Sugar-Free Mala Sauce
Elevate your culinary creations with this bold and flavorful *Sugar-Free Mala Sauce*, a health-conscious twist on the beloved Sichuan classic. Bursting with the signature numbing heat of roasted Sichuan peppercorns and dried red chilis, this richly aromatic sauce features a perfect balance of umami from light soy sauce and a tangy kick from dark rice vinegar—all without added sugar. The recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients like garlic, ginger, and green onions with a velvety sesame oil base, delivering an authentic mala experience in just 30 minutes. Perfect for stir-fries, hot pots, noodles, or as a dip, this sugar-free variation ensures you can enjoy the fiery essence of mala guilt-free. Ideal for spice enthusiasts and healthy eaters alike, make a batch of this versatile sauce and take your meals to the next level!
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
Start by soaking the dried red chilis in warm water for about 10 minutes until they are soft. Drain and set aside.
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.
Peel and finely chop the ginger and garlic. Slice the green onions finely, setting aside the green parts for garnish if desired.
In a blender, add the softened chilis, roasted Sichuan peppercorns, chopped ginger, and garlic. Blend until it forms a smooth paste.
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.
Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and water to the pan. Stir to combine thoroughly.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
Add the salt, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Once cooked, remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly.
Transfer the sauce to a clean jar and store in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
639 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.6 g | 74% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.2 g | 41% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3970 mg | 173% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.4 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.5 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.6 g | ||
| Protein | 8.5 g | 17% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 106 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 5.5 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 540 mg | 11% | |
*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.
