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    Home » Recipes » Sauces » Szechuan Sauce

    Szechuan Sauce Recipe (Schezwan Sauce)

    Published: July 27, 2021 by Sangeetha Vel | Updated: November 1, 2022 Leave a Comment

    37 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Szechuan or Schezwan Sauce is a hot and spicy Chinese Condiment or dip. The authentic sauce is made with chili, Sichuan pepper, sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. The Szechuan pepper used in the sauce is a special ingredient that gives a unique citrusy flavor to the sauce. The recipe I have shared here shows you how to make Schezwan Sauce from scratch with easy step-by-step instructions with video. This sauce is used in many Indo-Chinese stir-fries, noodles, fried rice, or as a dipping sauce for starters.

    Szechuan / Schezwan Sauce
    Szechuan / Schezwan Sauce
    Jump to:
    • What is Szechuan or Schezwan Sauce?
    • Ingredients
    • Method 1: Schezwan Sauce from scratch
    • Method 2: Szechuan Sauce (simplified)
    • Tips
    • Storage Suggestions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Similar Recipes
    • Szechuan Sauce Recipe video
    • 📖 Recipe
    • FAQ

    What is Szechuan or Schezwan Sauce?

    Szechuan Sauce is a popular Chinese condiment made with red chilies, Sichuan pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. The Sichuan pepper used here gives the authentic citrus flavor to the sauce. It is generally used in Sichuan Cuisine also known as Szechuan Cuisine and so as the name.

    This Schezwan Sauce is usually used in stirfries, fried rice, noodles, and as a marinade for meat or tofu. Due to its unique flavor, this sauce was widespread across the world and mainly in fusion Indo-Chinese cuisine.

    Here in this post, I have shared both authentic Schezwan Sauce recipe Indo-Chinese version and Szechuan Sauce that you get in the most popular eateries like Mcdonald's.

    Ingredients

    • Red Chilies- I have used sanam chilies here which has good spice level. you can also remove the seeds before soaking them to reduce the heat
    • Sesame Oil - This oil gives the authentic earthy and rustic flavor to the sauce
    • Sichuan Pepper - This is the main ingredient that gives that bold flavor to the sauce. However if it is not handy you can skip and the sauce still tastes good. But you will really miss that zingy flavor in the sauce
    • Onion, Ginger and Garlic - It gives a nice aroma, and strong flavor to the dip or sauce
    • Dark Soy Sauce - I have used dark soy sauce here you can also use vegan or vegetarian friendly sauces as well
    • Rice Vinegar - You can also use apple cider vineagar which gives the similar taste
    • Sugar and Salt - These ingredients pop the real flavors from all other ingredients

    Method 1: Schezwan Sauce from scratch

    • Soak the Chilies in hot water for about 2 hours until they turn soft
    • Drain and Grind - Remove the soaked chilies from the water and add them into the blender. Grind them into a nice smooth paste and keep it aside
    Szechuan / Schezwan Sauce
    Szechuan / Schezwan Sauce
    • Saute - Now in a pan with medium heat, pour sesame oil and add ginger and garlic. Saute them until it turns aromatic. Make sure not to burn them which renders a bitter taste to your dish. Following that, add onions, Sichuan peppers, and saute until the onion turns soft. Now add the chili paste and give a quick stir.
    • Cook - Close and cook the chili paste with water for 5 to 7 minutes
    • Season - After the time mentioned above, mix in vinegar, salt, sugar, pepper powder and mix well.
    • Simmer Heat - Cook the sauce until it leaves oil from its sides in low heat.

    Finally, remove the sauce and use it right away in your recipes or cool down and store in the refrigerator. It stays good in an airtight container for several days.

    Method 2: Szechuan Sauce (simplified)

    This Szechuan Sauce is a super simple recipe that will take only five minutes. And it is the sauce you get in most famous eateries like Mcdonald's as a dipping sauce. And it is a keeper when you really don't have time to make the sauce from scratch.

