Schezwan Sauce Recipe

Are you a fan of spicy and flavorful sauces? If so, then you're in for a treat with this homemade Schezwan Sauce recipe! This popular Chinese condiment is known for its fiery heat and rich taste, making it a perfect accompaniment for a variety of dishes. In this post, we'll walk you through a simple and easy-to-follow recipe to create your very own batch of Schezwan Sauce. Whether you want to use it as a dipping sauce or to add a kick to your stir-fries, this recipe is sure to impress. So let's dive in and discover the unique flavors of Schezwan Sauce!

What Is Schezwan Sauce Recipe?

• Schezwan sauce is a popular spicy and flavorful condiment that originated from the Sichuan province of China. The Indian version of Schezwan sauce varies slightly in its preparation, combining the heat of dry red chilies with the pungency of garlic, shallots, and ginger. The addition of vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil gives it a unique tangy and sweet flavor, while Indian spices and seasoning add a distinct twist to the traditional recipe. It is a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, adding a kick of spiciness and depth of flavor.

Why You'll Love Schezwan Sauce Recipe?

• Spicy and Flavorful: The Schezwan sauce recipe yields a rich, spicy, and flavorful sauce with a smooth texture, making it a versatile condiment to elevate any dish.
• Healthy Ingredients: The recipe primarily uses healthy ingredients such as dry red chilies, garlic, ginger, and shallots, which are known for their various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Controlled Spice Level: You have the flexibility to control the spice level based on the number of red chilies you use, making it suitable for everyone's taste preferences.
• Adds Depth to Dishes: The Schezwan sauce not only provides heat but also adds depth and complexity to dishes, making it a must-have for those who enjoy bold flavors.
• Versatile Use: This sauce can be used as a dip, spread, or marinade, adding a kick to noodles, stir-fries, or even as a dipping sauce for appetizers.
• Long Shelf Life: By refrigerating the sauce, it can be stored for over a week, providing a convenient and readily available condiment for multiple meals.

Ingredients for Schezwan Sauce Recipe

• Dry Red Chilies: These chilies are the star ingredient of the schezwan sauce, providing the heat and bold red color to the sauce.
• Shallots: Shallots add a sweet and mild flavor to the sauce, enhancing its overall taste and aroma.
• Garlic Cloves: Garlic brings a pungent and robust flavor to the sauce, adding depth and complexity.
• Ginger: The ginger adds a hint of warmth and spiciness to the sauce, complementing the other flavors.
• Vinegar: Vinegar provides a tangy and sour taste, balancing the heat from the chilies and the sweetness from other ingredients.
• Sesame Oil: This oil adds a nutty and rich flavor to the sauce, enhancing its overall depth and richness.

How To Make Schezwan Sauce Recipe?

• To make Schezwan sauce, start by soaking the dry red chilies in hot water for 30 minutes.
• After draining and removing the stems, grind the chilies into a smooth paste in a mixie jar. In a pan, heat sesame oil and stir-fry garlic, ginger, and shallots.
• Add the chili paste and sauté until the oil oozes out from the sauce.
• Then, add water, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, sugar, and pepper, and cook until the sauce becomes thick.
• Finally, let it cool, pour it into a jar, and refrigerate for more than a week.

The key step is sautéing the chili paste until the oil oozes out, as this enhances the flavor of the sauce and brings out the spiciness of the chilies. It's important to cook the sauce until it thickens to get the right consistency and flavor. By following these steps, you can create a flavorful and authentic Schezwan sauce at home.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Fried Rice or Noodles: Schezwan sauce pairs perfectly with fried rice or noodles, adding a delicious and spicy kick to your meal.
• Serve with Spring Rolls or Momos: This versatile sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or momos, adding extra flavor to these appetizers.
• Use as a Marinade for Grilled Meats: Brush the schezwan sauce onto grilled meats for a flavorful and spicy marinade, perfect for barbecues.
• Mix with Mayonnaise for a Spicy Dip: For a creamy and spicy dip, mix schezwan sauce with mayonnaise and serve with chips or veggies.
• Spread on Burgers or Sandwiches: Add a spicy twist to your burgers or sandwiches by spreading schezwan sauce on the buns before assembling the fillings.
• Dip for Snacks: Use schezwan sauce as a dipping sauce for fries, chicken wings, or any other fried snacks for an added flavor boost.

Tips for Making Schezwan Sauce

Furthermore, I would like to share some tips for schezwan sauce recipe.

• Firstly, It is a fiery hot and spicy sauce made from dry red chilies, garlic and sauteed onions. You can also use Dry Kashmiri Red Chilies since they are less spicy compared to dry red hot chilies.  
• However, you can also use the combination of any hot red chilies and Kashmiri chilies to make this sauce as spicy as your taste buds can tolerate.
• Preparation Duration: The preparation for Schezwan sauce can be time-consuming as it involves soaking the red chilies for 30 minutes and grinding them into a smooth paste. It's important to plan ahead and allocate enough time for this step to ensure the sauce turns out perfectly.
• Cooking Techniques: When stir-frying the garlic and ginger, make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning. The key is to achieve a golden brown color without overcooking. Additionally, sauteing the chili paste until the oil oozes out is crucial for developing the rich flavor of the sauce.
• Adjusting Spice Level: For those who prefer a milder or spicier sauce, the amount of red chilies can be adjusted according to personal taste. Additionally, the addition of more or less sugar and vinegar can help balance the heat to suit individual preferences.

