Gluten-Free Mala Sauce

Transform your kitchen with this bold and aromatic Gluten-Free Mala Sauce! Packed with the signature tongue-tingling heat of Sichuan peppercorns and dried red chilies, this fiery Chinese-inspired sauce brings authentic mala flavors to your table without any gluten concerns. Made with gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, and a touch of dark brown sugar, it balances spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes in perfect harmony. The rich combination of garlic, ginger, doubanjiang, and five spice powder lends depth and complexity, while sesame oil and rice vinegar add a finishing touch of nuttiness and tang. Ready in just 25 minutes, this versatile sauce is perfect for stir-fries, marinades, or as a dipping sauce, bringing the mouth-numbing heat of Sichuan cuisine to any dish. Store it in your fridge and enjoy a homemade gluten-free mala experience anytime!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
• 6 whole Dried red chilies
• 3 tablespoons Gluten-free soy sauce
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons Bean paste (doubanjiang)
• 1 tablespoon Dark brown sugar
• 0.5 cup Vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Gluten-free tamari
• 1 teaspoon Five spice powder
• 2 tablespoons Chili flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 cup Water

Directions

Step 1

Place the Sichuan peppercorns in a pan over medium heat, and dry roast for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool, then grind them with a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the bean paste (doubanjiang) and stir for another minute to combine.

Step 4

Lower the heat and add the dried red chilies, ground Sichuan peppercorns, and chili flakes. Stir for another 2 minutes carefully, ensuring the spices do not burn.

Step 5

Add the gluten-free soy sauce, gluten-free tamari, rice vinegar, dark brown sugar, and five spice powder into the pan, stirring to blend completely.

Step 6

Pour in water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Turn off the heat and add the sesame oil and salt, stirring one last time to ensure everything is mixed well.

Step 8

Let the sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer to a sterilized jar and store in the refrigerator. It can be used for stir-fries, dipping sauces, or as a marinade.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	455 grams (455.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1326

Total Fat 124.50g	160%
Saturated Fat 18.00g	90%
Polyunsaturated Fat 73.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 7439mg	323%
Total Carbohydrate 55.00g	20%
Dietary Fiber 12.60g	45%
Total Sugars 18.30g
Protein 16.90g	34%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 149mg	11%
Iron 8mg	46%
Potassium 888mg	19%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 79.6%

Protein: 4.8%

Carbs: 15.6%