Sichuan food Credit: Leigh Beisch
Sichuan food Credit: Leigh Beisch
Sichuan food Credit: Leigh Beisch
Sichuan food
Credit: Leigh Beisch
The key to Sichuan food lies in its málà, the mouth-numbing heat that comes from the combo of Sichuan peppercorns and fiery Sichuan chile peppers. These and other essential ingredients in Sichuan cuisine can be found in Asian markets and well-stocked supermarkets. You can also buy them online at themalamarket.com, which was created by a mother-daughter duo, who bonded over their love for traditional Sichuan dishes. Learn how to use these 12 key ingredients in Sichuan cuisine.
Chili Crisp
Dried Tofu Skin
Fermented Black Beans (Douchi)
Green Sichuan Peppercorns
With a distinctly lemony taste that is different from red Sichuan peppercorns, green ones complement fish, chicken and vegetables. China has only recently started to export them, so they are a little harder to find. They’re currently sold out, but you can join the waitlist to purchase a bag from The Mala Market.
Pixian Chili Bean Paste (Doubanjiang)
A salty and spicy umami concentrate made with chiles and fermented fava beans, the paste gives deep flavor to braises, soups and stir-fries. It is sometimes labeled “broad bean” chili paste. Try it in our recipe for Dry Pot Chicken (Gan Guo Ji) (and pick up a pack from The Mala Market, $20).
Shaoxing Rice Wine
Sichuan Chile Flakes
Whole dried chiles that have been fried until crisp and ground into a mix of flakes, powder and seeds. Korean pepper powder, available at Korean markets and online, is a good substitute. (Try a pack from The Mala Market, $12.)
Sichuan Chili Oil
A Sichuan spice blend is infused into the oil, which is mixed with chile pepper flakes (not fried). The oil can be strained and the flakes used separately. Try the oil in our recipe for Sichuan Fava Bean, Pea Sprout & Radish Salad (and pick up a jar from Uncommon Goods, $13).
Sichuan Peppercorn Oil
A fragrant finishing oil infused with essential oils extracted from the Sichuan peppercorn. It has a smoother taste than the whole spice yet enough zing to wake up the mouth. They’re currently sold out, but you can join the waitlist to purchase a bottle from The Mala Market.
Sichuan Peppercorns
Sichuan peppercorns (a member of the citrus family and unrelated to black peppercorns) have a citrusy aroma and supply the numbing half of the signature flavor of Sichuan food. Try it in our recipe for Spicy Chili Crisp Potato Salad (Liang Ban Tu Dou) (and pick up your own jar from The Spice House, $9).
