This Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Sauce - Sweet + Spicy is available from a variety of sources including Amazon, and, occasionally, local supermarkets, where it appears to be deemed not spicy enough to offend sensitive palates. A recent store reset at a local Walmart slotted it in and then immediately put it on clearance, just as it did with our favorite salsa macha from La Anita.
Main Flavor Elements
- Brown sugar
- Chili pepper
- Soy sauce
- Black vinegar
Snapshot
- Base oil(s): Soybean, sesame
- Solids to oil ratio: Relatively high
- Flavor Enhancer: Natural
- Potential allergens: Wheat, soy, sesame
- Storage: Refrigerate after opening for best result
Our Impressions
- Heat level: Moderate
- Texture: Soupy, muddy
- Saltiness: Medium (65mg. per 5g.)
Fly By Jing marketing apparently had a re-think and renamed this one from "Sweet & Spicy Zhong Sauce", but we doubt you'll find that labeling any more. The link on the company's website still reflects it having also been called "Zhong Dumpling Sauce".
Well, it certainly is sweet, compared to typical Sichuan chili oils. And it packs a little spicy heat, too. We tasted it on its own, and have to admit it did prompt a brief sneeze attack which quickly passed. The Chinese black vinegar provides a subtle acidic note as well as some sweetness of its own, courtesy of the sorghum it contains.
If you're paying close attention, you'll note this Fly By Jing variation isn't called a chili crisp, but rather (more accurately) a "chili sauce", even though it still shares a texture similar to their Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp – Original. Our preference would have been toward a little more crunchy allium.
The ratio of solids, if you can call them that, to oil is relatively high, but their texture is of a muddy sediment. Some might call that "velvety", but that's maybe being a little too precious about it.
Still, the flavor is unique among the dozens we've tried, and there's certainly a place for it among so-called "new wave" chili oil condiments. Don't be afraid to give it a try.
Ingredients
Non-GMO soybean oil, soy sauce (water, soybeans, wheat, salt), brown sugar, garlic, dried chili pepper, black vinegar (water, rice, wheat, sorghum, corn, buckwheat, salt, sugar), sesame oil, mushroom powder, spices.
More Information
Brand: Fly By Jing
Style: Sichuan chili sauce
Price paid: $6.00 - $9.99 / 6oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website: https://flybyjing.com/products/zhong-dumpling-sauce
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