When Auntie Steals Your Sauce: The Petty Revenge That Left Her Thirsty
If you’ve ever had a favorite snack, drink, or secret condiment stash mysteriously vanish from the kitchen, you know the pain. But what happens when the culprit is family—and you’ve already laid down the law? Enter Redditor u/Top-Put-4839, whose love for their “holy ambrosia” (a.k.a. Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce) was put to the test by one thirsty aunt with a heavy hand and a light ear for boundaries.
When a quarter of their Costco-sized bottle vanished overnight, our sauce-loving hero didn’t just stew in their own (delicious) juices—they cooked up a plot worthy of the r/PettyRevenge Hall of Fame. Let’s dive into what happens when food theft meets family and pettiness reigns supreme.
The Great Sauce Caper
Picture it: You make a special trip to Costco, weaving through crowds and impulse buys, just to score your beloved 34-ounce bottle of Bachan’s. You tuck it in the fridge, daydreaming about the savory, slightly sweet magic you’ll drizzle on everything from rice bowls to grilled veggies. Then—poof!—a quarter of it evaporates overnight. Not even Houdini could pull off a vanishing act like this.
A quick household investigation reveals the culprit: your aunt, who not only confesses but has a history of raiding your sauce stash despite repeated pleas and offers to buy her her own. The audacity! Most of us would’ve confronted her directly, but our Redditor decided on a more flavorful form of justice.
The Salty Swap
If Bachan’s is the mellow, umami-laden diplomat of sauces, its cousin soy sauce is the salty, take-no-prisoners general. The two look almost identical—an important detail for what’s about to unfold.
Our hero poured out half their remaining Bachan’s, replaced it with soy sauce, gave the bottle a gentle shake, and returned it to its home in the fridge. Then, they waited.
As you might expect, the aunt couldn’t resist temptation and helped herself to another generous pour. This time, instead of that smooth, balanced flavor, she got a tsunami of sodium. The result? She was “practically drowning herself in water,” gasping in the kitchen. (Sorry, Auntie, but hydration is key after a salt attack.)
Petty, or Perfectly Reasonable?
Let’s be honest: Petty revenge stories are addictively satisfying because they’re relatable. Who hasn’t fantasized about harmlessly pranking someone who keeps crossing the same boundary, especially when you’ve tried the “nice” route?
In this case, the Redditor had already:
- Told the aunt not to use the sauce
- Explained how much they love it
- Offered to buy her a bottle of her own
But Auntie kept dipping into the forbidden stash, so a little culinary comeuppance was in order. No one was hurt (except maybe her taste buds), and hopefully, a lesson was learned: Respect the condiment boundaries!
Bachan’s vs. Soy Sauce: A Quick Primer
For the uninitiated, Bachan’s is a Japanese-style barbecue sauce that’s taken the internet (and home kitchens) by storm. It’s got all the umami depth of soy sauce, but it’s less salty, slightly sweet, and has a garlicky kick. People put it on everything—rice, eggs, chicken, veggies, you name it. Soy sauce, on the other hand, is a classic but can be overwhelming in larger doses, especially for those unprepared for its briny punch.
So the swap wasn’t just a prank—it was a lesson in sauce appreciation. Sometimes, the only way for someone to understand your love for a condiment is for them to realize what life is like without it (and with way too much salt).
Family, Food, and Boundaries
This tale isn’t just about sauce—it’s about the everyday push-and-pull of living with others, especially family. Sharing a fridge means sharing space, but it doesn’t mean you get free rein over everyone’s treats. Setting boundaries can be tough, and sometimes, a little harmless pettiness is what it takes to make your point.
So next time your favorite snack goes missing, ask yourself: Do I talk it out, label my food, or swap in something a little... saltier? And if you’re the one doing the sneaking, beware: That bottle might not be what it seems.
How Do You Handle Kitchen Kleptos?
Have you ever caught a roommate, sibling, or parent red-handed with your favorite food? Did you go for confrontation, or did you get creative with your revenge? Share your stories in the comments below—because every fridge has its secrets, and every family has its sauce saga.
Original Reddit Post: My aunt used my favorite sauce. So i swapped it out