Among friends and family, I've been compared to the grandma from the Frank's Hot Sauce commercials because like this iconic lady, I put that sh*t on everything. From pasta to grilled salmon, tacos to hearty vegetable soup, for me, *any* savory dish can be instantly improved with a little (or a lot) of sawce. Plus, like fellow Virgo Beyoncé, I have been known to keep hot sauce in my bag in the event that a restaurant doesn't have any. (Which is a thing that has tragically happened to me.)
While the classics are classics for a reason, we are in what will go down in history as a golden age of artisanal hot sauces: From hip Brooklyn boutiques offering a vast array of flavors to elevated ones you can readily find on Amazon Prime, get ready for my literal hot take on the best, most giftable hot sauces you can shop now.
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Bushwick Kitchen Gochujang Sriracha
The Asian Invasion
ICYMI, gochujang is a fermented Korean chile paste that is the best kept secret if you love spicy food. (For an intro, I suggest making this insanely delicious, vegan take on ragu that uses it as a hero ingredient.) Unsurprisingly, when it's met with the beloved Sriracha, it's a match made in heaven.
Currently in stock at Amazon
TRUFF Gourmet Hot Sauce with Black Truffle Oil
The Fancy Stuff
If you're looking to get someone the gift of heat and unique umami flavor, this black truffle oil-infused bottle is sure to delight. Anyone with a taste for the finer things will appreciate the quality ingredients and sophisticated packaging. Will it permanently replace your go-to? Perhaps not. But as a special treat, you can't go wrong.
Enjoy free shipping by shopping Truff's website
Gift of the Day
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Tabasco Habanero Hot Sauce
The Unexpected Classic
Everyone knows Tabasco, but what you may not know is that they have quite the treasure trove of flavors that somehow never see the light of day since they're overshadowed by the popularity of the OG formula. Take it from someone who spent way too much money at the Tabasco Country Store in New Orleans: This lighter, brighter take on classic Tabasco is the real hero in the arsenal. And at under $2, what is your excuse to not try it for yourself?
Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp
The Instagram Ingenue/Asian Invasion Part II
As an Asian, I have long loved spicy chili oil, and am thrilled to see it picking up steam stateside. Unlike traditional hot sauces, Sichuan chili oils almost always include the seeds of the fiery peppers, for an added textural experience. (In Japan, rayu, or seedless, chile-infused sesame oil is a popular condiment.) Copiously pop this stuff on bowls of ramen, meats, cooked tofu, — anything — for an unctuous mouth of pepper paradise.
Queen Majesty Trio of Travel-Sized Hot Sauces
The Elevated Indie Darling
If Queen Majesty were a person, she would be your Wes Anderson-movie-loving, bike-riding friend who wears exclusively vintage clothes and sometimes Ganni. The flavors: Impeccable, and no two alike. I am personally partial. to the jalapeño-tequila potion on the left, but this trio is a perfect gift for anyone who appreciates a fine hot sauce.
Cholula Hot Sauce
The 'Ol Reliable
Whenever I see a bottle of Cholula at a restaurant table, I internally squeal with delight because it is, IMO, the best mass/affordable sauce out there. I rate this at about a 2/10 in terms of heat, but the rich flavor is there, which I appreciate given how ubiquitous it is.
Yellowbird Serrano Hot Sauce
The Flavor Journey
If red chiles are a little intense, I highly recommend this symphony of a hot sauce, which has cucumber to balance out the slow burn of the serrano pepper.
Mina Harissa Sauce, Spicy
The Falafel Upgrader
Whether it's some falafel or a chicken shawarma sandwich, I'm a firm believer that harissa takes Mediterranean food to the next level. (A pro tip you don't want to learn the hard way: A little is all you need for a fiery kick.)
Hot Ones The Classic Garlic Fresno Edition
The Internet-Famous Star
It wouldn't be a hot sauce roundup without a mention of the internet's most beloved cavalcade of spicy celeb interviews, Hot Ones. (Writer's note: It's a dream of mine to one day meet the host, but I acknowledge that's an echelon of fame I most likely won't reach.) The web show's Classic sauce was recently reimagined with a garlic twist, and the result? *Chef's kiss*