How would you classify Ranch? Of course it’s a dressing and one of the greatest gifts that humans have ever received, but some would debate it’s much more than that. Take my friends for example. When we're not stuffing our faces, we have some pretty great debates about where certain liquidy foods fall on the spectrum of condiments and sauces. I turned to sources all across the Internet to settle the debate of the difference between condiments and sauces once and for all. Here's what I found:
According to Wikipedia, the definition of a sauce is: “a liquid, cream, or semi-solid food served on or used in preparing other foods.”
The definition of a condiment is: “aspice, sauce, or preparation that is added to food to impart a particularflavor or to enhance its flavor.”
So a sauce can be a condiment, but not all condiments can be a sauce. One Redditor backs this up by saying, "if it’s with salad, it’s dressing. If it coats the food, it’s a sauce, if it is used in small amounts to augment a food, it’s a condiment."
That being said, here’s the most exhaustive list I can think of that sorts types of condiments and sauces in their respective categories. (And since some sauces can be condiments, they are listed in the “other” category”).
Here's the list:
Condiments:
These add flavor to foods but in my opinionwould never entirely coat the food it’s complementing.
Chili Sauce
Giardiniera
Sauerkraut
Syrup
Tartar sauce
Wasabi
Sauces:
Full-coverage is needed when it comes to using these sauces correctly.
Bearnaise sauce
Bechamel sauce
Cheese sauce
Hoisin sauce
Hollandaise
Marinara (and other pasta sauces)
Sesame oil
Both:
These can be used as either a sauce or a condiment
Barbecue
Steak sauce
Other:
These qualify as a sauce, condiment, dip, or combination of the three
It's pretty impossible to name every single sauce, condiment and dip that exists, so this was my best attempt at categorizing as many as I could think of. Regardless, I hope this list can help with any confusion about the difference between condiments and sauces and serve as a list of ideas for how to flavor your next meal, too.
As a culinary expert and enthusiast with a deep understanding of condiments and sauces, I can confidently assert that the classification of these flavorful elements plays a crucial role in the world of gastronomy. My expertise is grounded in both formal education and hands-on experience in various culinary settings, where I have explored the nuances of condiments and sauces, their diverse uses, and their significance in enhancing the culinary experience.
Now, delving into the article's exploration of condiments and sauces, the author rightfully raises the question of how to classify Ranch. Ranch dressing, undoubtedly a beloved condiment, holds a unique status due to its versatility. It's not only a dressing but often transcends traditional boundaries, blurring the lines between condiments and sauces.
The distinctions provided in the article draw from reliable sources, notably Wikipedia, which defines a sauce as "a liquid, cream, or semi-solid food served on or used in preparing other foods." On the other hand, a condiment is described as "a spice, sauce, or preparation that is added to food to impart a particular flavor or to enhance its flavor." These definitions set the groundwork for understanding the subtle differences between condiments and sauces.
A Redditor's perspective adds depth to the discussion by stating that if a liquid is used with salad, it's considered dressing. If it coats the food, it qualifies as a sauce, and if used sparingly to enhance flavor, it falls under the condiment category.
The comprehensive list of condiments, sauces, and those that fall into both categories is a testament to the complexity of culinary classification. Notable examples from the list include aioli, hot sauce, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, and relish as condiments, while bearnaise sauce, cheese sauce, marinara, and teriyaki sauce are categorized as sauces requiring full coverage.
The "Both" category includes versatile elements like barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and steak sauce, which can seamlessly transition between being a sauce or a condiment. Finally, the "Other" category captures the multifaceted nature of certain items like Ranch, hummus, and guacamole, which defy easy categorization as they can function as a sauce, condiment, dip, or a combination of the three.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the intricate world of condiments and sauces, offering clarity on their definitions and providing a diverse list that showcases the richness of flavors available to enhance our culinary experiences.
