Chili sauce can usually be found in the condiments or international foods aisle of most grocery stores. Here’s a quick rundown of where to look for chili sauce:
Condiments Aisle
The condiments aisle is where you’ll find ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and other common sauce and seasoning products. This is often the first place to check for chili sauce. Look on the shelves near other Asian condiments like soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce. Popular brands like Sriracha, Sambal Oelek, and Lee Kum Kee chili garlic sauce are usually stocked in the condiments aisle.
International Foods Aisle
Many grocery stores have a designated international foods aisle where they stock ingredients and products from different cuisines around the world. This is a great spot to browse for more variety and specialty chili sauce options beyond the major mainstream brands. You may find Thai and Vietnamese chili sauces like sriracha, Vietnamese nuoc cham, and nam prik. Chinese chili oils and sauces like Lao Gan Ma are also common in the international aisle.
Asian Foods Aisle
Within the international foods section, some stores have a specific Asian foods aisle dedicated to foods and sauces from across Asia. This is often where you can find the largest variety of chili sauces like sambal oelek, Chinese chili garlic sauce, and Sichuan peppercorn oils. Explore chili pastes like sambal bajak from Indonesia as well as Thai curry pastes. The Asian aisle is a chili-head’s paradise.
Hispanic Foods Aisle
Latin American and Hispanic aisles will stock chili sauces originating from that region. Look for brands like Cholula, Tapatio, Valentina, and El Yucateco which offer Mexican-style hot sauces and salsas. Some grocery stores combine the Hispanic and international foods into one aisle which makes it easy to compare chili sauces from around the globe.
Specialty Stores
Global grocery stores and specialty markets like Asian and Hispanic supermarkets will have a much wider range of chili sauces to discover. Don’t be afraid to venture into new stores to uncover chili sauce flavors you can’t find in the mainstream aisles. These specialty stores let you sample authentic chili sauces directly imported from various cuisines’ countries of origin.
Online Shopping
If your local grocery store doesn’t stock the chili sauce you’re looking for, head online. Many niche chili sauce brands sell through Amazon and online spice retailers. This opens up access to small-batch, artisanal chili sauces and ones made with unique peppers and ingredients. You can browse and order chili sauces from all over the world and have them conveniently shipped to your door.
At the Store Deli or Prepared Foods Section
For a fresh, housemade chili sauce, check if your grocery store’s deli or prepared foods section offers any. Some stores have a salsa bar or sell freshly made chili oil and chili paste in the refrigerated section. This can be a good option if you want to buy just a small amount of chili sauce to try instead of a whole bottle.
Farmer’s Markets and Farm Stands
Outdoor farmer’s markets are another place to find small-batch, local chili sauce brands that you won’t see in big grocery stores. Farm stands also sometimes sell chili sauces, salsas, and pepper jellies made from their own crops. Purchasing chili sauces straight from the source is a tasty way to support local food producers.
Ethnic Grocery Stores
Searching ethnic grocery stores like Indian, Middle Eastern, African, Caribbean, and others can uncover chili sauces and peppers specific to each cuisine. For example, Indian grocery stores stock chili chutneys perfect for dipping and marinating. A Middle Eastern grocer may offer harissa and Tunisian chili pastes. Exploring specialty grocers helps you experience new chili flavors.
Farmer’s Markets and Farm Stands
Outdoor farmer’s markets are another place to find small-batch, local chili sauce brands that you won’t see in big grocery stores. Farm stands also sometimes sell chili sauces, salsas, and pepper jellies made from their own crops. Purchasing chili sauces straight from the source is a tasty way to support local food producers.
Ordering Online
If you still can’t find the chili sauce you want, the internet opens up many more options. There are online specialty sauce shops that ship worldwide. You can also browse chili sauces on Amazon, Etsy, and eBay. Join chili pepper forums to get recommendations from fellow chili-heads on new sauces to try.
Making Your Own
When all else fails, make your own customized chili sauce! This lets you control the ingredients, heat level, and flavor. Start with fresh chili peppers and build a sauce to match your taste and preferred use. Fermenting peppers into a hot sauce can be a fun DIY project.
