Fromwell Stir-Fried Mushroom Gochujang
Even basic gochujang, the Korean hot pepper paste that has a savoriness similar to Japanese miso, is a real powerhouse ingredient that we consider an essential element of the Milk Street pantry. But this version from Fromwell builds on gochujang’s typical complexity, adding earthy stir-fried shiitake mushrooms locally harvested in the Korean forest. The result is perfectly balanced, funky, rich and earthy with a light sweetness, punch of spice and appropriate hit of salt. And unlike other gochujangs which are smooth, the addition of mushrooms provides an interesting level of texture and nuance that we loved. Fromwell’s gochujang is also lower in sodium than other brands and contains no added sugar. Use as a base to stews and sauces for an extra boost of savory flavor, in place of regular gochujang in any recipe that calls for it or add right to vegetables or meat like a marinade.
Xilli Salsa Macha
Salsa macha is not readily available in grocery stores, but it’s worth it to track some down—especially if it’s this one from Xilli, which is made by hand in small batches. It has clear chili flavor— smokey, fruity, darkly roasted without being burnt—and a satisfying, crunchy texture from ground buttery, roasted peanuts and flakes of tender chili. They’re almost confetti-like suspended in the silky oil. The taste is dark and deep, but without any bitterness. Simple, yet still nuanced, it’s the perfect condiment.
Fly by Jing Chili Crisp Vin Sauce
Fly By Jing makes one of our favorite chili crisps, so when we heard they were making a vinaigrette featuring their signature Sichuan topping packed with umami-forward pantry staples, we knew it was going to be good—but this flavor bomb surpassed our expectations. Perfect for drizzling, tossing or dipping, this vinaigrette pairs 10-year-aged black vinegar, premium soy sauce and a touch of nutty sesame oil with their classic bold, garlicky chili crisp. Full of balanced heat, hints of sweetness and just the right amount of acidity, this ready to use flavor booster saves time and energy in the kitchen. Use as a dipping sauce or add to rice bowls, salmon, salads, noodles, fried or roasted chicken, dumplings or anything else you may put soy sauce on.
City Saucery Vegan Tomato 'Nduja
Likened to a spicy, spreadable salami, ‘nduja is a traditional cured Italian product that combines ground pork and spicy peppers. The flavor-packed Italian staple was only accessible for meat-eaters—until City Saucery created their vegan rendition. Their Tomato 'Nduja won SOFI's Best New Condiment Award in 2017. Milk Street’s Food Editor, Bianca Borges, found it in New York City and raves about it. “This is so deeply flavored that no other seasoning is needed,” she says. Like classic 'nduja, City Saucery's version is a thick paste packed full of spice thanks to hot chili peppers, just without the pork. Instead, their Tomato 'Nduja gets its savory, umami-bomb flavor from the combination of sweet tomatoes, spicy peppers, Italian spices, lemon juice and an unexpected ingredient: miso. Use it like a tomato paste or sauce starter, add to pasta, spread on sandwiches or just eat it on crackers or crusty bread. Bianca like it mixed into warm beans, slathered on salmon or spread on toast underneath avocado.
Yusaido “Sei-agri Egg” Japanese Mayonnaise
If mayo is your go-to condiment, you have to try this Japanese version. Japanese mayo is famous for being extra rich, ultra decadent and flavorful, since it uses just egg yolks and not the entire egg unlike the majority of American mayonnaises. Even the eggs themselves in this particular brand of Japanese mayo are special: They’re sei-agri eggs, which come from chickens hand-fed a special vegetarian diet to yield better flavor. A little apple cider vinegar brings brightness, while mustard brings balance. And a vacuum-sealed pot is used during the mayo’s emulsification process to further preserve the complex flavor. Plus, it contains no additives like other brands—just bold taste and creamy texture.
Hotaru Foods Yuzu Mayonnaise
While most mayonnaise is made with vinegar, Hotaru Foods uses 100% yuzu juice as its acid of choice, which adds a bright, citrusy kick and subtle sweetness reminiscent of Kewpie mayonnaise, a Japanese favorite. We especially like to pair it with seafood, which doesn't need its usual squeeze of lemon thanks to the tart yuzu flavor.
Kameya Hon Wasabi
Just because your wasabi is aggressively spicy doesn't mean it's real; in fact, most of the wasabi in Western supermarkets is regular horseradish dyed green. Popular Japanese brand Kameya makes its product with true wasabi, or Japanese horseradish, which is incredibly rare because it only grows naturally along stream beds in Japan's mountainous regions. Beneath its sinus-clearing spice, wasabi has delicate earthy and vegetal notes that give the paste a refreshing, aromatic quality. Beyond sushi, add a dab to vinaigrettes or teriyaki glazes for fish, or try a small amount in your ham and brie sandwich or on your cheese platter—there's little its spicy herbal goodness can't improve!
T’s Japanese Hot Sauce
Unlike most hot sauces that are vinegar-based, award-winning T’s Japanese Hot Sauce is made with a soy sauce base. Alongside dark, salty soy sauce, this hot condiment combines onion and garlic, fresh ginger and red pepper for a unique, chili crisp-like textured topping. Made in Japan by Shibanuma, a 330-year old soy sauce producer, its distinct allium flavor, punch of ginger and mellow lingering heat work well with just about anything. Add it into sauces, soups and marinades to build flavor or drizzle over eggs, rice, veggies or anything else you want to spice up.
Crunch Dynasty Hot Topping
Inspired by a family recipe from husband and wife team John and Anya Mills, consider Crunch Dynasty Hot Topping like a chili crisp condiment, just without all the oil. Made from a blend of aromatic dried garlic, shallots, soy sauce, sesame seeds and spicy hot peppers, this easy-to-sprinkle mix is cooked over various heat cycles to maintain its unique crunchy texture and balanced heat. The handmade blend adds a mouthwatering crunch to just about any dish you add it to—try it on noodles, rice, meat, vegetables, even pizza or mac and cheese for an extra satisfying, spicy and savory bite.
KariKari Garlic Chili Crisp
We were blown away by this Garlic Chili Crisp from KariKari. We find most chili crisps tend to be mostly oil, but this version is incredibly textured with thin slivers of golden garlic, shallots and peanuts—not surprising since the name KariKari which means crunchy in Japanese. Garlicky and spicy off the bat, followed with a hit of umami and a delightful tingling from Sichuan peppercorn, you can add this crisp to just about any dish for more flavor and complexity. We like it mixed into noodles, rice, veggies and dolloped on top of fried eggs. Or try it spooned over vanilla ice cream for a sweet and spicy treat.
Takahashi Shoten Yuzusco (Japanese Yuzu Hot Sauce)
Aromatic yuzu peel meets tangy rice vinegar and green peppers with a hint of heat in this uniquely Japanese hot sauce. It’s crafted with yuzu from the Higashimera region of Japan’s Miyazaki Prefecture (known for yielding exceptionally fragrant fruits) and—for a touch of acidity—a rice vinegar that was carefully selected after tasting hundreds of different options. The green pepper offers a satisfying bite without being overwhelming: Think of it as a citrus-flavored Tabasco that’s a little less hot, so it’s even more versatile.
