Buzz
The effectiveness of a meal plan can truly be measured by how much of it is actually consumed. While this may seem like a given, the secret behind a successful meal plan lies in creating meals that you’re genuinely excited to eat. While selecting the right proteins, veggies, and sides is essential, choosing the right condiments—sauces, marinades, and pickled delights—plays an even greater role.
You know those sauces that are so irresistible, they turn food from something you want to eat into a mere vessel for the sauce itself? Crafting or sourcing condiments that reach this level of flavor is what I like to call “flavor planning,” and it’s a crucial part of meal prep. After planning out your meals for the week, think about the sauces, dips, marinades, and pickles that would complement them. These don’t have to be elaborate or unfamiliar to your taste buds. For instance, I tend to eat more salad when I whip up a batch of blue cheese dressing, and pickled corn adds a burst of tangy sweetness to even the most mundane instant ramen. Two condiments—one sauce and one pickle—are usually more than enough. (But if you’re feeling adventurous and want five types of pickles, go for it; embrace your flavorful life.) Also, always keep a bottle of your favorite hot sauce on hand. It’s essential.
If you’re looking for some DIY condiment ideas, we’ve got plenty for you. (Notice there’s no homemade ketchup here—that’s on purpose):
A simple three-ingredient ginger dressing that tastes like it’s straight out of a Japanese restaurant.
A zesty peanut sauce perfect for cold noodles and pretty much anything else.
A super easy two-ingredient duck sauce.
This McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce replica (made famous by Rick & Morty).
A luscious yogurt cheese spread called “labneh.”
CHEESE MAYO.
DUCK FAT MAYO.
This incredibly good, super simple blue cheese dressing.
A rich browned butter vinaigrette.
Miso—the perfect way to enhance store-bought dips, condiments, and dressings.
Speaking of miso, try this marinade for all your meat dishes.
Actually, make all of these super easy marinades.
Taco Bell salt, obviously.
Kitchen scrap pesto.
My ultimate favorite, pickled corn.
Grilled pickled vegetables.
Beer-pickled vegetables.
Of course, any store-bought sauces, seasonings, and pickles are totally acceptable. If you have a go-to condiment that makes you want to devour everything in front of you, feel free to share it in the comments. Personally, I’ve eaten nutritional yeast straight off the plate, so don’t be shy about it.
