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Szechuan Sauce Recipe
5 from 26 votes

Szechuan Sauce Recipe

Szechuan Sauce Recipe blends soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, and spices including Szechuan peppercorns and red pepper flakes into a spicy, tangy condiment. It creates a distinctive sauce with a moderate heat level and complex umami flavor suited for Asian-inspired dishes.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 98 kcal
Course: Main Course, Condiments
Cuisine: Chinese, American

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon Chili garlic sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground ginger fresh minced ginger is good, too
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder fresh minced garlic is good, too
  • 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns lightly toasted and ground
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch optional, for thickening
  • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or more to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Whisk all of the ingredients except the cornstarch (if using) together in a small pot. You can blend them in a food processor or blender if you'd like.
  2. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes.
  3. If you'd like to thicken it, dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water until well mixed. Stir it into the szechuan sauce and stir until it thickens up, 2-3 minutes. For thicker szechuan sauce, use 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
  4. Cool and serve.

Notes

  • Store the sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • This recipe yields approximately one cup of sauce.
  • The heat level is mild but can be adjusted by increasing chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or adding hot chili powder.
  • Optional ingredients like chicken stock and Chinese five-spice powder can be added to deepen flavor.
  • The sauce thickens with cornstarch slurry, with amounts adjustable to desired thickness.

Nutrition Information

Calories 98kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 13g (4%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 4g (6%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 1mg (0%) Sodium 1098mg (46%) Potassium 141mg (3%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 148IU (3%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 20mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 98

% Daily Value*

Calories 98kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 1mg 0%
Sodium 1098mg 46%
Potassium 141mg 3%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 148IU 3%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 20mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.