Vegetarian Mala Sauce
Experience the bold, tongue-tingling flavors of Sichuan cuisine with this Vegetarian Mala Sauce—a versatile, spicy condiment brimming with aromatic richness. This plant-based take on the classic Chinese recipe is crafted with the signature combination of Szechuan peppercorns and dried chili peppers, delivering the iconic "numbing and spicy" sensation that defines mala. Infused with fragrant ginger, garlic, and star anise, and balanced with soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar, this sauce is perfect for drizzling over noodles, rice, or stir-fries. With a quick prep and a shelf life of up to two weeks, it’s the ultimate homemade addition to elevate your favorite dishes with authentic, spicy Sichuan flair.
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Szechuan peppercorns
- 10 pieces Dried chili peppers
- 1 inch piece, sliced Ginger
- 5 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 cup Vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Vegetarian oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 2 stalks, chopped Green onions
- 2 pieces Star anise
Directions
Step 1
In a small skillet, toast the Szechuan peppercorns on medium heat for about 2 minutes, until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
Step 2
Remove the peppercorns and allow them to cool slightly, then crush them into a coarse texture using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
Step 3
Heat the vegetable oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the dried chili peppers, ginger slices, minced garlic, and star anise.
Step 4
Allow the aromatics to infuse the oil, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. The oil should be very fragrant but not too hot to burn the ingredients.
Step 5
Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully strain the oil into a heatproof bowl to remove the solid ingredients. Discard the solids.
Step 6
Return the infused oil to the saucepan and place it back on low heat. Add the soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine.
Step 7
Add the crushed Szechuan peppercorns and stir the sauce to incorporate all the flavors.
Step 8
Simmer the sauce on low heat for another 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and flavors to meld.
Step 9
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the chopped green onions.
Step 10
Allow the sauce to cool before transferring it to a clean jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (408.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2048.6 |
| Total Fat 213.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 30.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 134.5g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3932.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 51.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 10.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 13.3g | |
| Protein 12.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 181.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 8.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 859.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories