Zhong Sauce Recipe

Zhong sauce has recently exploded in popularity, taking the culinary world by storm. Inspired by a popular Chengdu street snack, Fly By Jing’s Zhong Sauce is a concoction of aromatic “fuzhi” soy sauce, slow-brewed with brown sugar, Aromatic Soy Sauce, garlic, and a blend of spices. It’s sweet, tangy, spicy, and umami-rich all at once.

This versatile Zhong Sauce Recipe can be used as a dip, drizzle, marinade, or cooking ingredient to add a flavor punch to any dish. Once you get your hands on Zhong sauce, you’ll be hooked and want to add it to everything!

What is Zhong Sauce?

Zhong sauce originated from Sichuan province in China. It gets its name from the Chinese word “zhong” meaning “heavy flavor.” True to its name, this sauce packs some serious punch with its complex blend of sweet, sour, spicy and savory flavors.

The base is a slow-cooked aromatic soy sauce, infused with warm spices like star anise, cinnamon, fennel seed and Sichuan peppercorns.

To this flavorful base, chili oil and minced garlic are added to really amplify the spice and umami factors. A touch of sesame oil rounds it all out.

How to Make Zhong Sauce?

Making your own Zhong sauce at home is surprisingly easy. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients Needed

Aromatic Soy Sauce:

• 2 Cups Light Soy Sauce (465ml, 465g)
• 1/2 Cup Water (120ml, 120g)
• 1 Cup White Sugar (200g)
• 1/2 Packed Cup Brown Sugar (110g)
• 1 Large Piece Ginger (60g)
• 4 Piece Star Anise (5g)
• 1 Large Cinnamon Stick (8g)
• 5 Cloves
• 1.5 Tsp. Fennel Seed (4g)
• 1 Tbsp. Sichuan Peppercorn (4g)
• 2 Black Cardamom Pods (3g)

Zhong Sauce:

• 1/4 Cup Aromatic Soy Sauce (60ml, 70g)
• 4-5 Tsp. Chili Oil (20-25ml, 14-18g), preferably Chinese Red Oil    
• 1/4 tsp. Sesame Oil (2ml)
• 2 Minced Garlic Cloves (3g)

Kitchen Tools

• Medium-sized pot
• Stirring spoon
• Strainer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

First, I combine the soy sauce, water, sugar, sesame oil, chili oil, ginger, garlic, Szechuan peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon stick, dried chilies, and white peppercorns in a small pot.

Step 2: Simmer

Next, I place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a simmer, stirring frequently. Once simmering, I reduce the heat to low.

Then, I let the sauce gently simmer for 30 minutes, until reduced by about 1/3, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Cool and strain

Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool completely. Once cooled, strain out all the aromatics.

Step 4: Store

Transfer the aromatic soy sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate it for later use.

Step 5: To make Zhong sauce Recipe

Combine 1/4 cup of the prepared sauce with 4-5 teaspoons of your favorite chili oil, 1/4 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Mix well and use as a dipping sauce for dumplings or other dishes.

Tips for Making Perfect Zhong Sauce

• Use a good quality light soy sauce, preferably naturally brewed. This imparts the most flavor.
• Simmer the sauce uncovered to allow some evaporation which concentrates the flavors.
• Let the sauce cool fully before straining. This prevents any cloudiness in the final sauce.
• Refrigerating the soy sauce base allows the flavors to meld further.
• Add the chili oil and garlic just before serving for maximum punch and freshness.
• Adjust chili oil amounts based on your desired spice level. Start with less and add more as needed.

Ways to Use Zhong Sauce

The uses for flavorful zhong sauce are endless! Here are some ideas:

• Dumpling Dipping Sauce – Mix with black vinegar and julienned ginger for dipping potstickers, soup dumplings, shrimp shumai, and other dumplings.
• Noodle Sauce – Toss with cooked noodles or dan dan mian. The sauce clings nicely to noodles.
• Pork Marinade – Marinate pork chops, ribs, or tenderloin in a mixture of zhong sauce, oil, and cornstarch.
• Stir Fry Sauce – Add a spoonful when stir frying meats and veggies for an extra flavor boost.
• Dressing Base – Whisk with oils, mirin, and toasted sesame seeds to make a tangy salad dressing.
• Pot Sticker Filling – Mix into the filling for Szechuan-style pork and scallion potstickers.
• Hot Pot Dip – The perfect spicy, aromatic dipping sauce for hot pot or Chinese fondue.
• Satay Skewer Marinade – Marinate chicken or beef satay in zhong sauce, honey, and spices.
• Spring Roll Dip – Mix with some peanut butter for dipping fresh or fried spring rolls.

