Elevate Your Meals: The Ultimate Dinner Hacks with Pro-Approved Condiments

Preparing a delicious meal doesn’t have to be a time-consuming endeavor. In fact, many professional chefs rely on carefully chosen store-bought condiments to enhance their dishes, saving time without compromising on flavor. From creamy spreads to spicy sauces, these ready-made products are staples in their kitchens, allowing them to create mouthwatering meals with minimal effort. Here are the top condiments that chefs swear by for quick, delicious dinners.

1. Duke’s Real Mayonnaise
Duke’s Real Mayonnaise has earned its reputation as a Southern kitchen essential, celebrated for its tangy, rich flavor and luxurious texture. Its versatility makes it a go-to ingredient for both simple snacks and sophisticated recipes.

• Chef Connor Gilbreath from Eberly in Austin loves experimenting with it, using it to create a spicy dip by mixing it with hot sauce or spreading it on grilled cheese sandwiches in place of butter for a golden, crispy crust.
• Chef Myles Moody of Kinship Butcher & Sundry in Atlanta insists on its importance, stating, “Every sandwich must have Duke’s Mayonnaise spread evenly on both slices of bread. It’s non-negotiable.”
• Chef Katie Button, a cookbook author and restaurateur, swears by it, calling it “hands down the best mayonnaise out there.”

Whether you’re whipping up a simple sandwich or enhancing a salad dressing, Duke’s Mayonnaise offers unbeatable flavor.

2. Maggi Hot & Sweet Tomato Chilli Sauce
This iconic sauce brings a perfect blend of tartness, sweetness, and heat to your plate. It’s a childhood favorite of Chef Maneet Chauhan, a James Beard Award-winning chef, who reminisces about growing up in India with this condiment.

• She recalls using it on omelet sandwiches, mozzarella sticks, and even samosas, calling it “a bite of childhood every time I taste it.”

This versatile sauce can transform snacks, stir-fries, and appetizers into flavorful delights.

3. Inglehoffer Spicy Brown Mustard
For those who enjoy a condiment with a bold kick, Inglehoffer Spicy Brown Mustard is a must-have. Its robust flavor adds depth without overpowering dishes.

• Chef Laurent Tourondel incorporates it into everything from sandwiches to grilled sausages and even pairs it with cheeses and meats. “It has just the right amount of spice to complement any dish,” he says.

A staple for charcuterie boards and hearty meals, this mustard is a pantry essential for food lovers.

4. Lee Kum Kee Premium Oyster Sauce
This rich and savory sauce has become a favorite among chefs for its ability to add complexity to both simple and elaborate recipes.

• Chef Philippe Chow highlights its ability to enhance the natural sweetness of vegetables. “I use it for stir-fries and classic dishes like beef with broccoli,” he shares.

A few drops of this sauce can elevate stir-fried vegetables, noodles, or meat dishes, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.

5. Cento Anchovy Paste
Even for those who don’t enjoy anchovies, this paste can work wonders in enriching flavors. It’s not about making dishes taste fishy—it’s about enhancing umami.

• Chef Katie Button adds it to soups, vinaigrettes, and sauces. “It amps up the savory flavor while adding depth and complexity,” she explains.

This secret ingredient can transform soups, stews, and dressings into restaurant-quality dishes.

6. Maesri Masaman Curry Paste
This Thai curry paste, made with dried red chilies, tamarind juice, and aromatic spices, allows home cooks to create authentic curries effortlessly.

• Chef Nok Suntaranon recommends it for its authentic flavor and ease of use. “It’s approachable for home cooks who want to explore this wonderful dish,” she says.

Perfect for curries, stews, or even soups, this paste is a game-changer for anyone craving bold, comforting flavors.

Conclusion:

Incorporating these condiments into your cooking can turn everyday meals into culinary masterpieces. Chefs trust these store-bought products to save time without sacrificing flavor, and you can too. From enhancing sandwiches with Duke’s Mayonnaise to creating authentic Thai curries with Maesri Masaman Curry Paste, these condiments will revolutionize your approach to cooking. Next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up one (or all) of these chef-approved staples and transform your home-cooked meals into something extraordinary.

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