Szechuan (or Schezwan) Sauce is a harmonious mix of sweet and spicy flavors, a Chinese condiment crafted from fresh ingredients. The traditional recipe includes red chili, Sichuan Pepper, sesame oil, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. This versatile sauce is commonly used in stir-fries, fried rice, noodles, or as a delightful dipping sauce.
Begin by steeping the dry red chilies in hot water for two hours, which will soften them and intensify their flavor.
After soaking, drain the chilies and blend them into a fine paste. If it's too thick, a splash of water can help. For a milder sauce, you can remove the seeds at this stage.
Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan on medium and sauté minced garlic and ginger, until they're fragrant and golden.
Stir in the chopped onions, and Szechuan peppercorns and continue to sauté until they're just softened, releasing their distinctive citrusy aroma.
Fold in the chili paste you prepared earlier and cook it for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add a touch of water to the mixture, stirring to combine all the ingredients well.
Cover the pan and let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, which will help all the spices to infuse beautifully.
Lift the lid and sprinkle in the black pepper, sugar, and salt, then pour in the rice vinegar and dark soy sauce, stirring thoroughly.
Keep cooking until the sauce thickens and the oil begins to separate. Your Szechuan Sauce is now ready to enhance your dishes!
To Serve
Incorporate this Szechuan or Schezwan sauce into your stir-fries, mix it into your fried rice, or serve it as a tangy dipping sauce to add a burst of flavor to your meals.
Notes
Essential Tips to Make the Perfect Schezwan Sauce:
Sesame Oil: Essential for its authentic flavor, sesame oil shouldn't be skipped. It's key to achieving the sauce's signature taste.
Red Chilies: I use red chilies with seeds to enhance the heat. For a milder sauce, feel free to remove the seeds before soaking.
Sichuan Pepper: The authentic flavor and taste of the sauce primarily stem from Sichuan peppers. However, if they're not readily available, regular peppercorns can serve as a substitute, although the distinctive Sichuan zing will be less pronounced.
Uses: This Schezwan Sauce is perfect for adding a balanced, hot, spicy, and pungent flavor to stir-fries, fried rice, and other dishes.