China

Chinese Sauces

Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
• 1 teaspoon hot oil

Directions

Combine the ingredients in a small boil. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then cover and refrigerate until serving.

All Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce

Directions

Place a saucepan over high heat until hot. Add 1/4 cup vegetable oil. Add 4 teaspoons minced garlic and 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 5 seconds. Add 2/3 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup Shao Hsing wine or dry sherry, and 2 tablespoons sesame oil and cook for 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water and cook, stirring, until sauce boils and thickens. Makes about 1 1/3 cups.

Hot and Spicy Stir-Fry Sauce

Directions

Place a wok or medium saucepan over high heat until hot. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Add 1 teaspoon each minced garlic and minced fresh ginger and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 5 seconds. Add 1 tablespoon sliced green onion (white part only), 1/4 cup each soy sauce, chicken broth, and Shao Hsing wine or dry sherry, and 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce or chili oil. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water and cook, stirring, until sauce boils and thickens. Let cool. Makes about 3/4 cup.

Chinese Salad Dressing

Directions

Combine 3/4 cup rice vinegar, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, 2 teaspoons minced cilantro (Chinese parsley), and 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice in a small bowl. Whisk in 2/3 cup vegetable oil and 3 tablespoons sesame oil. Makes about 2 cups.

Sichuan Spicy Salt

Directions

Place 1/4 cup salt, 3/4 teaspoon ground toasted Sichuan peppercorns, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper in wok over medium heat, swirling wok, for 2 to 3 minutes. Let cool. Makes about 1/4 cup.

Chili Oil

Directions

Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a small saucepan over high heat until oil reaches about 375F. Remove from heat and add 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper and 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Let cool. Transfer oil to an airtight jar. Use as a dip or use a few drops to add zest to any dish. Makes about 1 cup.