Shaanxi-style Spicy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

This adaptation of Creole Sauce to Shaanxi cuisine incorporates the distinct flavors and spices of the region. The original Creole Sauce is typically made with a combination of bell peppers, onions, celery, and tomatoes, while the Shaanxi-style Spicy Tomato Sauce focuses on the bold flavors of tomatoes and aromatic spices. The Shaanxi version also adds a fiery kick with the use of chili peppers, which is characteristic of the region's cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Creole Sauce, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons (10g) ginger, grated 2 teaspoons (10g) ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons (10g) Sichuan peppercorns, crushed 2 teaspoons (10g) Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 2 teaspoons (10g) chili flakes 2 teaspoons (10g) chili flakes
• 4 tomatoes, diced 4 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the crushed Sichuan peppercorns and chili flakes to the pan. Stir-fry for a minute to release their flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften and release their juices.
5. 5.
   Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Season with salt to taste.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
8. 8.
   Transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
9. 9.
   Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining solids.
10. 10.
    Allow the sauce to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra spicy kick, add more chili flakes or fresh chili peppers according to your preference.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey, depending on your taste.
• This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing the flavors to develop further over time.
• Use this Shaanxi-style Spicy Tomato Sauce as a dipping sauce for dumplings, a marinade for grilled meats, or a base for stir-fries to add a burst of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Shaanxi-style Spicy Tomato Sauce alongside your favorite Shaanxi dishes, such as Biang Biang Noodles or Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger). It also pairs well with steamed rice or as a condiment for spring rolls.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Shaanxi-style Spicy Tomato Sauce with a sprinkle of crushed Sichuan peppercorns and a few fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color and enhance the visual appeal.