Schezwan Sauce Recipe
Schezwan Sauce Recipe: As a housewife and a food critic, I have always been a huge fan of bold and flavorful dishes, and one of my absolute favorite condiments is Schezwan sauce. The fiery, pungent, and savory flavors of this sauce are truly irresistible, and its versatility makes it a staple in my kitchen. Whether I’m using it as a dipping sauce for dumplings, a stir-fry base, or a marinade, the complex and layered flavors of Schezwan sauce always manage to elevate my dishes to new heights. The aroma of the chili paste, ginger, and garlic wafting through my kitchen as I make this sauce is simply heavenly, and the taste is nothing short of explosive.
What is Schezwan Sauce?
Schezwan sauce is a spicy and savory condiment that originated in the Sichuan province of China. It is made with a blend of chili paste, ginger, garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and other flavorful ingredients. The result is a bold and pungent sauce that is full of complex and layered flavors. Schezwan sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce for dumplings, as a stir-fry base, or as a marinade, and it adds a spicy and savory kick to any dish it is used in.
Variations of Schezwan Sauce
There are many variations of Schezwan sauce, each with its own unique twist. Here are a few popular variations:
- Vegetable Schezwan Sauce: This variation is made with a blend of veggies such as bell peppers, carrots, and onions, in addition to the chili paste, ginger, and garlic.
- Sweet and Spicy Schezwan Sauce: This variation is made with a blend of chili paste, ginger, garlic, and other ingredients, as well as a touch of sweetness from honey or sugar.
- Non-spicy Schezwan Sauce: This variation is made with a milder chili paste, and it is perfect for those who cannot handle the heat of traditional Schezwan sauce.
- Garlic Schezwan Sauce: This variation is made with a heavy emphasis on garlic, and it is perfect for those who love the savory and pungent flavors of garlic.
Nutrition of Schezwan Sauce
Schezwan sauce is a relatively high calorie condiment, as it is made with a blend of chili paste, oil, and other flavorful ingredients. However, it is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, and iron. Additionally, the ginger, garlic, and vinegar used in the sauce have numerous health benefits, making it a great addition to a well-rounded and nutritious diet. Just be mindful of portion size, as a little bit of this fiery and flavorful sauce goes a long way!
Step by Step Schezwan Sauce Recipe
Schezwan Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
For Soaking Chillies And Making Paste
- 20 dried red chilli
- water
- 3 tbsp water for blending the red chilies
Other Ingredients
- 12 garlic
- 4 tbsp oil
- 4 sichuan peppers
- ½ tbsp Salt
- 1 inch ginger
- 1 Onions
- ½ cup water
- ½ t soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ¼ black pepper powder
- 1 tbsp vinegar
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients together to avoid last minute rush.
- Rinse and soak dry red chilies in hot water for 25-30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, drain all the water and remove the seeds. Transfer them to a Grinder or Blender. Add water and make a smooth paste of the red chilies.
- Crush all sichuan peppers coarsely in a Mortar-Pestle.
- Wash and finely chop onion, ginger and garlic.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a Frying Pan or Skillet on low heat. Now, add garlic and ginger and saute them till their raw aroma goes away. Do not overdo it.
- Now, add chopped onions and saute them till they become translucent on low to medium-low heat.
- Add the blended red chili paste and combine thoroughly.
- Then, add crushed sichuan peppers and sauté for a minute or till oil starts releasing from the sides of the sauce.
- Add ½ cup of water and mix very well. Let it simmer for 2 minutes stirring often on a low to medium-low heat.
- Now, add salt, pepper, sugar, vinegar and soy sauce.
- Stir and continue to cook for 5 to 6 minutes more on low heat.
- Switch off the heat and set the pan aside. Check the taste and adjust salt, sugar or pepper as required.
- Once the sauce cools down at room temperature, transfer it in an Airtight Container.
- Serve Schezwan Sauce as a condiment with snacks or you can also add in recipes like schezwan fried rice or noodles, or in hot garlic sauce or schezwan dosa.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
- Air Tight Container
Notes & Tips
- To blend spice: If you feel sauce is too spicy, then add 1-2 tbsp tomato ketchup in the sauce to blend the spices.
- Preservation: To preserve the sauce for a longer time, I would recommend to add a layer of oil on top of the sauce and always refrigerate this sauce and use only dry spoon.
- Choosing dry red chillies: Choose medium hot spicy red chillies or a mix of red chillies like kashmiri or byadagi or cayenne dry red chilies depending how spicy you want to keep your sauce. I suggest to choose Kashmiri or a mix of Kashmiri and byadagi dry red chillies.
- What else can add? You can also add some celery while cooking this Schezwan Sauce.
- Adding sugar: Feel free to add sugar as your taste buds and you can choose any sugar – white or brown sugar, refined or caster sugar, organic or cane sugar etc.
- Choosing vinegar: You can choose any type of vinegar – rice vinegar or white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Salt & Black pepper powder: You can adjust salt and black pepper powder as per your taste buds.
- Oil: You can choose any neutral tasting oil. I have used Olive Oil.
- Storage: It stays good for about 2 to 3 weeks in an Airtight Container in the refrigerator.
- Ingredients & Equipment: Find these Ingredients & Equipment at specialty food stores or online stores. For review of some stores, please refer to the Grocery Review Section on our Website.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs -Schezwan Sauce Recipe
What are the key ingredients in Schezwan sauce?
The key ingredients in Schezwan sauce include chili paste, ginger, garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and a blend of spices. Some variations also include veggies like bell peppers and onions, and a touch of sweetness from honey or sugar. The exact ingredients used will depend on the recipe and personal preference, but the chili paste, ginger, and garlic are the cornerstone ingredients that give the sauce its fiery, pungent, and savory flavor.
Is Schezwan sauce spicy?
Yes, Schezwan sauce is traditionally a spicy condiment. However, the heat level will depend on the recipe and personal preference. Some recipes use a milder chili paste, while others use a spicier blend. You can always adjust the heat level to your liking by adding or subtracting the amount of chili paste used. If you cannot handle the heat, you can also try making a non-spicy version of the sauce.
What are some common uses for Schezwan sauce?
Schezwan sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways. Some common uses include as a dipping sauce for dumplings, a stir-fry base, or a marinade. It can also be used to add a spicy and savory kick to dishes like noodles, rice, and soups. The possibilities are truly endless, and the sauce can be used to add bold and flavorful dimension to just about any dish.
Can you make Schezwan sauce at home?
Yes, you can easily make Schezwan sauce at home. There are many recipes available online, and the ingredients needed can be found at most grocery stores. Making your own sauce allows you to control the heat level, adjust the flavors to your liking, and experiment with different ingredients and variations. Homemade Schezwan sauce is also a great way to save money, as it is much more affordable than store-bought versions.
Is Schezwan sauce gluten-free?
It depends on the recipe and the ingredients used. Some recipes may use soy sauce or other ingredients that contain gluten, while others use gluten-free alternatives. If you are following a gluten-free diet, it is important to carefully read the ingredients list and choose a recipe that uses gluten-free ingredients. Alternatively, you can make your own gluten-free version of the sauce using gluten-free soy sauce and other gluten-free ingredients.
How long does Schezwan sauce last in the fridge?
Homemade Schezwan sauce can last up to 2-3 weeks in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. Store-bought versions may have a longer shelf life, but it is best to check the expiration date on the label. As with any condiment, it is important to keep the sauce refrigerated and to use proper food storage and handling techniques to ensure that it remains safe and flavorful.
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