Here in the United States, we tend to think of ketchup as the only proper way to dress up a plate of french fries. But in other parts of the world, there are all sorts of different sauces and condiments that are used to add flavor and spice to savory items like fried potatoes to sweet selections like a platter of fruit.
One of these sauces is chamoy sauce, a Mexican condiment that is becoming increasingly popular here in the States. So, what is chamoy sauce? How is it made? And what does it taste like? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Chamoy Sauce?
Chamoy sauce is a Mexican condiment that is typically made from a combination of pickled fruit, chili peppers, and salt. The exact ingredients and proportions vary depending on the recipe, but the sauce is always spicy, sweet, and salty all at the same time. Chamoy sauce can be used as a dipping sauce, a marinade, or even a dressing for salads.
How Is Chamoy Sauce Made?
The main ingredients for chamoy sauce represent the four basic flavors of the palate, which gives it an interesting and delicious flavor profile:
- Sour hibiscus flowers
- Salty Tajin seasoning
- Sweet dried apricots and/or prunes
- Spicy chile de arbol
The ingredients in chamoy sauce are typically combined in a blender or food processor and then left to sit overnight so that the flavors can meld together.
Some recipes also call for adding vinegar, lime, and/or orange juice to the mixture. Once the sauce has been given time to develop its flavor, it can be stored in a jar in the fridge for up to two weeks.
In this video which is under 3 minutes, Mexican Food By Laura shows a delightfully fresh version of how to make chamoy sauce from scratch.
What Does Chamoy Sauce Taste Like?
As we mentioned before, chamoy sauce is always a combination of sweet, spicy, and salty flavors. However, the exact balance of these flavors will vary depending on the recipe.
Some versions of chamoy sauce are milder than others, while some can be quite fiery. The sweetness comes from the fruit that is used in the sauce, while the spice comes from the chili peppers. The saltiness comes from either salt added to the mixture or from salty ingredients like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
What Is Chamoy Sauce Used For?
Chamoy sauce is most commonly used as a dipping sauce for fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, mangoes, apples, and cucumbers. It can also be used as a marinade for meats such as chicken or pork chops.
In Mexico, chamoy sauce is often used as a topping on ice cream or shaved ice. And here in the States, it’s becoming increasingly popular as a flavor for gourmet popcorn—sweet meets savory meets spicy!
Where to buy chamoy sauce?
Sometimes you can find it at your local grocery store, but not always. Don’t worry if you can’t find it at your local grocery store; there’s no need to waste time searching for it. Chances are good that you can find it online.
What is the best chamoy sauce?
By far, the most popular, loved and best chamoy sauce on Amazon is:
EL CHILERITO Chamoy Sauce
Delicious with:
- Fruits
- Mexican food
- Snacks
- Drinks and cocktails
- Sweets
- Share with family and friends!
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Concluding Thoughts
Have you ever tried chamoy sauce? If not, we highly recommend giving it a try! This delicious condiment is perfect for adding flavor to fruits and vegetables, meats, popcorn—just about anything you can think of. Happy creating!
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