The trick behind many great hot sauces and spicy condiments is a balance between tartness and heat—in a classic Buffalo sauce, for example, this is most often achieved via a carefully calibrated ratio of vinegar to cayenne. However, in the case of yuzu kosho, a chili paste popular in Japanese cuisine, it’s less of a balancing act and more of a gleeful deep dive into both ends of the spectrum. Made with a captivating combination of chili peppers, sea salt, and peel of yuzu (a citrus that’s downright essential in Japanese cuisine), Trader Joe’s Yuzu Kosho offers thrilling heat, invigorating zestiness, and even a touch of umami in every bracing bite.

Our Yuzu Kosho’s savory, sour, and spicy notes make it a more-than-capable condiment for all kinds of applications: it’s an excellent spread for a sandwich, a terrific topper for freshly-seared scallops, and a superb sauce for spicing up a slice of pizza. Try mixing it into your next marinade for barbecued chicken wings, or adding a spoonful to a salad dressing for a little extra oomph. And for a truly special dip for French fries, Tots, and Organic Chicken Nuggets, add a bit of Yuzu Kosho to a small bowl of mayonnaise and sprinkle with Furikake.