Szechwan Sauce

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If making from scratch, follow storage instructions for individual ingredients.

Use as a stir-fry sauce for vegetables, chicken, or tofu.

Drizzle over noodles or rice for added flavor.

Add a tablespoon or two to marinades for a spicy kick.

Adjust the amount of chili paste or flakes to control the heat level.

Stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas)

Chicken or pork

Tofu or tempeh

Noodles (lo mein, udon)

Rice (jasmine, basmati)

Adding too much at once: start with a small amount and add more to taste, as it can be quite potent.

Not balancing the flavors: Szechwan sauce benefits from a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy elements. Ensure your dish has these components.

Overcooking the sauce: cook it briefly to meld the flavors without allowing it to become overly thick or burn.