Sugar-Free Mala Sauce
Dive into the bold and fiery world of Sichuan cuisine with this Sugar-Free Mala Sauce, a tantalizing twist on the classic spicy condiment. Bursting with the signature tongue-tingling heat from Sichuan peppercorns and dried red chilis, this recipe retains all the robust flavors without any added sugar. Infused with aromatic ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, the sauce is perfectly balanced with umami-rich soy sauce and a hint of tangy dark rice vinegar. This versatile, homemade mala sauce is surprisingly simple to prepare in just 30 minutes, making it a great addition to stir-fries, hot pots, noodles, or any dish craving a spicy, numbing kick. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks, and let its complex layers of heat and spice elevate your cooking. Perfect for those seeking sugar-free spice blends, Sichuan-inspired recipes, or easy homemade sauces!
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
Ingredients
- 10 pieces dried red chilis
- 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon ginger
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 stalks green onions
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chili oil
- 1 cup water
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Directions
Step 1
Start by soaking the dried red chilis in warm water for about 10 minutes until they are soft. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a small pan, dry roast the Sichuan peppercorns over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.
Step 3
Peel and finely chop the ginger and garlic. Slice the green onions finely, setting aside the green parts for garnish if desired.
Step 4
In a blender, add the softened chilis, roasted Sichuan peppercorns, chopped ginger, and garlic. Blend until it forms a smooth paste.
Step 5
In a medium saucepan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the chili paste mixture and stir-fry for approximately 2-3 minutes, until aromatic.
Step 6
Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and water to the pan. Stir to combine thoroughly.
Step 7
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
Step 8
Add the salt, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 9
Once cooked, remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly.
Step 10
Transfer the sauce to a clean jar and store in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (435.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 638.9 |
| Total Fat 57.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 8.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 11.7g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3970.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 26.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 9.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 2.6g | |
| Protein 8.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 106.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 5.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 539.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories