Craving the fiery kick of authentic Chinese chili sauce but dreading the long supermarket queues or the unfamiliar ingredients lists? Look no further! This recipe empowers you to create your own delicious, customizable chili sauce from the comfort of your own kitchen. Forget bland, mass-produced condiments; this homemade version bursts with vibrant flavor and the satisfying heat you crave, all while using simple, accessible ingredients. You'll be surprised how easy it is to achieve restaurant-quality results.
This recipe is perfect for both seasoned cooks and culinary novices alike, requiring minimal equipment and readily available pantry staples. Whether you're a chili aficionado or just looking to spice up your next meal, this simple, step-by-step guide will walk you through each stage of the process, from preparing the ingredients to achieving the perfect consistency and flavor balance. Let's get started!
Tools Needed
- Hand chopper
- Knife
- Pan
- Airtight container
Ingredients
- Thick red chilies: 450 grams
- Thick green chilies: 250 grams
- Ginger: 100 grams
- Garlic: 100 grams
- Onion: 1 (medium sized)
- Salt: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar powder: 1 tablespoon
- Asafoetida powder: 1/4 tablespoon
- White sesame seeds
- Vinegar: 1/2 small bowl
- Black pepper: 1 tablespoon
- Coriander: 1 tablespoon
- Bay leaves
- Cinnamon: 1 piece
- Mustard oil: 1/2 to 3/4 cup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and roughly chop the red and green chilies. Don't chop them too finely.
- Peel and wash the ginger and garlic. Chop them roughly as well.
- Peel and thinly slice the onion.
- Chop the chilies, ginger, garlic, and onion using a hand chopper.
Step 2. Combine and Season
- In a bowl, combine the chopped chilies, ginger, garlic, salt, sugar powder, asafoetida powder, white sesame seeds, and vinegar. Mix well.
Step 3. Infuse with Spiced Oil
- Heat mustard oil in a pan. Add black pepper, coriander, bay leaves, and cinnamon.
- Fry the spices until fragrant.
- Remove the spices from the oil and pour the hot oil over the chili mixture.
- Mix thoroughly.
Step 4. Store and Enjoy
- Store the Chinese chili sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept at room temperature as well.
Read more: Chinese Wonton Soup: Thousand-Li Fragrance Recipe
Tips
- Use a hand chopper to quickly chop ingredients.
- Adjust salt and sugar to your preference.
- The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or kept at room temperature in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! Start with less chili and add more to your taste. You can also use milder chili varieties.
2. How long will the chili sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it should last for about 2-3 weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing it.
3. Can I use different types of chili?
Yes! Experiment with various chilies like serrano, jalapeño, or even gochujang for different flavor profiles. Adjust the quantity according to their heat level.
So there you have it – your very own batch of delicious, homemade Chinese chili sauce! Enjoy the satisfying flavor and fiery kick it adds to your favorite dishes, from noodles and dumplings to stir-fries and even eggs. Now go forth and unleash your inner chef!