22 Canned And Jarred Sauces You Should Keep In The Pantry

The French are famous for their sauces, but sauces have a history that spans the globe and have touched each culinary culture. The ancient Romans had garum, a fermented fish sauce. The Aztecs had salsa, a tomato-based sauce they enjoyed with fish. Chances are, wherever you visit in the world, they will have a sauce that is a staple to their cuisine. Some take hours to make; others take minutes. When you're home after a long day, getting ready to cook dinner, the sauce can seem like an afterthought, but it shouldn't be overlooked. It is often the final piece that brings it all together, and you don't have to make it from scratch. Here are 22 canned and jarred sauces you should keep in the pantry.

Marinara sauce is another tomato-based sauce to keep stocked in the pantry. Marinara sauce originated in Naples, and its name, (alla) marinara, means "in sailor style." Marinara was named after sailors because it is a quick, simple dish that lasts a long time after prepping it. Similar to traditional tomato sauce, it is a simple sauce made by simmering tomatoes with garlic, herbs, and olive oil. It differs from tomato sauce in that it comes together quickly and has a thinner, more spreadable consistency. Marinara sauce can be used as a base for different pasta dishes like penne arrabbiata or as a go-to sauce for homemade pizza.

A classic tomatoey, creamy, savory vodka sauce is a must-have in your pantry. Although the sauce's origins are unknown, it became popular in the 1970s and '80s in the U.S. and has stuck around ever since. The key ingredient for the sauce is in the name vodka. Don't worry; the alcohol gets burned off during the cooking process, so it is safe for the whole family to enjoy.

Commonly served with penne pasta, the sauce uses olive oil, tomatoes, heavy cream, and vodka, resulting in a creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. It is common to use red pepper flakes, garlic, or onion for added flavor. When the heavy cream is mixed into the sauce, it dilutes the redness, resulting in a bright orange hue. For a classic penne alla vodka dish, top with some fresh basil to tie it all together.

Originating in the city of Genoa, pesto is a nutty, herbaceous classic that everyone needs to have in stock. Classic basil pesto is typically made with pine nuts, salt, garlic, basil, and parmesan. Olive oil is slowly added, acting as a binder that combines the ingredients into a paste. The process of making pesto is labor intensive because it is traditionally made using only a mortar and pestle. If you don't have a mortar and pestle or don't feel like mashing up ingredients and making your arm sore for the rest of the day, buying jarred pesto is the perfect solution. Not only is it comparable in flavor to the homemade sauce, it saves a ton of time. Basil pesto is super versatile in that it can be served over pasta, used to make pesto salad, or even as a condiment on sandwiches.

Pad Thai, the national dish of Thailand, is a classic noodle dish filled with rice noodles, bean sprouts, peanuts, eggs, and chicken or pork, all coated in a punchy sauce. The ingredients are stir-fried together, blending salty, sweet, and sour flavors into one delicious plate of food. The peanuts and bean sprouts add crunch to the bouncy noodles and soft eggs. The sauce is typically made with sugar, fish sauce, tamarind, lime juice, and vinegar. It can be difficult to find tamarind at some grocery stores in the U.S., so buying premade Pad Thai simmer sauce is a good option if you are craving Pad Thai at home.

A staple street food in Southeast Asia, grilled skewers of marinated meat are paired with a spicy peanut sauce that you'll likely finish before the last skewer is gone. It's that good. The satay sauce varies from region to region. Some variations keep the sauce smooth and glossy, whilst others opt for chunks of peanuts throughout. Common ingredients in satay sauce aside from peanuts are coconut milk, soy sauce, chilies, and spices. There are tons of different recipes, each having their own twist on the sauce. If you are planning a barbecue or just want some grilled meat, pick up a bottle of satay sauce in the international aisle of your local grocery store. It is the perfect dipping sauce for chicken, pork, or fish. The options are endless.

Salsa verde, a green variation of salsa, is an incredibly popular traditional Mexican dish. You can find it served as a dip, over tacos, or on enchiladas. Salsa verde is typically made with tomatillos and spicy peppers, roasted together, and ground to create the sauce. Like tomato-based salsa, salsa verde varies in spice level and consistency and is often seasoned with salt. It is a great condiment to keep in stock and can be found at most grocery stores near the dips. When guests come over unannounced, pull out a jar of salsa verde and some chips. You'll be the perfect host.

A Southern classic, barbecue isn't barbecue without the sauce. Barbecue sauce is thought to have originated during the colonial era, although it isn't known for certain. Since then, tons of different styles of barbecue sauce have emerged. Some of the earlier styles included tomato, vinegar, mustard, and pepper. Nowadays, there are variations like Alabama white sauce that uses mayonnaise as a base. Whichever barbecue sauce you prefer, it is always a great addition when barbecuing meat. Barbecue sauce is popular in pulled pork or country-style ribs. You can use it as a marinade, a finishing sauce, or simply as a condiment. Nearly all major grocery stores in the U.S. carry at least one type of barbecue sauce, so find one you like and give it a go.

An American classic, steak sauce has been the perfect sidekick to steak since the 19th century. A staple of the country should be a staple in your pantry. We've all heard of the classic A1 steak sauce. It's a savory, tangy sauce with tomato, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, vinegar, and seasonings. It is thick and glossy and cuts through the juicy, charred flavors of a good steak. Steak sauce tends to include raisins as well, which acts as a thickening agent while also adding a necessary sweetness that balances out the acidity. There are hundreds of steak recipes, but the pairing that remains tried and true is that classic steak sauce.

Ah salsa, the classic Mexican dip we all know and love. Salsa has a rich history that dates back to the Aztecs, who ate it with fish, deer, and turkey. Since then, many variations of salsas have emerged. Salsa can vary from chunky to smooth or mild to spicy. It can be fresh or roasted. There are so many ways to make it your own. Salsa encompasses a broad range of dips, including guacamole, but in the U.S., it is typically associated with tomato-based dips. The nice part of salsa variations is that most stores carry a variety of types, so you have options regarding the spice level and flavor profile that fits your palate. If you are having guests, homemade tortilla chips serve as the perfect pairing for a bowl of salsa.

Harissa, also known as harissa paste, is a peppery condiment with roots in Tunisia. There are tons of different recipes for this red paste, but the base typically consists of roasted red peppers mixed with olive oil and spices like cumin or coriander. Harissa is deeply red and tends to have an oily sheen to it. Common additions to the paste are garlic or lemon juice. When it comes to harissa, the possibilities are endless. You can use it as a condiment for sandwiches or as a marinade for different meats and veggies. This North African condiment is a great addition to stew or soup. Try it in eggplant stew or use it as a marinade for harissa-baked salmon. You won't be disappointed.

Stir-frying is a method of cooking ingredients like meat or veggies in oil over high heat. The method originates in China and traditionally uses a wok. To stir-fry, the ingredients must constantly move to avoid burning. This method is super easy and quick, so you can have dinner ready in no time. However, the method is only one step in the process. The key to a good stir-fry is a tasty stir-fry sauce. A good stir-fry sauce should be a little salty, a little sweet, and be thick enough to coat the ingredients. Common stir-fry sauces use soy sauce, sugar or honey, vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic. If you are looking for a quick and easy dinner, stir-fried veggies/meat with stir-fry sauce is the way to go.