10 Excellent Little-Known Condiments

For this year's Labor Day, you should take a totally different approach and use some condiments you've either never heard of or never thought to try. I mean, ketchup is great and all, but a barbecue with friends is the perfect opportunity to impress them with your cultured sense in unconventional condiments. If you have your own recommendations, add 'em in the comments.

1. Burgerville Spread

Via 99w.com

Burgerville, a local chain that started in Washington, offers a sauce on most of their burgers, whose recipe is predominantly three parts mayonnaise, one part mustard, a bit of sugar, and a smattering of diced pickles, among some other "secret" touches. This sweet and creamy spread is best on burgers and hot dogs.

2. Chimichurri

Via simplyrecipes.com

Originally from Argentina, chimichurri is a delicious marinade for chicken and can be used as a spread for many other grilled dishes. Its ingredients are chopped parsley, minced garlic, vegetable oil, white (or red) vinegar, and red pepper flakes. It's pretty spicy and tangy, with a number of different variations for additional flavors. Best of all, you can purchase it or make it on your own, and it's relatively easy to do so.

3. Chipotle Mayonnaise

Via grit.com

Like chimichurri, chipotle mayonnaise is quick to make and can also be purchased pre-made. Its a southwestern take on traditional mayonnaise, with much more of an interesting flavor. Perfect for sandwiches, burgers, and as a dip.

4. Cholula Sauce

Via en.wikipedia.org

Cholula is a fantastic, authentic Mexican chili-based hot sauce, typically quite hot but now with a number of variations. Its main ingredients are pequin and arbol peppers.

5. David's Unforgettables

Via unforgettablefoods.com

A unique take on the traditional barbecue sauce, the Unforgettables contrast the flavor of balsamic vinegar with spicy barbecue, and the result is a perfect combination of the two. Plus, you really can't go wrong with a barbecue sauce on a holiday known for them.

6. Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce

Via amazon.com

I'm not sure if I'd recommend this one, but if you're super into Dr. Pepper and want a "sweet and kickin' " take on it, you can't possibly go wrong with this hybrid (maybe).

7. Hoisin Sauce

Via en.wikipedia.org

If the description "Chinese barbecue sauce" sounds appealing to you (it should), then hoisin is the way to do it--particularly for ribs and fish. Hoisin's primary ingredients are sweet potato, soybeans, vinegar, garlic, and red chili peppers. Accordingly, its flavor is hard to describe, but distinctly tasty.

8. Tahini

Via mideastfood.about.com

A major part of hummus is tahini, but tahini itself can also standalone. It's excellent on sandwiches and for dips. The basic recipe is just sesame seeds and olive oil, which is used as a template to add things like garlic, parsley, and lemon.

9. Malt Vinegar

Via heinzvinegar.com

Popular in the UK, malt vinegar is the simplest condiment on this list. You've probably seen it at diners over the years, but haven't used it because Heinz's packaging is pretty intimidating. Along with the chipotle mayo and the mayonnaise below, malt vinegar is particularly awesome as a dip for fries and chips.

10. Wasabi Mayonnaise

Via allrecipes.com

I've never seen a prepackaged wasabi mayo, but it's easy to make and incredible. It's one of the best condiments for kebabs and most kinds of fish (probably burgers as well, but I haven't tried that combination), and really impressive to have as an offering for guests.