Key Takeaways
- Check the condiments aisle near other Asian sauces
- Browse the international foods section for more variety
- Look for an Asian foods aisle for the largest selection
- Hispanic aisles offer Mexican and Latin American chili sauces
- Specialty grocers have more authentic imported sauces
- Buy from deli counters or farmer’s markets for fresh local chili sauces
- Order online or make your own for custom chili sauces
Types of Chili Sauce
There are many varieties of chili sauce originating from around the world. Here are some of the most popular types to look for:
Asian Chili Sauces
- Sriracha: Thick, tangy Thai sauce made with red chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, and sugar
- Sambal Oelek: Indonesian chili paste made from ground chilies without added sugars or spices
- Chili Garlic Sauce: Chinese sauce blending chilies, garlic, and vinegar
- Gochujang: Thick, sticky Korean condiment made from fermented chilies and rice
- Sichuan Chili Oil: Crisp Chinese chili oil infused with Sichuan peppercorns
Mexican and Latin American Chili Sauces
- Cholula: Popular Mexican hot sauce flavored with a blend of chilies and spices
- Tapatio: Mexican hot sauce with tangy blended chilies and vinegar
- Valentina: Thinner Mexican hot sauce with a mix of chilies and spices
- El Yucateco: Habanero-based Mexican sauces with tropical fruit flavors
- Chimayo: New Mexican red chili sauce made from Hatch chilies
Caribbean Chili Sauces
- Scotch Bonnet: West Indian hot pepper sauces made with Scotch bonnets
- Matouk’s: Popular Caribbean brand using indigenous seasoning blends
- Pickapeppa: Jamaican “gravy” sauce with a ketchup-like taste and mild heat
- Habanero Pepper Sauce: Bright, tropical sauces spotlighting the habanero
What to Look for When Buying Chili Sauce
Keep these tips in mind when selecting a chili sauce:
- Ingredients: Look for real chili peppers and quality ingredients
- Heat level: Check the Scoville rating or pepper type to gauge spiciness
- Flavors: Consider complementary flavors like garlic, vinegar, or spices
- Use: Pick a chili sauce suitable for your intended use in cooking
- Quantity: Buy small bottles first to test a chili sauce before committing
- Brand: Stick to reputable, authentic brands for best quality
- Expiration date: Check for freshness, especially for refrigerated chili sauces
How to Store Chili Sauce
Proper storage keeps chili sauce fresh and flavorful:
- Store unopened chili sauce bottles in a cool, dry pantry away from heat and sunlight
- Refrigerate opened bottles since heat and air exposure degrades flavor over time
- Transfer sauce to smaller bottles if you won’t use up large bottles before expiration
- Seal bottles tightly between uses and check for signs of mold before eating
- Freeze extra sauce in ice cube trays for longer storage life of 6-12 months
- Store dried chili peppers and chili powder in airtight containers away from moisture
How to Use Chili Sauces
There are endless ways to use chili sauces to spice up foods:
Dipping Sauce
Mix chili sauce with mayo, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for dipping veggies, chicken tenders, or fries.
Marinade and Rub
Whisk chili sauce into oil and vinegar marinades. Brush chili sauce onto meats before grilling. Rub chili sauce blend onto ribs or wings before baking.
Salad Dressing and Vinaigrette
Whisk chili sauce into ranch dressing or use as the base for chili vinaigrettes to drizzle over greens and grains.
Soup and Stew Flavoring
Stir a spoonful of chili sauce into soups, chilis, curries, and braises for background heat.
Sandwich and Burger Topping
Spread chili sauce on sandwiches and burgers or mix into mayo. Add chili sauce to tuna or chicken salad fillings.
Pizza and Pasta Sauce
Mix a few tablespoons of chili sauce into pizza sauce or tomato sauce for pasta dishes.
Eggs and Breakfast
Use chili sauce to make spicy scrambled eggs, omelets, breakfast burritos and hash. Stir into potato hash.
Bloody Marys and Cocktails
Rim glasses with chili sauce/salt mix. Add chili sauce to Micheladas and Bloody Marys.
Conclusion
With so many options, you’re sure to find a chili sauce to suit your desired heat level and flavor profile. Check the international and specialty aisles at your grocery store or order online to source chili sauces from around the world. Store opened bottles properly in the fridge and get creative mixing chili sauce into dips, dressings, mains, and cocktails. Heating up your meals with chili sauce adds a punch of flavor to any dish.