Chaka’s MMM Sauce

First time I ever tasted Chaka’s MMM Sauce was around 16 – 17 years ago, back before you could find it anywhere. Wife and I were shopping in a bay area store and a lady had some chicken samples cooking in the Chaka’s MMM Sauce and served on toothpicks. We both instantly loved it! We bought a couple of bottles, expecting to be able to buy more, if desired, after those were used. Well, we went back to the store a month later, and Chaka’s MMM Sauce was nowhere to be found. We had to practically beg the store manager to special order some for us at a premium cost.
Introducing the internet– a couple years later, still jonesing for that flavor, I found out that Chaka’s MMM Sauce could be ordered directly from the company. I ordered a whole case. We took several months to use it up, but alas, it did get used up. Didn’t see it anywhere for the longest time. Then, suddenly, we started seeing it here and there, and always bought some when we saw it. Now, it is carried by my local grocer. Yippee!
There is a slight difference between the first Chaka’s MMM Sauce we bought and what is available now. The most obvious difference is that on our first bottles of Chaka’s MMM Sauce, it said right on the bottle «No refrigeration required». However, on all the Chaka’s MMM Sauce in the stores today (and for several years now), I see on every bottle «Refrigerate after opening» in bold font. The ingredients in the new Chaka’s MMM Sauce are: Soy sauce, water, vinegar, dehydrated onions and garlic, spices, lemon juice, xanthan gum, citric acid, and sodium benzoate. If I recall, the older version of Chaka’s MMM Sauce didn’t have the xanthan gum, citric acid, and/​or sodium benzoate. It was also a little bit «thinner». But, the taste is almost identical.
No matter what, this is still a solid performer for nearly any meat. Even delicate salmon can be enhanced by Chaka’s MMM Sauce. Warning– For delicate fish, do not marinate in Chaka’s MMM Sauce for more than two hours. Otherwise it will be very overpowering.
As for beef and chicken, marinate for a day or two, and it’s just fantastic. The excess can be heated in a saucepan for an au jus. Though, be advised– Chaka’s MMM Sauce is VERY «in your face» flavor, and you may have to thin it down with some stock in order to make a traditional au jus.
The aroma and instant tastebud perk makes it just wonderful for BBQ and gatherings.

I accidentally stumbled upon Chaka’s MMM Sauce at a discount grocery store. After trying it on chicken I went back and bought the remaining 8 bottles at the market. Once that I ran out of those, I e-​mailed chaka’s website asking where to get more BUT NEVER GOT A REPLY! Even though they are terrible on Customer Service, they are excellent on Tri-​tip ! I followed their instructions and marinated one for 48 hrs before barbecuing —- and WOW what an excellent taste! Everyone that I have served this to really enjoys this awesome flavor. (And oh, by the way, I found it at my local Von’s store — near the BBQ sauces. Then I also found it at the Super WalMart in Bakersfield. I NEVER have less than 6 bottles of Chaka’s MMM sauce in my food pantry. I also use it on chicken breasts and on pork chops.

I recently used it at a large get together for both chicken and tri-​tip. reviews from the family were mixed. No «Wow, amazing, where did you get this?» responses. I also thought it was just ok. Got a lot better responses from my KC masterpiece and Lawry’s marinades.

This marinade is THE BEST! When I have a get-​together, I just pick up some meat (usually chicken or tri-​tip), throw it in a ziploc, pour in a bottle of Chaka’s MMM sauce, and toss it in the fridge for a while. I cook the meat on the grill, in the oven, or sauté it in a pan; it’s great every time. Everyone who tastes it LOVES IT! I have a friend who refuses to make carne asada without it too. It’s fat free AND sugar free! It’s the best alternative to traditional, calorie-​packed bbq sauce. Give it a shot!