Do you love spicy food? If you enjoy fiery dishes with a kick, then you’ll love mala xiang guo. This Sichuan dish is made with numbing and spicy peppercorns, giving it a unique flavor that will leave your taste buds tingling.
While mala xiang guo can be found at restaurants, it’s also easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy this delicious dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ready to try your hand at making mala xiang guo? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook this tasty dish.
Mala Xiang Guo Overview
Mala xiang guo is a popular Sichuan dish made with a variety of spices, meats, and vegetables. The dish is typically stir-fried in a wok over high heat and can be served with rice or noodles.
Mala xiang guo is typically made with a variety of meats and vegetables, such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, tofu, and broccoli. The dish is often spiced with Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, and ginger. Mala xiang guo can be customized to your liking by adding more or less spice, depending on your preferences.
Mala xiang guo is often referred to as “Sichuan hot pot” due to its spicy flavor profile. If you’re looking for a fiery dish, mala xiang guo is definitely for you!
If you’re not a fan of spice, you can always ask for your mala xiang guo to be less spicy. However, the dish may lose some of its flavor if it’s not prepared with the traditional Sichuan spices.
Mala xiang guo is a great dish to share with friends or family. It’s also a good option if you’re looking for something hearty and filling. The dish is traditionally made with a variety of chili peppers, including Sichuan peppercorns, which give the dish its signature numbing quality.
While mala xiang guo can be made with any type of meat or vegetable, common ingredients include tofu, mushrooms, cabbage, and beef. The dish is typically served family-style, with diners sharing a single pot of mala xiang guo.
Mala xiang guo has a long history back from the Three Kingdoms period in China. It was said that Zhuge Liang, a chancellor of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms, created the dish to boost the morale of his troops.
The dish gained popularity in the 1980s and has since become a staple of Sichuan cuisine. In 2000s, mala xiang guo began to gain popularity outside of China, with restaurants popping up in major cities around the world.
In recent years, mala xiang guo has become a popular street food in China. Street vendors typically set up their carts in front of busy shopping districts or office buildings, and diners can customize their mala xiang guo with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices.
Mala xiang guo is now served all over China, as well as in other countries with a large Chinese population, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty dish, mala xiang guo is a great option. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or family and is sure to please everyone at the table.
The dish is easy to customize and can be made as mild or as spicy as you like. So, whether you’re a fan of fiery food or simply looking to try something new, give mala xiang guo a try!
Why Is Mala Xiang Guo So Popular?
Mala xiang guo is popular because of many reasons, including:
Tasty flavor
The first and most important reason is its flavor. The Sichuan peppercorn and chili pepper give mala xiang guo its signature numbing and spicy taste. The numbing and spicy taste of Sichuan peppercorn gives mala xiang guo a unique flavor that is different from other stir-fried dishes. The spicy and numbing taste is also one of the reasons why mala xiang guo is so popular.
The spicy taste is suitable for many people. The Sichuan peppercorn and chili pepper make the dish spicy, but not too spicy. The spice level can be adjusted according to individual preferences. So, mala xiang guo is suitable for people who like spicy food and those who don’t like spicy food.
Variety of ingredients
Another reason for its popularity is the variety of ingredients that can be added to it. Commonly used ingredients include pork, beef, shrimp, tofu, vegetables, and noodles. The dish is often cooked with a variety of spices and sauces to give it its unique flavor.
Mala xiang guo typically includes a mix of vegetables, meats, and noodles. This allows for a variety of flavors and textures in each bite. The dish is often cooked with a variety of spices and sauces to give it its unique flavor.
The ingredients used to make mala xiang guo is simple, yet the dish is full of flavor. The most common ingredients used are pork, beef, shrimp, tofu, vegetables, and noodles. However, there are many other ingredients that can be added to mala xiang guo to give it a unique flavor.
Mala xiang guo is typically served in a large bowl or platter and is meant to be shared among friends or family. It is often eaten as a main meal or as a late-night snack.
Vegetarian option
Another reason why mala xiang guo is popular is that it is a vegetarian option. In China, many people are vegetarian, so having a dish that is both delicious and vegetarian is a great option. For those who are vegetarian or vegan, mala xiang guo is a great option because it is made with vegetables and does not contain any meat.
With vegetarian option, you can easily find mala xiang guo in most Chinese restaurant. However, some restaurant do not have this option, so it is best to check with the restaurant before ordering.
If you are looking for a vegetarian option, then mala xiang guo is a great choice. You will be able to enjoy the dish without having to worry about the ingredients. Mala xiang guo is a great choice for dinner. It is not only delicious, but also healthy and nutritious.
Simple cooking method
Another thing makes mala xiang guo popular is that it’s very easy to cook at home. The dish is traditionally stir-fried, but you can also find recipes that call for boiling or steaming the ingredients. Whichever method you choose, the dish comes together quickly and can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
To make mala xiang guo, you’ll need a wok or large frying pan, a small bowl of sauce (typically a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar), and your chosen ingredients.
The most common vegetables used in mala xiang guo are cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and onions, but feel free to mix and match based on what you like or have on hand. protein-wise, tofu and pork are the most common choices, but chicken, beef, and shrimp are also popular.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, the cooking process is simple. If you’re stir-frying, start by heating oil in your wok or pan over high heat. Add the aromatics (garlic, ginger, and green onions) and cook for a minute until fragrant.
Then, add the sauce and vegetables and cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Add the protein of your choice and cook for another 3-5 minutes until cooked through. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
If you’re boiling or steaming the ingredients, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil (if you’re boiling) or heating a steamer (if you’re steaming). Add the sauce and vegetables and cook for 3-5 minutes until crisp-tender. Add the protein of your choice and cook for another 3-5 minutes until cooked through. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Mala xiang guo is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that can be tailored to your liking. So next time you’re in the mood for something spicy, give it a try!
Health benefits
Another reason why mala xiang guo is so popular is that it is a healthy dish. Mala xiang guo is stir-fried in a wok with very little oil. This means that the dish is not greasy and is actually quite healthy.
The vegetables and spices used in mala xiang guo are also good for your health. For example, Sichuan pepper can help to improve digestion and relieve pain as well as being a good source of antioxidants.
Chili peppers are also known to be good for your health. They can help to boost your metabolism and also have anti-inflammatory properties. This is because they contain a compound called capsaicin.
Mala xiang guo is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. The vegetables used in the dish are all high in vitamins and minerals. For example, cabbage is a good source of vitamin C and folic acid.
In addition, mala xiang guo is a great source of fiber. Fiber is important for our digestive system and can also help to lower cholesterol levels. Mala xiang guo is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron, and potassium.
Mala xiang guo is also popular because of its health benefits. Sichuan peppercorn is known to improve digestion and circulation, and it is also a good source of antioxidants. Mala xiang guo is also low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option for those who are looking to lose weight.
Moreover, mala xiang guo contains a variety of healthy ingredients, including meats, vegetables, and spices. These ingredients provide our bodies with essential nutrients that are necessary for good health.
Mala xiang guo is a healthy dish that is low in calories and fat, and high in fiber and vitamins. It is also a great source of antioxidants and can help to improve digestion and circulation. If you are looking for a healthy and delicious dish, mala xiang guo is a great option.
Overall, mala xiang guo is a healthy dish that is low in calories and fat but high in nutrients. It is a great option if you are looking for a healthy meal that is also tasty.
How To Cook Mala Xiang Guo?
Here, we will give you a completed guide on how to cook mala xiang guo:
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
The first and most important thing you should do before cooking mala xiang guo is to prepare all the ingredients. This is because you will need to have all the necessary ingredients on hand in order to make the dish.
To cook this dish, you will need 1/2 cup of Sichuan peppercorn, 1 tablespoon of chili oil, 1 tablespoon of Sichuanese chili bean paste, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of ginger, 1/4 cup of scallions, 1 head of broccol, 1 carrot, 1/2 a bell pepper, 1/4 cup of bamboo shoots, 1/4 cup of wood ear mushrooms, 1/2 cup of mung bean sprouts, 1/4 cup of cilantro.
Step 2: Wash all the vegetables
After you have gathered all the ingredients, the next thing you need to do is to wash all the vegetables. This is an important step because it will remove any dirt or bacteria that may be on the surface of the vegetables.
Step 3: Cut up the vegetables
Once you have finished washing the vegetables, the next thing you need to do is to cut them up into small pieces. This is because the small pieces of vegetables will cook faster and will be easier to eat.
Step 4: Toast the Sichuan peppercorn
The next thing you need to do is to heat up the wok. You should heat the wok until it is hot enough so that you can see the smoke coming out of it. Once the wok is hot, you need to add the oil. You should add enough oil so that it covers the bottom of the wok.
After you have added the oil, you need to add the Sichuan peppercorn. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the Sichuan peppercorn until it is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the peppercorn. Once it is fragrant, remove from the heat and let it cool.
After you have fried the Sichuan peppercorn, you need to add the chili oil. You should add enough chili oil so that it covers the bottom of the wok.
Step 5: Add the chili bean paste
After you have added the chili oil, you need to add the chili bean paste. You should add enough chili bean paste so that it covers the bottom of the wok.