    Ingredients

    1. 1 teaspoon Szechuan Peppercorns
    2. 3 tablespoons sugar (brown sugar or honey)
    3. ¼ cup soy sauce
    4. 2 teaspoon fresh garlic , finely chopped
    5. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    6. 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, finely chopped
    7. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    8. 1 tablespoon garlic chili paste (or  sambal oelek)
    9. ½ teaspoon Chinese Five Spice( blend of fennel seeds, star anise, sichuan pepper, cinnamon, cloves)

    Process

    • Roast Szechuan Peppers in medium heat for about 2 minutes and crush them into a coarse powder
    • Combine - Now mix all other ingredients mentioned above along with the crushed Szechuan peppercorns

    That's it! Isn't it pretty simple? Yes, you can use this straight away as a dipping sauce for your favorite snacks.

    You can also use this sauce in stir-fries and if you would like to have a thick sauce then feel free to add cornstarch while making the dish.

    Tips

    • Sesame oil is used for seasoning this Sauce which gives the authentic flavor and taste to the dish and make sure not to skipping it
    • I have used red chilies with seeds while soaking but feel free to remove the seeds to tone down the heat
    • The Sichuan Peppers used in this recipe gives the earthy and citrus-like flavor to the sauce but you can skip if it is not really handy
    • I have used sugar and rice vinegar to achieve the unique flavor and taste but you can also use honey and apple cider vinegar for similar results
    • Even though I have shared Schezwan Sauce making from scratch in the recipe card I have also shared Szechuan Sauce that you get as a dipping sauce in eateries like Mcdonald's in the post
    • This Schezwan Sauce can be used in stir-fries, fried rice, or other recipes to achieve a balanced hot, spicy and pungent flavor to the dish

    Storage Suggestions

    Both the sauce recipe shared here stay in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to store them in an airtight container for best results.

    Serving Suggestions

    You can use this sauce in stir-fries, noodles, fried rice, and as a dipping sauce for your Snacks.

    More Szechuan Recipes.

    • Szechuan(Schezwan) Chicken
    • Szechuan(Schezwan) Fried Rice
    • Szechuan Shrimp
    • Kung Pao Chicken

    You can find recipes using Schezwan Sauce below and more at Indo-Chinese Recipes

    • Egg Fried Rice
    • Vegetable Fried Rice
    • Chicken 65

    Similar Recipes

    You could also find similar recipes below and more at sauce recipes.

    • Stir Fry Sauce
    • Teriyaki Sauce
    • Sweet Chili Sauce
    • Kung Pao Sauce
    • Orange Sauce
    • General Tso Sauce
    • Buffalo Wings Sauce
    • Garlic Butter Sauce
    • Garlic Parmesan Sauce
    • Samosa Dipping Sauce
    • Tamarind Sauce
    • Pasta Sauce

    More Dips & Condiments.

    • Guacamole
    • Ginger Garlic Paste
    • Garlic Butter

    Szechuan Sauce Recipe video

    I have also shared a detailed video of this Schezwan or Szechuan Sauce below that I hope will help you to make an authentic sauce at home. For a quick reference, you could also find this recipe in story format.

    Szechuan / Schezwan Sauce Video

    📖 Recipe

    Szechuan / Schezwan Sauce

    Szechuan Sauce (Schezwan Sauce)

    Szechuan or Schezwan Sauce is a blend of sweet and spicy Chinese condiment made with fresh ingredients. It is traditionally made with red chili, Sichuan Pepper, sesame oil, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. This Szechuan Sauce is typically used in stir-fries, fried rice, noodles, or as a dipping sauce.
    5 from 1 vote
    Author: Sangeetha Vel
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    Course: Dips & Condiments
    Cuisine: Indo-Chinese, Indian, Chinese
    Diet: Vegetarian
    Prep: 5 mins
    Cook: 30 mins
    Adjust 16 servings