Variations for Schezwan Sauce Recipe

• Adjusting the spiciness: Try using different types of dried red chilies or adjust the quantity to personalize the level of heat in your schezwan sauce. You can also add a pinch of red chili flakes for an extra kick.
• Adding herbs and spices: Experiment with adding a pinch of garam masala, cumin powder, or Sichuan peppercorns to enhance the flavor profile of your schezwan sauce. You can also include a small amount of finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a unique twist.
• Sweet and tangy variations: Instead of regular sugar, try using honey or brown sugar to add a different dimension of sweetness to the sauce. You can also substitute the vinegar with lemon juice or rice wine vinegar for a tangy variation.
• Nutty flavors: Consider adding a tablespoon of peanut butter or tahini to the schezwan sauce for a rich and nutty undertone. This will give your sauce a creamy texture and a unique flavor profile.
• Vegan options: For a vegan version of the schezwan sauce, replace the traditional sesame oil with a neutral-flavored oil like sunflower oil or avocado oil. You can also use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.
• Fruit-infused schezwan sauce: Get creative by adding a splash of pineapple juice, mango puree, or tamarind paste to your schezwan sauce for a fruity and tangy twist. This will add a hint of sweetness and acidity to your sauce, making it perfect for stir-fries and marinades.

Try out these variations to create your own unique and personalized schezwan sauce that suits your taste preferences. Happy cooking!

How to Store Schezwan Sauce

• Proper Storage Is Key: It is important to store schezwan sauce in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavor. Make sure the lid is tightly closed to prevent air from getting inside.
• Refrigerate for Longer Shelf Life: Storing the schezwan sauce in the refrigerator will help to keep it fresh for a longer period of time. It is recommended to refrigerate the sauce for more than one week for best results.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh and good quality ingredients is essential for the sauce to have a longer shelf life. Ensure that the dry red chilies, shallots, garlic, and ginger are fresh and free from any mold or spoilage before preparing the sauce.
• Avoid Moisture: It is important to keep the schezwan sauce away from moisture to prevent it from spoiling quickly. Be sure to dry the mixie jar and the storage container thoroughly before transferring the sauce.
• Check for Mold: Always check the sauce for any signs of mold or spoilage before use. If you notice any discoloration or unusual smell, it is best to discard the sauce to avoid any health risks.
• Reheating the Sauce: When you take the schezwan sauce out of the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using it. If the sauce has thickened in the refrigerator, you can reheat it in a pan with a little water to bring it back to the desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How spicy is the schezwan sauce?

• The spiciness of the schezwan sauce can be adjusted based on the number of red chilies used. For a milder sauce, reduce the number of chilies, and for a spicier version, increase the quantity of chilies.

Can I substitute sesame oil with another type of oil?

• Yes, you can substitute sesame oil with other oils such as peanut oil or vegetable oil. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the sauce may vary slightly depending on the oil used.

How long can the schezwan sauce be stored?

• The schezwan sauce can be refrigerated in a sealed jar for more than one week. Make sure to store it in a dry and cool place to maintain its freshness.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

• Yes, the sweetness of the sauce can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of sugar used. Taste the sauce as you add the sugar to achieve your desired level of sweetness.

What dishes can I use the schezwan sauce in?

• Schezwan sauce can be used in a variety of dishes such as stir-fries, noodles, fried rice, and as a dipping sauce for appetizers. Get creative and experiment with different recipes to incorporate the sauce.

Can I make the schezwan sauce ahead of time?

• Yes, the schezwan sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. This can save time when preparing meals, and the flavors will continue to develop over time.

Recipe Card

Schezwan Sauce

Schezwan Sauce Recipe 2017-08-15 07:04:33

Serving Size: 1 jar
Prep Time: 35 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 50 mins

Ingredients

• 15 to 20 dry red chilies
• 5 shallots, finely chopped
• 12 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp pepper powder
• 4 tbsp sesame oil
• salt as needed          

Instructions

• Wash and then soak the red chilies in hot water for 30 mins.
• Drain and remove the stems, then place them into the mixie jar with 2 to 3 tbsp of water and grind until you get a smooth paste.
• Meanwhile, heat a pan with sesame oil over medium heat. When the oil heats, stir-fry garlic and ginger until browned.
• Then add chopped shallots and fry until they become transparent.
• Also add ground chili paste and saute until the oil oozes out from the sauce.
• Then pour 1/2 cup of water and stir well, simmer for 2 mins.
• Then add soy sauce, vinegar, salt, sugar and pepper and cook it for another 5 to 6 mins or until it becomes thick.
• Once it cools down, pour it in a jar and refrigerate it for more than one week.         

By Santhi Therese    The Indian Claypot

https://theindianclaypot.com/