7 Easy and Delicious Mala Sauce Recipes You’ll Love
Are you a fan of mala hotpot and shabu-shabu? These dishes are popular for their bold flavors, but they wouldn’t be complete without the perfect dipping sauce.
Today, we’re sharing how to make mala sauces that range from traditional to fusion styles. From classic spicy blends to rich sukiyaki and fragrant sesame-based sauces, these recipes will elevate your mala hotpot experience and have you coming back for more.
Why is Mala Sauce So Important?
Mala sauce is the heart of any mala hotpot experience. It enhances the flavors of the food, making each bite more savory and satisfying. With ingredients like chili, garlic, and cilantro, mala sauce not only adds a unique aroma but also perfectly complements the bold and spicy notes of mala dishes.
How To Prepare Mala Sauce
Making mala sauce is simpler than you might think. Just mix the ingredients in the right proportions, and you’ll have a flavorful dipping sauce ready in no time.
1. Traditional Mala Sauce Recipe
This classic recipe combines the nuttiness of sesame sauce, the spiciness of mala chili oil, and the fragrance of sesame oil for a perfect match with any meat or vegetable in your hotpot.
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp sesame sauce
- 2 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp mala chili oil
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- Minced garlic
- Sliced chili peppers
- Mala chili powder
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped scallions
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Mix the sesame sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl.
- Add mala chili oil and stir well.
- Top with garlic, chili, sesame seeds, scallions, and cilantro.
2. Sukiyaki Mala Sauce
This recipe blends the tangy sweetness of sukiyaki sauce with the spicy kick of mala flavors, creating a well-rounded dipping sauce for your mala shabu.
Ingredients:
- 50g garlic
- 30g red chilies
- 3 tbsp vinegar
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 7 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp pickled garlic juice
- 30g fermented tofu (mixed with 1 tbsp water)
- 350g chili sauce
- 70g ketchup
- 150ml water
- 40g toasted sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions:
- Blend garlic, chilies, and sugar together.
- Mix with the remaining ingredients and simmer over low heat until thickened.
- Let cool before serving.
3. Fermented Tofu Sukiyaki Sauce
This sauce combines the umami of fermented tofu with the boldness of mala spices, perfect for dipping hotpot meats.
Ingredients:
- 100g garlic
- 7-8 heads pickled garlic
- 500g pickled garlic juice
- 30g red chilies
- 20g cilantro roots
- 160g fermented tofu
- 90g fermented tofu juice
- 50g toasted sesame seeds
- 5 tbsp sugar
- 6 tbsp lime juice
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Simmer with sugar over low heat until thickened.
4. Thai Jaew Mala Sauce
A Thai-inspired spicy and tangy sauce with toasted rice, perfect for pairing with mala hotpot.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 shallot
- 1 scallion
- 2 limes
- ½ tbsp toasted rice powder
Instructions:
- Mix chili powder, sugar, and fish sauce.
- Add sliced shallot and scallion.
- Squeeze in lime juice and mix well.
- Sprinkle it with toasted rice powder.
5. Seafood Mala Sauce
A tangy and spicy sauce that pairs well with seafood and mala dishes.
Ingredients:
- 30g red chilies
- 20g green chilies
- 15-20 bird’s eye chilies
- 4 tbsp fish sauce
- 3-4 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp palm sugar
- 4-5 garlic cloves
Optional Additions:
- 2 tbsp pickled garlic juice (for a sweet tang)
- 3 tbsp crushed peanuts (for a nutty twist)
- 2 tbsp sliced lemongrass
- 1-2 tsp wasabi (for a kick)
Instructions:
- Blend the base ingredients.
- Add your choice of additional ingredients and mix well.
6. Ponzu Mala Sauce
A Japanese-style sauce with citrusy and umami notes, perfect for mala hotpot.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 ½ tbsp dashi broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp mirin
- 1 tbsp minced garlic and chili
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Let sit to blend flavors before serving.
7. White Sesame Sauce
A creamy and fragrant sauce for those who prefer milder flavors.
Ingredients:
- 500g raw white sesame seeds
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions:
- Toast sesame seeds until fragrant.
- Blend until coarse.
- Add olive oil and salt, blending until smooth.
Tips for Making Delicious Mala Sauce
Beyond the recipes we’ve shared, there are additional tips to enhance the flavor and appeal. These simple methods can take your mala sauce to the next level:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients
Selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients has a direct impact on the flavor and aroma of your mala sauce. Quality ingredients not only elevate the taste but also extend the shelf life of your sauce. - Adjust to Your Taste
While each recipe provides specific measurements, feel free to tweak the levels of spiciness, saltiness, or sweetness to match your personal preferences. - Experiment with Flavor Combinations
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different recipes. Sometimes combining distinct flavors can create a new, unique sauce that’s both delicious and memorable. - Pair with the Right Ingredients
Choosing the right sauce to complement the type of meat or vegetables you’re using can enhance your mala hotpot experience. Additionally, offering a variety of dipping sauces ensures that everyone can find a flavor they love.
By now, you’re probably craving a spicy and flavorful mala hotpot. If you’re looking for a unique mala hotpot or malatang experience near BTS Chidlom, we highly recommend visiting Mongkok Sukiyaki at The Mercury Ville @ Chidlom.
Here, you’ll savor the rich and fiery flavors of authentic mala broth, complemented by signature dipping sauces that you can customize to your liking. Pair that with fresh, meticulously selected meats and vegetables, and you’re in for an unforgettable meal. Whether you choose classic Chinese-style shabu-shabu or a perfectly spiced mala hotpot, you’re guaranteed a delicious dining experience that will have you coming back for more.
References:
- 13 Mala Dipping Sauce Recipes for Shabu: Follow These Steps for Guaranteed Bold and Flavorful Taste. Retrieved December 6, 2024, from https://food.trueid.net/detail/4PR1y7pjYYXE.
- Why Not Make It Yourself? A Collection of ‘7 Bold and Delicious Shabu and Hotpot Dipping Sauce Recipes’ to Enjoy to the Fullest. Retrieved December 6, 2024, from https://sistacafe.com/summaries/ก็ทำเองไปเลยสิคะ-รวม-7-สูตรน้ำจิ้มชาบูจิ้มจุ่ม-แซ่บนัว-อร่อยฟินกินเพลิน–id=86235.
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