Step 6: Add the garlic, ginger and scallions
After you have added the chili bean paste, you need to add the garlic, ginger and scallions. You should add enough garlic and ginger so that it covers the bottom of the wok.
Step 7: Add the vegetables
In a wok or large skillet, heat up the oil until it is hot. Add the Sichuanese chili bean paste and stir fry for 30 seconds. Then, add the garlic, ginger, and scallions and stir fry for another 30 seconds.
Next, add the broccoli, carrot, bell pepper, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, mung bean sprouts and cilantro. Stir fry the vegetables until they are tender.
Step 8: Add the water
After you have added all the vegetables, you need to add 1/2 cup of water.
Step 9: Cook the dish
After you have added the water, you need to cover the wok and let it cook for 3-5 minutes. Once the vegetables are cooked, you can remove the lid and let the dish sit for a few minutes so that the flavors can meld together.
Step 10: Serve the dish
After the dish has sat for a few minutes, you can now serve it. You can serve it with rice or noodles. You can also top it with some cilantro if you like. And there you have it! Now you know how to cook mala xiang guo!
So, there you have it! Those are the steps on how to cook mala xiang guo! I hope you found this guide helpful and that you will try this dish at home. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy cooking!
Things To Keep In Mind When Cooking Mala Xiang Guo
If you’re looking to try mala xiang guo for yourself, there are a few things you should know. First, the dish is typically served family-style, so it’s best to order it when you’re with a group so everyone can share.
Second, it can be quite spicy, so if you’re not a fan of heat, be sure to ask for less chili oil when you order. Mala xiang guo is traditionally made with pork, but you can also find versions made with chicken, beef, or seafood.
You should make sure to add a variety of vegetables to your mala xiang guo to balance out the heat of the dish. Common vegetables used in mala xiang guo include cabbage, bell peppers, bean sprouts, and mushrooms.
Mala xiang guo is typically served with rice, but you can also order it without rice if you’re looking to cut down on carbohydrates. No matter how you choose to eat it, mala xiang guo is a delicious and hearty dish that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Moreover, you should consider trying new ingredients in your mala xiang guo. Some people like to add noodles, dumplings, or tofu to their dish to make it even more filling. Others prefer to add a variety of spices and herbs to customize the flavor of their mala xiang guo. No matter what you choose to add, be sure to enjoy your mala xiang guo!
Last but not least, if you are cooking mala xiang guo at home, be sure to use fresh ingredients. The fresher the ingredients, the better the dish will taste. If you can’t find fresh ingredients, be sure to use frozen or canned vegetables.
When it comes to the ingredients, mala xiang guo is a pretty flexible dish. The base is typically a mix of chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and garlic, but from there, you can add in whatever vegetables and proteins you like.
Common additions include potatoes, onions, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, bell peppers, and bean sprouts. As for the proteins, pork is the most common, but chicken, beef, and seafood are all popular options as well.
One thing to keep in mind is that you make sure not to overcook the vegetables. You want them to retain their crunch and not turn into a mushy mess. The same goes for the proteins – you don’t want them to be tough or dry.
Mala xiang guo is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. By following these tips, you can be sure to enjoy your mala xiang guo!
FAQs
What does mala xiang guo taste like?
Mala xiang guo is a spicy dish that is typically served with rice. The dish has a numbing and tingling sensation caused by the Sichuan pepper, which is also used in other dishes from the Sichuan province.
Is mala xiang guo healthy?
Mala xiang guo is a stir-fry dish that is typically served with vegetables, tofu, and meats. While the dish can be high in calories and fat, it can also be a healthy option depending on the ingredients used.
How to store mala xiang guo?
Mala xiang guo can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. However, the dish may lose its flavor after being stored for a long period of time.
How do we serve mala xiang guo?
Mala xiang guo can be served with rice, noodles, or on its own. It is typically a side dish, but can also be eaten as a main course.
The best way to eat mala xiang guo is to add your own personal touch to the dish. You can add more or less spice, depending on your preference. You can also add different vegetables or meats to the dish to make it more filling.
Conclusion
Mala xiang guo is a spicy Sichuan dish made of peanuts, Sichuan pepper, and dried chilies. It’s one of the most popular dishes in China and can be found at most restaurants. The dish is usually served with boiled rice or noodles.
This dish is not for the faint of heart, as it is extremely spicy. If you can’t handle spice, we would recommend order something else. But if you’re looking for a dish that will give you a good sweating, mala xiang guo is the dish for you.
Jen Lin-Liu is the founder of Black Sesame Kitchen. A Chinese-American writer and a nationally certified Chinese chef in Beijing. Jen is the author of two memoirs, Serve the People: A Stir-Fried Journey Through China and On the Noodle Road: From Beijing to Rome with Love and Pasta.