How to Store Homemade Zhong Sauce

The aromatic soy sauce and the Zhong sauce both store well in the refrigerator for months. Here are some storage tips:

• Store the aromatic soy sauce in sterilized glass bottles or jars. It will keep refrigerated for at least 2-3 months.
• The final Zhong sauce can be stored in a squeeze bottle or jar. It will keep refrigerated for 4-6 weeks.
• For longer shelf life, store both sauces in very clean, airtight containers.
• If you see any mold, bubbling or off smells, discard immediately.
• For maximum flavor, use within the first 1-2 weeks of making each sauce.

Zhong Sauce Recipe FAQs

What kind of soy sauce works best?

Use a good quality light or thin soy sauce, preferably naturally brewed for the best flavor. Tamari can also be subbed for a gluten-free option.

Can I use zhong sauce as a marinad?

Absolutely! A few tablespoons of zhong sauce makes a fantastic marinade for proteins like chicken, pork, or tofu. Let them soak for 20-30 minutes before cooking. The sauce evenly flavors and tenderizes.

Can I substitute Sichuan peppercorns?

Sichuan peppercorns are quite unique and hard to replace when making authentic zhong sauce. If you don’t have them, leave them out rather than substituting with black or white peppercorns.

What’s the difference between zhong sauce and regular soy sauce?

Zhong sauce is simmered slowly with spices and aromatics giving it a much more complex flavor compared to regular soy sauce which has a plain salty taste.

Can I use zhong sauce right away after making it?

It’s best to let zhong sauce cool and mellow in the fridge for a few days before using. This allows the strong ginger and garlic flavors to mellow.

What type of chili oil is best for zhong sauce?

Look for aromatic chili oils infused with spices, dried chilies, and sometimes toasted sesame oil.Chinese red oil is ideal but other varieties work too.

Continue to Content

Zhong Sauce Recipe

Yield: 1/4 cup

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Learn how to make Fly By Jing's famous Zhong Sauce Recipe at home! This sweet, spicy, and aromatic Chinese dipping sauce will add oomph to any dish.

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Ingredients

Aromatic Soy Sauce:

• 2 Cups Light Soy Sauce (465ml, 465g)
• 1/2 Cup Water (120ml, 120g)
• 1 Cup White Sugar (200g)
• 1/2 Packed Cup Brown Sugar (110g)
• 1 Large Piece Ginger (60g)
• 4 Piece Star Anise (5g)
• 1 Large Cinnamon Stick (8g)
• 5 Cloves
• 1.5 Tsp. Fennel Seed (4g)
• 1 Tbsp. Sichuan Peppercorn (4g)
• 2 Black Cardamom Pods (3g)

Zhong Sauce:

• 1/4 Cup Aromatic Soy Sauce (60ml, 70g)
• 4-5 Tsp. Chili Oil (20-25ml, 14-18g), preferably Chinese Red Oil
• 1/4 tsp. Sesame Oil (2ml)
• 2 Minced Garlic Cloves (3g)

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: First, I combine the soy sauce, water, sugar, sesame oil, chili oil, ginger, garlic, Szechuan peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon stick, dried chilies, and white peppercorns in a small pot.
   
2. Simmer: Next, I place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a simmer, stirring frequently. Once simmering, I reduce the heat to low.
   Then, I let the sauce gently simmer for 30 minutes, until reduced by about 1/3, stirring occasionally.
   
3. Cool and strain: Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool completely. Once cooled, strain out all the aromatics.
   
4. Store: Transfer the aromatic soy sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate it for later use.
   
5. To make Zhong sauce: Combine 1/4 cup of the prepared sauce with 4-5 teaspoons of your favorite chili oil, 1/4 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Mix well and use as a dipping sauce for dumplings or other dishes.
   

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 29Total Fat: 3.1gSodium: 562mgCarbohydrates: 0.5gSugar: 0.2gProtein: 0.3g

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Final Words

Recreating the complex perfection of Szechuan Zhong Sauce Recipe may seem intimidating. But with a simple combination of aromatics, spices, soy sauce, and chili oil, you can make this restaurant-worthy condiment at home.

Taking the time to slowly simmer and meld the flavors results in a sauce that is sweet, nutty, savory, and spicy all at once. With a little patience, you’ll have a zhong sauce that can transform everyday meals into truly extraordinary culinary experiences.