Sauces

Good tartar sauce is all about balance. The richness of the mayo is crucial for topping off fish or dipping onion rings, and the lemon juice and fresh dill gives it some zip.


Time:   under 30 minutes

This simple ponzu sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for dumplings, a marinade for fish or seafood, or as a salad dressing.


Time:   under 30 minutes

This mild sauce starts by making a seasoned roux that is then slowly simmered with water until thickened. Use in any recipe calling for enchilada sauce.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   1-2 hours

Vodka and limeade may sound like they belong in a cocktail recipe, but this fiery blended sauce with habaneros and caramelized onions makes a great wing sauce or condiment.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Meuniere means "miller's wife" in French. The classic recipe contains browned butter with lemon juice and parsley. This Creole version adds fish stock to a flavorful...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

Every day we send out a featured recipe and our editor's favorite picks. Don't miss out!

Made with water, ground beef, salt, onion, chili powder, ketchup

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

Apple butter gives a sweet tang to BBQ sauce that makes it perfect for slathering on ribs or dumping in a slow cooker with pork shoulder to make a big batch of...


Time:   under 30 minutes

Barbecue sauce just like Applebee's does it. The secret ingredient is apple butter for a touch of fruity sweetness. Ready for ribs, chicken, or pulled pork.


Time:   under 30 minutes

Every barbecue sauce needs a good secret ingredient. Let tangy onion soup mix be yours. It's the perfect addition to this simmered sauce, adding a savory depth to all your...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Hungarians know their cold-weather comfort food. This spicy, creamy gravy is great poured over meatballs, mashed potatoes, and a hundred other savory staples.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

You can't go wrong when sticking with the basics. Here's a fantastic make-ahead sauce that'll make delicious, spur of the moment stir-fries a cinch in your kitchen.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

A sauce so good you'll be finding all sorts of new uses for it. Egg rolls and chicken are a given, but stir fries would also go great with this pineapple and...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

Made with chili powder, ring bologna, onion, green bell pepper, tomato juice, ketchup, red pepper

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

When you're craving some of the golden arches' special sauce make this simple replica. Top a burger with it or use it as a dipping sauce for fries or...


Time:   under 30 minutes

Copy the famous flavors from P.F. Chang's with this easy to make stir fry sauce. Can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.


Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with cornstarch, water, white vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, chicken broth

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Japanese Kabayaki sauce is most commonly used for grilled eel, but it's excellent on salmon and tuna as well. The sweet glaze only takes three ingredients to throw together.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Meatballs and sausage team up in this meat-lover's pasta. Port wine and basil give the sauce an incredibly deep flavor.

Method:   crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours

Use this flavorful sauce for strombolis, calzones, pizza, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or garlic bread. It freezes great so go ahead and make up a big batch.


Time:   under 30 minutes

With five ingredients and five minutes you can whip up a cheese sauce perfect for steamed veggies, nachos, and so much more.

Method:   microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

No more naked hot dogs! This beefy, chili-spiced sauce turns a frank from fair to fantastic, adding just the right balance of sweet, spicy and savory.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

Coney sauce will always take a frank to the next level. Beef, tomato sauce, and onions spiced up with a few choice seasonings make a hearty hot dog topping.

Method:   crock pot, stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

This Alfredo sauce is made from a blend of Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheeses which are quickly cooked with milk and butter in the microwave for a practically instant...

Method:   microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

Skip the grocery store and make your own homemade version of A-1 Steak Sauce. It can be used as a sauce for meats (like steak!) or added to marinades (try it with chicken).

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Delicious Chinese brown gravy with restaurant-quality flavor. Mushrooms cooked in bacon fat ups the ante on the richness and umami of the gravy.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

This barbecue sauce brings way more than just a smoky mesquite element to the table with orange zest and serranos providing an intriguing sweet and spicy balance to the sauce.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

This is a tasty dipping sauce for egg rolls, wontons, or fried shrimp. A simple orange sauce gets a little extra zip from horseradish and ginger.


Time:   30-60 minutes

Oprah's Pesto: Not just for the book club. Fresh basil, garlic, and a zing of lemon that even Dr. Phil couldn't analyze.


Time:   under 30 minutes

This sauce mix makes a pasta dish loads better than you'd get with heavy jarred alfredo, without the hassle of making the sauce from scratch just for a weeknight dinner.


