Not me, naturally. C'mon, you expect that by now. And now, as expected, here's the Wikipedia link describing what a yuzu is and how common it is in Japanese and other Asian cuisine that doesn't necessarily cross the ocean so well, at least in the suburban bubble I grew up in.
Didn't stop me from being excited about Trader Joe's Yuzu Hot Sauce. It's Trader Joe's. It's hot sauce. You know I'm all in.
And...being not acquainted at all with the world of yuzu until now, I'm really hopeful that this was a great intro.
The second the lid lifts, this fierce, aromatic, super citrusy scent wafts up and hits your nostrils like a sniper shot. It'll knock back the unsuspecting. No kidding, it's strong. I can't recall a more fragrant hot sauce in my nearly 30 years of regular consumption.
But...so far it's all citrus. Where's the heat? It's there, in a seamless transition after the upfront citric hint. The first few bites tasted more orange-like, but after a more thorough shaking and resplashing of the sauce over my dinner, it's decidedly more lemony. But regardless, the heat - it hits. It hurts. And it's pretty stellar how smoothly the possibly divergent senses of sweet, sour and heat flow. It's really something to taste.
But it's pretty delish for what it is, and I'm always up for a good culinary experience and education that's willing to meet me where I am. Especially for a fairly affordable price - price check anyone? Sandy picked it up and misplaced the receipt, but she recalled it being right around $3 for the TSA-compliant sized bottle. She's a huge fan of it as well, too. Double fours? Sure, sounds great.
Bottom line: Trader Joe's Yuzu Hot Sauce: 8 out of 10 Golden Spoons
Bought it yesterday! I had a Yuzu pepper sauce that I purchased from a local restaurant years ago and it's a dupe. I love ❤ it - even use it on pasta salad.
ReplyDeleteHI have a squeeze bottle of a yuzu hot sauce (from a gift collection) and was worried about how I'd get more when it's gone. And now TJ's to the rescue! Haven't had this one, but the one I have is really good and tastes like how you described this one. It's a mix of citrusy flavors: orangey, lemoney, limey, a bit sweet with a reasonable heat that's not sharp or vinegary. Gonna get a bottle when I see it. (Didn't see it today, but grabbed a bottle of Green Dragon Sauce because I just ran out of that.)
ReplyDeleteP.S> Try this: put a few squirts on some vanilla ice cream!
DeleteIt's $4.99!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a unique condiment! I really love the unique flavor of yuzu- on a scale of warm to hurts so much i cry when eating it where is this? I'm a bit of a spice wimp but am trying to fix that...
ReplyDeleteTtrockwood
Yusuf is great with pork - try it with a pork tenderloin or with the carnitas in the cold section
ReplyDeleteYuzu not Yusuf. Although he'd approve I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteServe as a dipping sauce for dumplings. Or even use it as a seasoning!!
ReplyDeleteBetter yet, mix it in some yogurt or sour cream for a great dipping sauce. (Also works with sriracha)
DeleteJust picked this up. Very tasty hot sauce, more vinegary and more heat than the other yuzu hot sauce I mentioned above (Yuzu Pao). A really good sauce, excellent mix of heat and bite with citrus undertones. This is in my regular sauce rotation for sure.
ReplyDeleteI tried this the second it hit our shelves (it's me again - I manage a TJ's in Chicago) and I'm thinking it would be BANG ON splashed over some fish tacos.
ReplyDeleteI must say, this did NOT work for me, and I love yuzu, ponzu, anything citrus, vinegar-y, and spicy. Too salty and sour, and too much of a bite, even for my cajun hubby! I shook the hell out of it so it was emulsified, but salt was too dominant. Maybe I got a bad batch? My tastebuds said the umami is out of whack.
ReplyDeleteSometimes for breakfast, I like to quickly stir fry some bean sprouts with a little sesame oil and soy sauce. Added a generous amount of TJ Yuzu hot sauce today. While enjoyable, I found it more citrus than hot. While certainly pleasant, I expect my "hot sauce" to offer up more heat. I will have to try it it in a few more dishes before I decide whether this one's worth buying again.
ReplyDeleteI'm addicted to this sauce but on my last trip to TJ's they said it's a seasonal item not currently in stick! I'm heartbroken. Has anyone explored a way to make this at home? I tried to find 'Yuzu zest" with little luck. There's got to be a way...
ReplyDeletein stock...
DeleteDoes your metro have multiple trader joes? I have one I typically go to, and it was gone there. Then I tried another, gone there too. Then last week I was at my typical one and they had an entire shelf full. So clearly they received a shipment recently? I'll buy more next time I'm there haha. Good luck!
DeleteLast week it was back in stock in my stores as well. Very happy, bought the entire shelf lol. They must have received alot of complaints.
DeleteI did purchase a small bottle of Yuzu Kosho from Amazon with the idea to mix it with vinegar and Chili powder to attempt to make it myself. Haven't done it yet, but when I do I will post if I have any success.
DeleteI tried a dish awhile ago that Trader Joe's made with this sauce that I loved but I can't recall what else they put in it. I think it had chicken and bell peppers--not sure.
ReplyDeleteDid anyone else get to taste it? If so what was in it?
Thanks!
PS it was at the Trader Joe's in Encino, CA.
ReplyDelete