Not everything has to be made from scratch. Here’s what chefs always have on hand in the kitchen.
Chili Onion Crunch
SweetArt chef and co-owner Reine Bayoc swears by this blend of dried garlic and peppers in olive oil from Trader Joe’s.
$4. Trader Joe’s, various locations, traderjoes.com
Soulard Spice Blend
Culture Food Group chef and co-owner Ceaira Jackson said this smoky blend is perfect for everything from eggs to potatoes to steak.
4 ounces: $3.50; 8 ounces: $6. Soulard Spice Shop, Soulard Farmers Market, 730 Carroll St., St. Louis, 314.783.2100, stores.soulardspiceshop.com
Read More // 8 easy recipes St. Louis chefs make at home
The Ginger People Sushi Ginger
Olive + Oak chef Jesse Mendica will only buy this brand of pickled ginger for its impeccable flavor. She’s also a fan of The Ginger People’s Sweet Ginger Chile sauce and Soy Vay teriyaki sauce.
$3. Whole Foods, various locations, wholefoodsmarket.com
JFC International Furikake
Louie chef Sean Turner always keeps a shaker of furikake – a dry Japanese seasoning blend that usually includes seaweed and sesame seeds – in his kitchen.
$3.50. Jay’s International Foods, 3172 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, 314.772.2552, Facebook: Jay International Food
Podravka Ajvar or Euro Gourmet Romanian Zacusca Ajvar
At Balkan Treat Box, chef and co-owner Loryn Nalic makes her own ajvar, but for an at-home shortcut, she recommends these two brands of the roasted red pepper spread.
$4 to 6.50. Global Foods, 421 N. Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, 314.835.1112, Facebook: Global Foods Market
Catherine Klene is managing editor, digital at Sauce Magazine.
This article appears in March 2020.