Time:   under 30 minutes

This green enchilada sauce has an authentic, tangy flavor to add a little zip to tacos, burritos, and of course, enchiladas.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

Ground beef, onions, and garlic sauteed in olive oil and mixed into a spiced tomato sauce turn some plain spaghetti into a pleasing pasta dish.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

Garlic and ginger are always a good call when it comes to Asian cuisine. Use this garlic sauce to spice up all sorts of creations. If you like your sauces extra thick, just whisk...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

This rich and cheesy sauce is delicious served over cauliflower or broccoli.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Nachos, chili dogs, pretzel dip, the only limit to what you can do with a good cheese sauce is your imagination.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Say goodbye to ordinary barbecue sauces and hello to something extraordinary. Big Bob Gibson's Alabama white BBQ sauce brings a creamy richness that's perfect...


Time:   under 30 minutes

This beefy, buttery sauce works like gravy alongside meatloaf or mashed potatoes, or even as an au jus for sandwiches.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

This make-ahead recipe comes in handy on busy days.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

This three-ingredient sauce could not be simpler! Ketchup, soy sauce and Worcestershire are all you need for a Tonkatsu sauce ready to top some crispy pork and a hot...


Time:   under 30 minutes

A rich, slightly sweet, mild flavored curry sauce. Use in an any recipe calling for a curry sauce (delicious with chicken, potatoes, cauliflower, etc).

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

You'll want to save this recipe as it's the base for a variety of sauces. Start with a basic white sauce and turn it into everything from mornay to curry...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

The blend of ingredients may sound odd, but it turns out that pineapple juice, chili sauce, cinnamon, and other spices make a killer barbecue sauce.


Time:   under 30 minutes

Good gravy makes all the difference on a thanksgiving plate. Make a thick roux and throw in mushrooms. Perfect on turkey, of course, but also on mashed potatoes, stuffing, and...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

This non-heavy hollandaise sauce is perfect over broiled fish or steamed vegetables. Make it the night before and serve over eggs benedict for breakfast.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Whether you're using it to give fried chicken and pineapple a sweet glaze or just dipping some egg rolls, sweet and sour is always handy to have around.


Time:   under 30 minutes

Avocados, tomatillos, and jalapeno with sour cream and cilantro make a kickin' creamy sauce that's perfect for dipping tortilla chips or quesadilla slices.


Time:   2-5 hours

Chinese brown sauce is a savory, dark brown sauce used in Chinese cuisine. This sauce is commonly used as a dip for meats or as a stir-fry sauce.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

A splash of Jack steps up your bbq sauce game. The rich bourbon flavor works well with chicken, beef, or pork. Heck, you can use this anywhere you use barbecue sauce.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

This basic teriyaki sauce is a great way to add flavor to your stir-fry or grilled dishes. It's full of umami flavor, making it perfect for dressing up any dish.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

Skip the stuff in a jar and make your own tasty pizza sauce at home. It's easier than you think.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

North Carolina BBQ starts off with a heavy dose of tangy cider vinegar. Throw in some brown sugar and ketchup and we've got ourselves a sauce perfect for pork sandwiches...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

The Outback Steakhouse serves this honey mustard with their famous Alice Springs chicken. You can use it as a dipping sauce or salad dressing.


Time:   under 30 minutes

You'll be wanting a big batch of this stuff. Dark roast coffee makes an outstanding addition to a BBQ sauce, adding in earthy flavors to counterbalance all the sweetness and acidity.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

Made with garlic powder, black pepper, prepared mustard, brown sugar, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

This pretty-in-pink dipping sauce is a perfect cocktail sauce for shrimp. Hint: also use it as a french fry dip!


Time:   under 30 minutes

If you balk at the ingredient list of store-bought or even homemade tartar sauces packed with mayo, this yogurt-based sauce is right up your alley.


Time:   under 30 minutes

The added richness of instant coffee makes this gravy a decadent topping for meatloaf, turkey, or mashed potatoes. No flour, so it's gluten-free too.


Time:   under 30 minutes

A creamy, savory blend of onions, sour cream, and fresh or dried dill. This easy-to-follow recipe results in a versatile sauce that adds a flavorful twist to any dish.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Skip the commercial teriyaki sauce and try this homemade version made with just a few simple ingredients.


Time:   under 30 minutes