Nut-Free Mala Sauce
Spice up your culinary creations with this bold and flavorful Nut-Free Mala Sauce, a perfect alternative for those with nut allergies who still crave the fiery, numbing sensation of this classic Sichuan condiment. Made with a fragrant blend of dried Sichuan peppercorns, dried red chilies, star anise, and cinnamon, this sauce offers a symphony of heat, aroma, and complexity. Infused with garlic, ginger, and scallions for added depth, it’s rounded out with a savory touch of soy sauce and a hint of sweetness. Unlike traditional recipes that may use nut-based oils or pastes, this version relies on canola and sesame oils, making it allergen-friendly while retaining an authentic kick. Ideal for drizzling over noodles, enhancing stir-fries, or as a bold dipping sauce, it’s a versatile kitchen staple ready in just under an hour. Elevate your dishes and savor the Sichuan magic—no nuts required!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried Sichuan peppercorns
- 15 dried red chilies
- 1 cup canola oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger
- 6 garlic cloves
- 4 scallions
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
Instructions
Remove the seeds from the dried red chilies for a milder sauce, or keep them in for added heat. Rinse the chilies under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly.
Peel and mince the ginger, and smash the garlic cloves. Thinly slice the scallions.
Heat the canola oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
Add the Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and cinnamon stick to the oil. Allow them to infuse the oil for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Increase the heat to medium and add the dried chilies. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, until the chilies are crispy but not burned, stirring continuously.
Add the minced ginger, smashed garlic, and sliced scallions. Stir-fry for a minute until fragrant.
Stir in soy sauce, sugar, and salt, continuing to mix everything well.
Carefully add the water to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow all flavors to meld together.
Finally, stir in the sesame oil and remove the saucepan from the heat.
Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then carefully strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar or container.
The Nut-Free Mala Sauce is now ready to use! Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2897 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 262.4 g | 336% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.5 g | 102% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 68.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4188 mg | 182% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 137.1 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 45.8 g | 164% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.6 g | ||
| Protein | 32.0 g | 64% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 342 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 25.6 mg | 142% | |
| Potassium | 3058 mg | 65% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
