Where to Buy Ah So Sauce: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding This Iconic Chinese BBQ Flavor

Finding Ah So Sauce can feel like a bit of a treasure hunt, but don’t worry, you’ve got plenty of options, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores, especially if you live in the Northeast United States. This sweet, savory, and unmistakably red Chinese BBQ sauce is a long-standing favorite for countless home cooks who want to bring that classic takeout flavor right into their kitchens. Whether you’re planning to whip up some delicious ribs, chicken, or just looking for a fantastic dipping sauce, this guide will show you exactly where to snag a bottle or two!. We’ll cover everything from major online retailers to local supermarkets, even touching on how you can use this versatile sauce to elevate your cooking.

Let’s be real, Ah So Sauce is more than just a condiment. for many, it’s a taste of nostalgia. This jarred Chinese BBQ sauce has been a staple in American Chinese cuisine for decades, particularly enjoying widespread popularity in the Northeastern U.S.. It’s known for its bright red color, sweet and tangy flavor profile, and distinct garlicky notes. Made by Allied Old English, Inc., it aims to replicate the irresistible sweet and smoky taste of boneless spareribs you’d find at your favorite Chinese take-out spot. You can pick it up in traditional jars or convenient squeeze bottles, perfect for slathering on all sorts of meats. So, if you’re ready to get your hands on this classic, let’s explore your best bets.

Snagging Ah So Sauce Online: Convenience at Your Fingertips

When you can’t find Ah So Sauce locally, or you just prefer the ease of online shopping, the internet is your best friend. Plenty of retailers are happy to ship this iconic sauce right to your door, making it super accessible no matter where you are.

Major Online Retailers

Your go-to giants like Amazon and Walmart are often the easiest places to find Ah So Sauce.

• Check out Ah So Sauce on Amazon for various sizes and multi-packs. I’ve often seen both the classic 11 oz jars and the larger 15 oz squeeze bottles available.
• Walmart.com also regularly stocks Ah So Chinese Style BBQ Sauce, sometimes even offering bulk options. It’s worth checking their online inventory, especially if you’re already doing a larger grocery order.

Specialty Food Stores and Marketplaces

Beyond the big names, there are several other online destinations where you can track down Ah So Sauce:

• Supermarket Italy is a great option, as they specifically list Ah-So Chinese Style BBQ Sauce and even the Ah-So Chinese Style Duck Sauce. They often cater to a wider range of imported and specialty items, so they’re definitely worth a look if you’re having trouble elsewhere.
• eBay can also be a surprising source, particularly for multi-packs or if you’re looking for a specific size that’s harder to find. Just keep an eye on seller ratings and shipping costs, as they can vary.
• Grocery Bundles is another online spot that offers Ah So: Chinese Style Sauce for pork, chicken, and barbecue spareribs. These types of stores might be ideal if you’re looking to stock up.

Many people living outside the Northeast, especially in the South, report that online ordering is their primary way to get Ah So Sauce, since it’s not always readily available in their local stores. So, if you’re in a region where it’s scarce, these online avenues are probably your best bet for keeping your pantry stocked with Chinese BBQ sauce. Where to Buy Agua Fresca Near Me: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding and Making This Refreshing Drink

Finding Ah So Sauce Near Me: Local Supermarkets & Asian Markets

While online shopping is super convenient, sometimes you just want to grab a bottle while you’re out doing your regular grocery run. Ah So Sauce has a strong presence in physical stores, particularly in its stronghold, the Northeastern U.S..

Popular Grocery Chains Primarily Northeast

If you’re in states like New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania, you’re in luck! Ah So Sauce is often found in the Asian food aisle of many well-known supermarket chains.

• Price Rite carries Ah-So Chinese Style Sauce.
• Publix Super Markets also lists Ah So Sauce, Barbecue, which you can often find through their delivery services as well.
• Foodtown explicitly states they serve communities in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania and carry Ah So Sauce BBQ Chinese Style Squeeze.
• Hannaford Supermarket lists Ah-So Chinese BBQ Sauce as available.
• Starmarket also stocks Ah So Oriental Barbeque Sauce.
• Cannata’s Market in states like North Carolina also lists Ah So Sauce, Barbecue. And places like Winn Dixie also carry Ah-So Chinese Style BBQ Sauce.

It’s a good idea to use the store locator on the supermarket’s website or even call ahead to confirm availability before making a special trip. Sometimes store inventories can fluctuate, or a particular store might not carry the full range of products.

Asian Grocery Stores

Beyond the major chains, local Asian grocery stores are an excellent place to check for Ah So Sauce, especially if you can’t find it in your regular supermarket’s “Asian foods section”. These markets often have a wider selection of specialty sauces and marinades, and Ah So fits right in with their offerings. A quick search for “Asian market near me” on Google Maps or your preferred search engine should point you in the right direction.

Using Delivery Apps

world, delivery apps like Uber Eats can also connect you to local stores that stock Ah So Sauce. Just enter your delivery address into the app, search for “AH-SO Barbecue Chinese Style Sauce,” and it will show you nearby options that offer it for delivery. This is a super convenient way to get it quickly if you’re in a pinch! Where to buy aeocky dehumidifier

What Exactly is Ah So Sauce? The Flavor Profile and Ingredients

Before we get into how to use this amazing sauce, let’s quickly chat about what it actually is. Ah So Sauce isn’t just any barbecue sauce. it’s a distinct Chinese-style BBQ sauce primarily popular in the Northeastern U.S.. Its vibrant red color and unique taste are what make it stand out.

It generally offers a delicious balance of:

• Sweetness: Often derived from high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup, which are typically the first ingredients listed.
• Salty/Umami: Miso fermented soybeans, rice, and salt contributes a deep, savory, and umami flavor.
• Garlicky: Garlic powder is a key ingredient, giving it that classic savory kick.
• Slightly Sour/Tangy: This balances the sweetness, making it a well-rounded sauce.

Other common ingredients you’ll find include water, modified corn starch for thickness, hydrolyzed corn protein, and sometimes red food coloring to achieve its signature hue. It’s a no-fat, no-cholesterol sauce, making it a popular choice for many.

Ah So Sauce vs. Ah So Duck Sauce: What’s the Difference?

While both are from the Ah-So brand, it’s good to know there’s a distinction.

• Ah So Chinese Style BBQ Sauce: This is the primary sauce we’re talking about, known for its thick, sweet, garlicky, and red profile, perfect for marinating and grilling meats like ribs, chicken, and pork.
• Ah-So Chinese Style Duck Sauce: This is a separate product, typically a condiment often served with duck, egg rolls, or other appetizers. Duck sauce is generally a lighter, fruitier often apricot or peach-based, and sweeter dipping sauce, usually with a jelly-like consistency, distinct from the savory, marinade-focused BBQ sauce. So, if you’re looking for the vibrant red BBQ sauce, make sure you’re grabbing the “BBQ Sauce” or “Chinese Style Sauce,” not specifically the “Duck Sauce”.

How to Use Ah So Sauce: Unleash Your Inner Chef

Once you’ve got your hands on a bottle of Ah So Sauce, the culinary possibilities are pretty exciting. It’s incredibly versatile and can transform ordinary meals into something special, reminiscent of your favorite Chinese takeout. Where to Buy Adobo Sauce: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding That Flavor Punch

Marinades for Meats

This is where Ah So Sauce truly shines! It makes an excellent marinade for various meats, infusing them with its sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

• Ribs: Ah So Sauce is practically famous for its use with ribs. Whether you’re doing country-style ribs, baby back ribs, or boneless spareribs, generously spreading Ah So Sauce on both sides before baking or grilling is a must. Many recipes suggest baking large ribs for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, and smaller ones for 1 hour, typically at around 350°F, basting occasionally. Some even recommend par-boiling the ribs first for extra tenderness before applying the sauce and finishing in the oven or under the broiler for that sticky glaze.
• Chicken: From whole roasted chickens to chicken wings and skewers, Ah So Sauce works wonders. Marinate chicken pieces in a mixture of Ah So sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for deeper flavor. Then, you can grill or bake them until they’re perfectly cooked through. For chicken wings, try baking them until almost done, then tossing them in Ah So Sauce and finishing under a broiler for a sticky, caramelized glaze.
• Pork: Besides ribs, Ah So Sauce is fantastic for pork tenderloin, pork chops, or even pork roasts. A simple recipe might involve whisking Ah So Sauce with soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic, then marinating pork tenderloin for at least 30 minutes before baking at 350°F for 40-50 minutes.
• Other Meats: Don’t limit yourself! It’s also great on beef, duck, or even meatloaf for an unexpected twist.

Dipping Sauce & Condiment

Beyond marinating, Ah So Sauce can also be enjoyed as a dipping sauce or condiment:

• Appetizers: It’s a perfect partner for egg rolls, spring rolls, potstickers, or even chicken nuggets.
• Stir-fries and Noodles: A dash of Ah So Chinese Style BBQ Sauce can add a lovely depth of flavor to your fried rice or noodle dishes. Just a spoonful can enhance the sweet and savory notes.

Cooking Tips for Ah So Sauce

• Low and Slow: Because Ah So Sauce contains a good amount of sugar, it can burn easily at high temperatures. When baking or grilling, it’s often best to cook meats “low and slow” and then perhaps finish with a higher heat or broiler towards the end to get that delicious caramelization without charring.
• Basting: Basting your meat occasionally throughout the cooking process helps build up a beautiful, glossy glaze and keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
• Pairing: Serve your Ah So-sauced meats with white rice and your favorite green vegetables for a complete meal.

DIY Ah So Sauce: When You Can’t Find the Real Deal

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, Ah So Sauce might just be too hard to find, or maybe you’re curious about making your own. There are plenty of copycat recipes out there that aim to replicate its unique flavor and color.

Many homemade versions try to capture that sweet, sticky, bright red essence by combining ingredients like:

• Honey or brown sugar for sweetness.
• Hoisin sauce for depth and umami.
• Soy sauce for saltiness and savory notes.
• Rice vinegar or white vinegar for tang.
• Garlic powder and ground ginger for aromatic spice.
• Tomato paste or ketchup for body and a hint of acidity.
• Five-spice powder for that authentic Chinese flavor profile.
• Cornstarch to achieve the desired thick, sticky consistency.
• Red food coloring to get that iconic bright red hue.

While a homemade version might not be exactly the same, it can be a fantastic alternative if you’re in a pinch or just enjoy making things from scratch. Some recipes even suggest adding white miso for an even deeper flavor, though others intentionally leave it out to better match the jarred taste. Where to Buy Adult Coloring Books: Your Ultimate Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ah So Sauce typically used for?

Ah So Sauce is primarily used as a marinade and glaze for Chinese-style BBQ meats like pork spareribs, chicken, duck, and pork tenderloin. It’s also a popular dipping sauce for appetizers like egg rolls and potstickers, and can even be added to fried rice or noodle dishes.

Is Ah So Sauce the same as duck sauce?

No, Ah So Sauce specifically the Chinese Style BBQ Sauce is not the same as duck sauce. Ah So BBQ Sauce is a thick, sweet, savory, and garlicky red marinade for meats. Ah-So also produces a Chinese Style Duck Sauce, which is a separate product that’s typically a lighter, fruit-based often apricot or peach condiment used for dipping, especially with duck or egg rolls.

What are the main ingredients in Ah So Sauce?

The main ingredients in Ah So Sauce typically include high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, water, salt, miso fermented soybeans, rice, and salt, modified corn starch, hydrolyzed corn protein, and garlic powder. It also contains preservatives like sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, and often Red 3 for its distinctive color.

Why is Ah So Sauce hard to find in some areas?

Ah So Sauce has a very strong regional popularity, particularly in the Northeastern United States. Outside of this region, it might not be stocked by many local grocery stores, leading to consumers having to search harder or rely on online retailers to purchase it.

Can I make my own Ah So Sauce at home?

Yes, you can definitely make a copycat Ah So Sauce at home! Many recipes exist that aim to replicate its sweet, savory, and tangy profile using common ingredients like honey, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, ginger, and red food coloring. It’s a great option if you can’t find the jarred version or prefer a homemade touch. Where to Buy Advion Cockroach Gel Bait: Your Ultimate Guide to Eradicating Roaches

Does Ah So Sauce contain any allergens?

Based on the ingredients listed, Ah So Sauce typically contains soy due to the miso and hydrolyzed corn protein. If you have allergies, always check the specific product label for the most up-to-date and accurate allergen information.

Can Ah So Sauce be used as a BBQ sauce for grilling?

Absolutely! Ah So Sauce works wonderfully as a barbecue sauce, especially for grilling. It’s fantastic when brushed onto pork, chicken, or beef during grilling, creating a delicious, sticky glaze. Just remember that due to its sugar content, it’s best to cook on medium-low heat or apply it during the later stages of grilling to prevent burning.