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Szechuan Sauce

  • Author: slsrecipes
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: About 1 cup
  • Category: Sauce/Condiment
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Szechuan/Chinese

Description

A bold, numbing-spicy Szechuan-style sauce perfect for stir-fries, dipping, and marinades.


Ingredients

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 12 Tbsp chili garlic sauce or Sriracha
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp ground Szechuan peppercorns (toasted & crushed)
  • Optional: 1–2 Tbsp chicken stock
  • Optional: 1 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp water (for thickening)


Instructions

  1. Toast peppercorns in a dry skillet until fragrant, then grind into powder :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
  2. Whisk soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, sugar, garlic powder, ginger, pepper flakes, peppercorns, and stock (if using) in a small saucepan.
  3. Heat over medium until it simmers.
  4. For a thicker sauce, whisk cornstarch slurry and simmer 2–3 more minutes until glossy :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
  5. Taste and adjust sweetness, heat, or tang.
  6. Remove from heat and cool slightly before serving or storing.

Notes

  • Toasting peppercorns enhances their floral aroma :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
  • Use sesame oil for authentic depth; neutral oil if unavailable :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
  • Sauce keeps well refrigerated up to 4 days; thicker versions hold better when chilled :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
  • Customize heat by adjusting chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes.