17 Restaurant Quality Sauces Even Newbie Cooks Can Nail

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17 Restaurant Quality Sauces Even Newbie Cooks Can Nail

Want to make your home-cooked meal taste like it came straight out of a restaurant? Don’t sweat it! Our sauce recipes are carefully broken down step-by-step so that all cooks can follow along easily. Yes, even if you’re just starting out on your cooking journey. In no time, you’ll be impressing your family with dishes packed full of flavor.

Overhead shot of a pot of enchilada sauce witih a spoonful of enchilada sauce above it.
Enchilada Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Pickled Onions

Overhead shot of a jar of pink pickled onions with lime halves on the side.
Pickled Onions. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’ve never pickled anything before, onions are the place to start. Honestly, all it takes is a bit of patience, and you’ll be adding that tangy crunch to burgers, tacos, and sandwiches. They’re a game-changer, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making them earlier!
Get the Recipe: Pickled Onions

Zhoug Sauce

low angle shot of a bowl of zhoug with veggies on the side.
Zhoug Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Ever have one of those “wow” moments at a restaurant with a sauce? That’s Zhoug for you. It’s spicy, it’s fresh, and you can actually make it yourself without all the fuss. Trust me, whip some up, spoon it over your chicken or veggies, and watch your meals come alive.
Get the Recipe: Zhoug Sauce

Shichimi Togarashi

Low angle shot of a white bowl filled with shichimi togarashi with a spoon in it.
Shichimi Togarashi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The Japanese know a thing or two about seasoning, and Shichimi Togarashi is proof. Seven spices come together for heat and a citrusy edge that turn ordinary recipes into something special. It’s not too hard to make and it’ll earn you serious kitchen cred.
Get the Recipe: Shichimi Togarashi

Mango Habanero Salsa

Overhead shot of a bowl of mango habanero salsa with a hand lifting a spoonful of the salsa.
Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Sweet mangoes and fiery habaneros, believe it or not, are like best friends in the salsa world. And making it yourself is a straight shot to impressing at home. Toss it onto some grilled fish or scoop it with chips, and that’s restaurant magic right there, no pro chef required.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Chili Oil

low angle shot of a jar of chili oil with a spoon lifting some of the oil out of the jar.
Chili Oil. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Fancy something with a kick? DIY Chili Oil is the answer, and it’s surprisingly doable. A drizzle here and there adds this incredible depth to dishes. And the best part? It’s about as hard to mess up as boiling water.
Get the Recipe: Chili Oil

Vietnamese Peanut Sauce

A bowl of Vietnamese peanut sauce with an edible flower and fresh rolls on the side.
Vietnamese Peanut Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

There’s something about Vietnamese Peanut Sauce that brings out the best in noodles and salads. And making it? It’s mixing a few ingredients until they’re smooth and taste like something way fancier than what you put in. Home cooking magic, right there.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Peanut Sauce

Pickled Jalapenos

Two canning jars filled with pickled jalapenos on a wooden board with fresh jalapenos on the side.
Pickled Jalapenos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Tacos without Pickled Jalapenos are like a beach without sand – just not the same. And making them at home is one simple trick that elevates your Mexican dishes to restaurant status. Plus, it’s not rocket science; it’s more like an exciting kitchen experiment with delicious results!
Get the Recipe: Pickled Jalapenos

Thai Red Curry Sauce

Overhead shot of a bowl of thai red curry sauce with a cilantro leaf on top.
Thai Red Curry Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Okay, Thai Red Curry Sauce is a weekend project that’ll pay off big time when you’re craving takeout. It’s got layers of flavor – spicy, sweet, and coconutty. Imagine getting that authentic Thai taste in your own curry dish. Yes, you can absolutely make that happen yourself!
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Sauce

Miso Caramel

Brownies and ice cream with miso caramel being drizzled over the top.
Miso Caramel. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Miso in a dessert might sound wild, but Miso Caramel? It’s a salty-sweet revelation. And guess what, it’s not some high-end chef secret. A pan, some sugar, and miso paste, and you’re not just making dessert — you’re making a statement.
Get the Recipe: Miso Caramel

Salsa Verde

Salsa verde in a bowl with cilantro leaves on top.
Salsa Verde. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Salsa Verde has this tangy, bright vibe that makes everything from tacos to eggs taste like Saturday brunch at your favorite spot. And making it yourself is just a matter of blending stuff – easy stuff. Get ready for those “You made this?” looks!
Get the Recipe: Salsa Verde

Enchilada Sauce

Overhead shot of a pot of enchilada sauce witih a spoonful of enchilada sauce above it.
Enchilada Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Homemade Enchilada Sauce is the key to unlocking that legit Tex-Mex experience at home. With the right chilies and spices, even first-timers in the kitchen can create something deep, rich, and complex. When you pour it over enchiladas, you’ll know – this is the good stuff.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Sauce

Guacamole

Guacamole in a white bowl with limes, cilantro, and tortilla chips on the side.
Guacamole. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Who knew mashing up some avocados and throwing in a few fresh ingredients could end up in something so good? Well, Guacamole is that bowl of creamy, zesty, did-I-just-make-this greatness. Whether it’s game day or just Tuesday, it’s a win.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Garlic Chutney

overhead shot of garlic chutney in a bowl with a plate of samosas.
Garlic Chutney. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Garlic Chutney is not just a condiment; it’s the unsung hero of making simple foods taste amazing. Think spicy, garlicky, and a little goes a long way. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make this at home and put a spin on your usual dishes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chutney

Cucumber Raita

A low angle shot of a bowl of cucumber raita with radishes on top.
Cucumber Raita. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Ever needed a quick fix to tame down a spicy meal? Cucumber Raita does the trick, and it’s as simple as stirring a few ingredients together. It’s one of those sides that not only cools your palate but also brings its own refreshing taste to the table.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Raita

Prik Nam Pla

A bowl of Vietnamese peanut sauce with an edible flower and fresh rolls on the side.
Prik Nam Pla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Here’s the deal: Prik Nam Pla is this Thai sauce that magically transforms plain rice into a taste sensation. And making it is almost as easy as pouring it. Imagine the zing of lime, the punch of fish sauce, and the kick of chili – that’s dinner-leveling stuff.
Get the Recipe: Prik Nam Pla

Tamarind Chutney

Overhead shot of Prik Nam Pla dipping sauce with limes and peanuts on the side.
Tamarind Chutney. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

It’s sticky, it’s sweet, it’s sour, and Tamarind Chutney is a total must-try at home. This is what you drizzle on snacks and appetizers to get that tamarind tang that makes everything more interesting. Surprisingly doable, and definitely a game-changer.
Get the Recipe: Tamarind Chutney

Cilantro Mint Chutney

Overhead shot of a bowl of tamarind date chutney with samosas and cilantro mint chutney.
Cilantro Mint Chutney. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Look, Cilantro Mint Chutney can pretty much bring to life anything from sandwiches to kebabs. It’s fresh, it’s vibrant, and here’s the kicker – it’s dead simple. Blend some herbs, add a bit of zing, and there you have it – your food’s new best friend.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Mint Chutney

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