Chinese Chili Sauce Recipes（辣椒酱）

Chili Sauce is a sauce made from chili peppers, commonly found on dining tables. There are two main types: oil-based and water-based. Oil-based Chili Sauce is made with sesame oil and chili peppers, giving it a bright red color with a layer of sesame oil on top, which helps with preservation. Water-based Chili Sauce, on the other hand, is made with water and chili peppers, also vibrant red in color. It typically includes ingredients like garlic, ginger, sugar, and salt, resulting in a more flavorful taste.

Chili Sauce is an essential seasoning on our dining tables, known for its spicy and delicious flavor that leaves a lasting impression. It can be directly dipped with steamed buns, mixed into rice or noodles, and used for stir-frying dishes. Adding Chili Sauce to food enhances its aroma and spiciness, making it appetizing.Today, let's learn how to make homemade Chili Sauce together.

1.What ingredients are in Chili Sauce?

①Chili peppers are the main component of Chili Sauce, providing spiciness and the foundational flavor. The type and freshness of chili peppers used will affect the heat level and overall flavor profile of the Chili Sauce.

②In Hunan-style Chili Sauce, additional ingredients may include Sichuan peppercorns, Chinese five-spice powder, sesame oil, diced ginger, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and fermented black beans (豆豉).

③Five-spice Chili Sauce primarily uses red chili peppers as the main ingredient. It includes supplementary ingredients such as Sichuan peppercorns, cinnamon, Chinese prickly ash, licorice, cloves, star anise, and doubanjiang (fermented bean paste).

④In Korean-style Chili Sauce, ingredients such as apple, garlic, gochujang (fermented chili paste), white vinegar, salt, sugar, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) are commonly added to create the distinctive Korean flavor profile.

⑤Sweet chili sauce: A slightly sweet Chili Sauce can be made by incorporating basic ingredients such as sugar, salt, vinegar, ginger, and garlic. By adjusting the proportions of these ingredients, you can create a Chili Sauce that combines sweetness with spiciness.

2.How to store Chili Sauce?

①Refrigerate:Chili Sauce should be stored in the refrigerator, preferably in the refrigerated section and not in the freezer. Freezing can affect the texture and flavor of the Chili Sauce. Once opened, store the Chili Sauce in the refrigerator to prevent it from spoiling at room temperature.

②Seal and store:Store Chili Sauce in a tightly sealed container to prevent oxygen and moisture from entering, which helps prevent the sauce from spoiling and going bad. Ensure the container is dry inside to avoid bacterial growth.

③Sterilization process:Before transferring Chili Sauce into containers, it's essential to clean and thoroughly sterilize the containers. This can be achieved by soaking the containers in boiling water for several minutes or using a high-temperature, high-pressure sterilizer.

3.How long can homemade Chili Sauce be stored?

Generally speaking, homemade Chili Sauce, if oil-based, can be stored at room temperature for about 1-2 months, whereas water-based Chili Sauce may have a slightly shorter shelf life. When stored in a cool place, homemade Chili Sauce can last for approximately 2 months. To extend its shelf life, you can cover the surface of the Chili Sauce with a layer of oil to seal out air and prevent spoilage. Adding a small amount of high-proof alcohol can also help prevent mold growth.

4.How to tell if Chili Sauce has gone bad?

①Inspect the appearance:If you see white mold or other colored spots on the surface of the Chili Sauce, it typically means the sauce has spoiled and should not be consumed.

②Smell the odor:Spoiled Chili Sauce typically emits a sour smell or other unusual odors. If you detect an abnormal smell, it may indicate that the Chili Sauce has gone bad.

Today, I made a versatile Chili Sauce that pairs perfectly with stir-fried dishes, enhancing their flavor. Now, I'll share the recipe for this Chili Sauce with everyone.