for adding base flavor and moisture.

Pureed Vegetables

1:1

Adds thickness and nutrients, less refined texture.

Cornstarch Slurry

N/A

Thickens existing liquids, neutral flavor.

Yogurt/Sour Cream

1:1

Adds creamy texture and tang to cold sauces.

Buying Guide

Look for sauces with minimal artificial ingredients and lower sodium.

Flavor Pairings

Meat Pasta Vegetables Grains Desserts

Recipes Using Sauce

Course Easy Course Presentation

10 Minute Mustard Dip

Ready in just 10 minutes, this vibrant mustard dip explodes with tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors! Perfect for dipping pretzels, or use it as a zesty sauce for pork or chicken. This crowd-pleasing recipe, originally featured in a local newspaper, is incredibly versatile and sure to become a new favorite.

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Weeknight Main Ingredient 5 Ingredients Or Less Occasion

3 Ingredient Pulled Pork

This unbelievably tender pulled pork recipe is a game-changer! Using just three simple ingredients and your slow cooker, you'll have juicy, flavorful pork ready in hours. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is surprisingly easy, even for beginners. We used a pork loin roast (or tenderloin!), but feel free to experiment! Serve on toasted buns with your favorite coleslaw, pickles, and hot sauce for an unforgettable meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this incredibly simple yet delicious pulled pork recipe!

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Preparation Occasion Cuisine Seasonal

5 Bean Chili

This hearty 5-Bean Chili recipe from Better Homes & Gardens is packed with flavor! Perfectly seasoned and deeply satisfying, this chili is easily customizable to your spice preference. Add cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. A perfect weeknight meal for the whole family!

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Poultry Wings Easy Superbowl

Alton Brown's Buffalo Wings

Achieve the ultimate crispy, juicy buffalo wing without deep frying! This Food Network-famous Alton Brown recipe uses a brilliant steam-and-roast method. Get perfectly tender chicken on the inside with incredibly crisp skin on the outside. Your family and friends will go crazy for these addictive wings – a game-day must-have!

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Spicy Healthy Vegetables Seasonal

Arizona Avocado Salad

Wow your guests with this stunning and delicious Arizona Avocado Salad! A vibrant mix of creamy avocado, zesty lime, and spicy chili, this beautiful salad is the perfect side dish for enchiladas, Mexican rice, or beans. Easy to make, yet bursting with flavor, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Prepare to be amazed!

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Main Dish North American Course Time To Make

Arroz Con Pollo

Inspired by Jorge Ayala's legendary Arroz con Pollo (that beat Bobby Flay!), this recipe delivers a vibrant and flavorful twist on a classic dish. Juicy chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a medley of savory spices create a truly unforgettable meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe!

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Cuisine Picnic Dietary Independence Day

Awesome Pinto Beans

Fall-off-the-bone tender pinto beans with a rich, savory flavor! This recipe delivers perfectly juicy beans, ideal for dipping tortillas and spooning over your favorite BBQ. Topped with fresh diced onions for a delightful crunch, these beans are a crowd-pleaser, perfect as a side dish or hearty main course. Get ready for an explosion of flavor!

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Salads Cuisine Salads Preparation

Bacon Avocado Tomato Salad

This vibrant Bacon Avocado Tomato Salad is a flavor explosion! The chunkier, the better – perfectly ripe tomatoes and creamy avocados are tossed with crispy bacon and a zesty vinaigrette. For a shortcut, use pre-cooked bacon, but the homemade version adds a delicious smoky depth. This easy recipe is ready in under 2 hours (including chill time) and is perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying side dish, or a stunning appetizer.

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Main Dish Holiday Event Brunch North American

Baked Beans Crock Pot

Fall-off-the-bone tender, unbelievably flavorful baked beans, perfected in your slow cooker! These aren't your grandma's baked beans – they're elevated with a touch of maple sweetness and smoky bacon. Soak the beans overnight for ultimate tenderness. Prepare to be amazed!

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60 Minutes Or Less Easy Taste Mood 60 Minutes Or Less

Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Sweet and spicy, these ridiculously easy BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches are ready in under an hour! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing party dish. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken in a mouthwatering BBQ sauce – get ready for flavor explosion!

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Inexpensive Main Ingredient Dietary Inexpensive

Barbecued Beer Can Chicken Cook's Country

Juicy, fall-off-the-bone barbecued beer can chicken, made famous by Cook's Country magazine! This classic recipe delivers incredible flavor and tender meat. Achieve perfectly smoky and succulent results with our detailed instructions and precise measurements. Impress your friends and family with this easy-to-follow BBQ masterpiece.

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Equipment Independence Day Served Hot Broil

Barbecued Salmon Steaks

Fire up the grill for this irresistible Barbecued Salmon recipe! Inspired by Duncan's Gas Grills, this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful salmon steaks with a smoky barbecue glaze. Easily customizable to your serving size, it's a quick and delicious weeknight meal or impressive dinner party dish. Get ready for tender, flaky salmon bursting with BBQ flavor!

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Seasonal Easy Preparation Poultry

Basil Chicken Salad

This refreshing Basil Chicken Salad recipe, inspired by the 3 Fat Chicks, is a summer hit! Perfect for a light lunch or a delightful patio dinner, this recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with fresh basil and juicy chicken. Impress your family and friends with this vibrant and flavorful salad – get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation Dietary North American 15 Minutes Or Less

Bean And Potato Soup

This comforting and flavorful bean and potato soup is a perfect weeknight meal! Packed with hearty vegetables and nutritious beans, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy a warm bowl of deliciousness – perfect for chilly evenings.

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Low Cholesterol Beef 4 Hours Or Less Low Sodium

Beef And Green Bean Pie With Squash And Potato Topping

This hearty Beef and Green Bean Pie boasts a fluffy, flavorful mashed squash and potato topping that perfectly complements a savory ground beef filling. Packed with fresh herbs and spices, this comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Save time by prepping the filling ahead! Optional Parmesan cheese adds a delightful touch of richness.

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Equipment Course Beef Main Dish

Beef With Cabbage And Tomatoes

A hearty and flavorful Beef with Cabbage and Tomatoes recipe inspired by Qu'est-ce qu'on mange volume 3! This comforting dish features tender ground beef simmered with crisp cabbage, juicy tomatoes, and a burst of savory spices. A family favorite, it's easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less Equipment Barbecue

Beer Burgers With Beer Braised Onions

Juicy beer burgers topped with rich, caramelized beer-braised onions – a flavor explosion in every bite! This recipe is a family favorite, perfect for a weekend BBQ or a casual weeknight dinner. The slow-cooked onions add a depth of sweetness and savory flavor that complements the perfectly grilled patties.

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