13 Classic Chinese Sauces to Make at Home

Why not try your hand at making some of the tastiest Chinese sauces around. They're just as delicious as Asian sauces! Many of these Chinese sauces can be made in the comfort of your own home. I'll be showing you over a dozen delicious Chinese sauces to make at home. Save time and add flavor to every dish you make.

By learning how to make 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!

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. You can also find other chili oil substitutes to make if you don't like its flavor.

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 and oyster sauce are somewhat similar in a sense and can both be used in stir-fry dishes or as dipping sauces for spring rolls and 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 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 light soy sauce substitutes and dark soy sauce substitutes for a different taste experience.

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. You can also use plum sauce substitutes instead, for a different flavor experience.

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.

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