Nut-Free Mala Sauce

Elevate your home-cooked meals with this bold and flavorful Nut-Free Mala Sauce, a reimagined twist on the classic spicy Sichuan condiment made allergen-friendly. Bursting with the signature tingle of Sichuan peppercorns and the smoky heat of dried red chilies, this recipe balances fiery spice with aromatic spices like star anise and cinnamon, and umami-rich soy sauce. Fresh ginger, garlic, and scallions add a zesty depth, while sesame oil offers a silky finishing touch. Perfect for stir-fries, noodles, or dipping sauces, this easy-to-make recipe is free from nuts but full of irresistible tongue-tingling flair. Ready in under an hour and easily stored for later, this mala sauce is your go-to for adding authentic Sichuan heat to any dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons dried Sichuan peppercorns
• 15 dried red chilies
• 1 cup canola oil
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger
• 6 garlic cloves
• 4 scallions
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Remove the seeds from the dried red chilies for a milder sauce, or keep them in for added heat. Rinse the chilies under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly.

Step 2

Peel and mince the ginger, and smash the garlic cloves. Thinly slice the scallions.

Step 3

Heat the canola oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.

Step 4

Add the Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and cinnamon stick to the oil. Allow them to infuse the oil for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Increase the heat to medium and add the dried chilies. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, until the chilies are crispy but not burned, stirring continuously.

Step 6

Add the minced ginger, smashed garlic, and sliced scallions. Stir-fry for a minute until fragrant.

Step 7

Stir in soy sauce, sugar, and salt, continuing to mix everything well.

Step 8

Carefully add the water to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow all flavors to meld together.

Step 9

Finally, stir in the sesame oil and remove the saucepan from the heat.

Step 10

Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then carefully strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar or container.

Step 11

The Nut-Free Mala Sauce is now ready to use! Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	812.2 grams (812.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2897

Total Fat 262.40g	336%
Saturated Fat 20.50g	102%
Polyunsaturated Fat 68.40g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4188mg	182%
Total Carbohydrate 137.10g	50%
Dietary Fiber 45.80g	164%
Total Sugars 13.60g
Protein 32.00g	64%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 342mg	26%
Iron 26mg	142%
Potassium 3058mg	65%

*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: 77.7%

Protein: 4.2%

Carbs: 18.1%