Chinese cuisine is known for its diverse and flavorful sauces that can transform a dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Many of these Chinese sauces can be easily made at home, allowing you to bring the taste of Chinese culture to your living room without having to go out to a restaurant.
These sauces from China can be used in marinating, flavoring, dips, or even in dishes like stir-fries, soups, noodles, and more. Making your own homemade sauces also allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking and dietary restrictions.
For example, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or substitute sugar with honey or agave nectar to make your sauces healthier. Not only is it a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s also a great way to save money and eat healthier.
By learning how to make these classic Chinese sauces at home, you can take your home cooking to the next level and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
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Spicy Chinese Sauces
Laoganma (Chili Oil)
Laoganma is a popular brand of chili oil in China, known for its unique combination of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s made with chili peppers, garlic, and soybean oil and can be used as a condiment or cooking ingredient.
Doubanjiang
Doubanjiang is a spicy, salty paste made from fermented broad beans and chili peppers. It’s a staple in Sichuan cuisine and is often used in dishes like mapo tofu and kung pao chicken.
Mala Sauce
Mala sauce is a well-loved classic Chinese sauce that hails from the Sichuan province. It boasts a unique flavor profile that’s both numbing and spicy, thanks to the use of Sichuan peppercorns and dried chili peppers. This sauce is typically used in hot pot and stir-fry dishes, and it’s a must-try for anyone who enjoys the heat of spicy food.
Szechuan Chili Oil
Szechuan chili oil is another spicy, fragrant oil that’s often typically used as a condiment or cooking ingredient in Sichuan cuisine. It’s made with chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and other spices and can be used to add heat and flavor to dishes like noodles and dumplings.
Yúxiāng
Yúxiāng, or fish-fragrant sauce, is a spicy, sweet, and sour sauce that’s often used in Sichuan cuisine. Despite its name, though, it doesn’t actually contain fish but rather a combination of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and other ingredients.
Hunan Chopped Chili
Hunan chopped chili is a spicy sauce made with chili peppers, garlic, and other spices. It’s used in Hunan cuisine to add a bit of heat and flavor to dishes like stir-fried pork with chopped chili.
Classic Chinese Stir Fry Sauces
Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It has a sweet and savory flavor and is made from soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. Hoisin sauce is a great addition to stir-fry dishes and can also be used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or roasted meats.
Guaiwei
Guaiwei is a spicy and fragrant sauce that’s also used in Sichuan cuisine. It, too, is made from Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, and other spices. Guaiwei adds a numbing and spicy flavor to the dish and is commonly used in stir fry dishes with beef, pork, or vegetables.
Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce is a thick, brown sauce made from oysters, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. It has a sweet and savory flavor and is commonly used in stir fry dishes. The oyster sauce adds a depth of flavor to the dish and pairs well with vegetables, meats, and seafood. Though, it may prove troublesome for those with a seafood allergy.
Sha Cha Sauce
Sha Cha sauce, also known as Chinese BBQ sauce, is a popular sauce in Chinese cuisine. It’s made from soybean oil, garlic, shallots, chilies, and dried shrimp and has a savory and slightly spicy flavor that’s commonly used in stir-fry dishes. It also pairs well with beef, chicken, and seafood.
Dark Soy Sauce
Dark soy sauce is thicker and sweeter than regular soy sauce. It’s made from soybeans, wheat, and salt and is aged for a longer period of time. Dark soy sauce is one of the main key ingredients in many Chinese dishes. It also adds a rich, caramel-like flavor and a dark color to the dish.
Classic Chinese Dipping Sauces
Chinese Mustard Dipping Sauce
Chinese mustard dipping sauce is a spicy and tangy sauce that’s perfect for dipping egg rolls or spring rolls. It’s made from a combination of Chinese mustard powder, vinegar, and sugar. You can also adjust the spiciness of the sauce by adding more or less mustard powder.
Ginger Scallion Sauce
Ginger scallion sauce is a popular dipping sauce in Chinese cuisine, often served with steamed fish or chicken. It’s made from a combination of ginger, scallions, oil, and soy sauce. The sauce has a pungent and slightly sweet flavor that can compliment the delicate flavors of steamed dishes.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is often used as a dipping sauce for dumplings, noodles, and vegetables. It’s made from fermented soybeans and has a salty, savory flavor, though you can use regular light and dark soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a milder taste.
Siu Haau
Siu Haau is a sweet and savory dipping sauce usually served with roasted meats such as pork or duck. It’s made from a combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. The sauce also has a thick and sticky consistency that’s perfect for dipping crispy roasted meats.
Sweet Chinese Sauces
Plum Sauce
Plum sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce perfect for dipping spring rolls, egg rolls, and other fried appetizers. It’s also a great glaze for roasted meats or as a sauce for stir-fried dishes.
Sweet Bean Sauce
Sweet bean sauce is a thick, sweet, and savory sauce made from fermented soybeans. It’s commonly used in Northern Chinese cuisine, where it’s used as a dipping sauce for dumplings, as a marinade for meats, and as a seasoning for stir-fried dishes.