This Szechuan Flavor Hot Chili Sauce came from a local Asian market we frequent. We were happy to find this smaller jar to try, as we weren't sure we'd like it enough to commit to the larger 24oz. container for $8.99.
Main Flavor Elements
- Chili
- Sichuan peppercorn
- Sesame seeds
Snapshot
- Base oil(s): Rapeseed/canola
- Solids to oil ratio: Medium ~40%
- Flavor Enhancer: N/S
- Potential allergens: Sesame
- Storage: Keep in cool, dry place
Our Impressions
- Heat level: Moderate Sichuan spice
- Texture: Chili flakes, sesame and pepper seeds.
- Saltiness: None (0mg. per 28gm.)
This one is similar to the Szechuan Flavor Crispy Chili Oil, with the exception that it lacks peanut and soybean. Doing an A/B comparison, they are quite similar in spice and heat, but this one struck us as being a little hotter, with a bit more mala numbing. Perhaps the peanut and soybean in the other serve to mitigate those sensations somewhat. We also got a sense of some tanginess we didn't in the other. Possibly something in the unnamed "spices" is responsible.
We suppose this version from Szechuan Flavor might be preferable when the peanut and soybean aren't desired, but then we're never ones to shy away from some good crunch. That and the lack of salt make this a good candidate for possible use as a seasoned cooking oil. Just a drizzle in a hot pan to fry an egg in sounds like an enticing idea.
As with the Crispy Chili Oil version, this one could easily be a daily driver, supplying a warm Sichuan spice and heat without being the salt bomb so many can be. If we had any complaint, it's that we wished the solids-to-oil ratio was more in the 60/40 range, so that the second half of the jar doesn't end up mostly oil.
Ingredients
Canola oil, chili powder, sesame, Sichuan pepper, spices.
More Information
Brand: Szechuan Flavor
Style: Chli oil
Price paid: $3.99 / 7.05oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website:
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