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 28 Dry Red Chili, soaked in hot water
    • ¼ cup Onion, finely chopped
    • 1 tsp Ginger, chopped
    • 1 tsp Garlic, chopped
    • 1 tsp Szechuan Pepper
    • 1 tbsp Vinegar
    • ¼ tsp Pepper Powder
    • 2 tsp Sugar
    • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
    • ¼ cup Sesame Oil
    More on Measurements & Conversions »
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    Instructions
     

    To prepare Szechuan (Schezwan) Sauce

    • In a bowl, soak the dry red chilies in hot water for 2 hours
      soaked red chilies in a bowl
    • Now drain the water and add the soaked red chilies into a blender. Blend the red chilies to a fine smooth paste( if required add ¼ cup of water while grinding and feel free to remove the seeds of the chilies if you think they are too spicy). Remove the paste and reserve for later use
      grinding red chilies in blender
    • Now in a pan with medium heat, pour oil and add minced garlic, ginger and saute until it turns aromatic
      sautéing ginger and garlic
    • Add Schezwan peppers, onion and saute until they turn soft
    • Pour the chili paste and saute for 2 to 3 minutes
      sautéing chili paste
    • Now pour water and give it a good mix
      adding water to chili paste
    • Close the pan with the lid and cook the chili sauce for 5 to 7 minutes
      chili paste is cooking with lid closed
    • Open the lid and add sugar, salt, rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, and mix well
      sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, salt and pepper in chili sauce
    • Cook the sauce until it leaves oil from its side in low heat. Now the Schezwan Sauce is ready for you to use in your recipes
      Szechuan sauce in a pan

    To Serve

    • Use this Szechuan or Schezwan sauce in your stir-fries, fried rice, or as a dipping sauce
      Schezwan sauce in a bowl

    Video

    Notes

    • Sesame oil is used for seasoning this Sauce which gives the authentic flavor and taste to the dish and make sure not to skip it
    • I have used red chilies with seeds while soaking but feel free to remove the seeds to tone down the heat
    • The Sichuan Peppers used in this recipe gives the earthy and citrus-like flavor to the sauce but you can skip it if it is not really handy
    • I have used sugar and rice vinegar to achieve the unique flavor and taste but you can also use honey and apple cider vinegar for similar results
    • Even though I have shared Schezwan Sauce making from scratch in the recipe card I have also shared Szechuan Sauce that you get as a dipping sauce in eateries like Mcdonald's in the post
    • This Schezwan Sauce can be used in stir-fries, fried rice, or other recipes to achieve a balanced hot, spicy and pungent flavor to the dish

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tbsp | Calories: 34kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 63mg | Potassium: 8mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 13IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.04mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @yellowchilis or tag #yellowchilis!

    FAQ

    What is Szechuan or Schezwan Sauce?

    Szechuan Sauce is also called Schezwan Sauce is a hot, spicy, and citrus-flavored Chinese condiment. It is typically made using Sichuan peppers, sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. This sauce is used in most stir-fries, noodles, or as a dipping sauce for snacks. Although it is a famous Chinese sauce it is used in fusion foods in Indo-Chinese Cuisine.

    Can I make this sauce without Sichuan peppers?

    The real flavor and taste of the sauce come from the Sichuan peppers but it can also be replaced with regular peppercorns if they are not really handy.

    Does Schezwan Sauce contain MSG or Ajinomoto?

    The Schezwan Sauce recipe shared here is a homemade version that does not contain MSGor Ajinomoto but you may find the same in-store brought sauces. So always check for the ingredient label to avoid using it.

    I really hope you enjoyed the recipe that I have shared here and I would love to hear from you on how it turned out for you. Please let me know.

    If you have any other questions, feel free to post them in the comment section below and I will try to get back to you as soon as possible.

    Happy Cooking!

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    Sangeetha Vel Yellow Chili's

    Hi, I'm Sangeetha Vel! the author, recipe researcher, creator, and cooking hands behind Yellow Chili's. A realistic, friendly, empathetic, and enthusiastic foodie who loves to share authentic, easy, quick, healthy, instant, and kids-approved recipes.

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