Published:
Jul 13th 2021
by 
Last updated: Dec 15th 2024
Trinidad Garlic Sauce is a popular condiment that enhances the flavors of countless Caribbean dishes with its creamy, savory, and slightly tangy taste. With roots in Trinidad's multicultural food culture, this garlic sauce is a staple across the island—from street food vendors to upscale restaurants and beachside eateries. Made with fresh garlic, chadon beni, and a touch of olive oil, this versatile sauce complements everything from fried foods to grilled meats and can even be used as a dip for veggies. Follow this recipe to bring a taste of Trinidad into your kitchen with an authentic garlic sauce that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
- Bursting with Flavor: This garlic sauce brings bold, fresh, and vibrant flavors to any dish, adding a creamy yet zesty twist.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and a blender, you can whip up this sauce in minutes.
- Versatile: Perfect for meats, seafood, salads, and as a dipping sauce, it’s an all-purpose condiment that enhances almost any meal.
- Authentic Caribbean Taste: Experience an authentic flavor of Trinidadian cuisine with this traditional garlic sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add extra vinegar gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh garlic cloves and chadon beni for the best flavor, as dried versions won’t provide the same intensity.
- Blend Well: Blend the ingredients thoroughly for a smooth, cohesive sauce, and scrape down the sides if needed.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week to keep the flavors fresh.
- Topping for Grilled Meats: Drizzle over grilled chicken, pork, or steak to add extra flavor.
- Sandwich Spread: Use as a spread for sandwiches or wraps to elevate your meal.
- Dip for Fried Foods: Perfect as a dipping sauce for fries, plantains, or fish fritters.
- Salad Dressing Base: Thin it out with a bit more vinegar to use as a unique, flavorful salad dressing.
- Chadon Beni Substitute: Use cilantro if chadon beni isn’t available, although it will alter the flavor slightly.
- Low-Fat Version: Swap regular mayonnaise with a low-fat or vegan option for a lighter sauce.
- Extra Creamy: Add a bit more mayonnaise if you prefer a creamier texture.
- Herb Variations: For a twist, add a handful of parsley or basil for a different herbaceous note.
Store any leftover garlic sauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. This sauce’s flavor can even improve after a day as the ingredients meld together, making it a perfect make-ahead condiment.
- Garlic: Adds a robust, savory depth that forms the base of the sauce.
- Vinegar (White or Apple Cider): Provides a tangy balance and helps preserve the sauce.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and smooth texture while enhancing the flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy consistency and mild flavor.
- Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and balances the garlic.
- Chadon Beni Leaves: Brings a distinct herbal flavor unique to Caribbean cooking.
- Green Onions: Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor for complexity.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity and enhances the natural sweetness of garlic.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances out the other ingredients.
Can I make Trinidad Garlic Sauce without a blender?
Yes, you can use a mortar and pestle to grind the garlic and herbs into a paste, then whisk in the remaining ingredients until smooth. This method may give the sauce a more textured consistency.
What can I substitute for chadon beni in this recipe?
If you can’t find chadon beni, use fresh cilantro as a substitute. While the flavor won’t be identical, cilantro provides a similar herbal taste that works well in this sauce.
Time & Serves
Ingredients
6 cloves Garlic
1/2 cup Vinegar - White or Apple Cider
1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup Mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
3 large Chadon Beni Leaves
2 Green Onions
2 teaspoons Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Wash and prep all herbs and seasonings before placing them into a blender or food processor.
Add the remaining ingredients and blend until you have a cohesive liquefied mixture.
Depending on the texture of the sauce you prefer, feel free to add more vinegar to thin out the consistency.
Serve as a condiment on top or place in a dipping dish as a dip for anything your heart desires.
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