Love Chinese food? Then you need to know about shacha sauce. It’s a delicious, spicy sauce that’s perfect for adding flavor to all your favorite dishes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make your own shacha sauce at home in no time.
The best part about making your own shacha sauce is that you can customize it to your liking. If you like it spicier, add more chili peppers. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add more sugar. Experiment until you find the perfect balance of flavors for your palate.
Ready to get started? Here’s a quick and easy recipe for making your own shacha sauce at home.
Shacha Sauce Overview

Shacha sauce is a popular Taiwanese condiment made from soybeans, garlic, chilies, and other spices. It is often used as a dipping sauce for meats and vegetables, or as a stir-fry sauce.
Shacha sauce is made by fermenting soybeans and other ingredients in a brine solution. The fermentation process gives the sauce its distinct flavor and aroma Shacha sauce is typically red in color, but it can also b be orange or brown.
The flavor of shacha sauce is salty, savory, and slightly sweet. It is also mildly spicy, with a kick of heat from the chilies that is balanced by the sweetness of the other ingredients. Shacha sauce can be found in Asian markets or online. It is typically sold in jars or bottles, and is shelf-stable for up to a year.
It is often used as a dipping sauce for meats and vegetables, or as a stir-fry sauce. The sauce is named after the Sha Cha Jia restaurant in Taipei, where it was invented. The history of shacha sauce is quite long back to late Qing Dynasty when it was used as a secret ingredient by cooks in the imperial palace. After that, this sauce become popular in Taiwan and many other places in Asia.
In recent years, shacha sauce has become popular in the United States as well, where it is used as a condiment for grilled meats, stir-fries, and even sushi. Nowadays, you can find shacha sauce in many Asian markets or online.
The exact ingredients and proportions used to make shacha sauce vary depending on the brand or recipe, but soybeans, garlic, chilies, and other spices are typically included. Shacha sauce is typically thick and slightly reddish in color.
Shacha sauce is made by simmering soybeans, garlic, chilies, and other spices in a wok or pan The sauce is then strained and bottled Shacha sauce can be found in Asian markets or online
Shacha sauce is typically made by simmering soybeans, garlic, chilies, and other spices in oil until the mixture becomes thick and paste-like. The sauce can be stored in a jar or container for up to six months. If you cannot find shacha sauce at your local Asian market, you can try making it at home using this recipe.
What Makes Shacha Sauce Become Popular?
There are many reasons why shacha sauces is popular, including:

Ingredients
The first and most important reason is the ingredients. Shacha sauce is made from a variety of different ingredients, including soybeans, peanuts, sesame seeds, chili peppers, and other spices.
This variety of ingredients gives the sauce a unique flavor that many people enjoy. With simple ingredients, even people who are not familiar with Asian cuisine can make this dish.
Versatile
The second reason why shacha sauce is popular is because it is very versatile. It can be used as a dipping sauce, marinade, or stir-fry sauce. This means that it can be used in a variety of different dishes, making it a great option for those who like to experiment with their cooking.
With its versatile nature, shacha sauce is a great way to add flavor to any dish. Whether you are using it as a dipping sauce or marinade, it will help to enhance the taste of the food. If you are looking for a way to add some extra flavor to your stir-fry, then this sauce is a perfect option.

Easy to make
Another great thing about shacha sauce is that it is very easy to make. All you need is a blender or food processor and a few simple ingredients, and you can have your own homemade shacha sauce in no time. This makes it a great option for those who don’t have a lot of time to cook, or for those who want to save money by making their own sauces at home.
If you’ve never had shacha sauce before, it’s a little bit like a cross between barbecue sauce and salsa. It’s got a nice smoky flavor from the chiles, and a sweetness from the tomatoes. It’s perfect for dipping, or for using as a condiment on tacos, burritos, or anything else you can think of.
Texture
Another reason why shacha sauce is popular is because of its texture. The sauce has a thick, creamy texture that many people find enjoyable. This texture can make the sauce easy to spread on food, and it can also help the sauce adhere to food better.
The texture of shacha sauce is also important because it can make the sauce more versatile. For example, a thinner sauce might be better for dipping, while a thicker sauce might be better for spreading on food.
Flavor
Of course, the most important reason why shacha sauce is popular is because of its flavor. The sauce has a unique flavor that many people enjoy. It is not too spicy, but it has a slight kick to it. The sauce is also very flavorful and has a lot of depth to it. Many people say that the sauce tastes even better when it is reheated.
The unique combination of flavors makes it a great addition to any dish, and the fact that it is so versatile means that it can be used in a variety of different dishes. The flavor will make you want to eat more, and the fact that it is so easy to make means that you can make it in a matter of minutes.

Health benefits
One reason makes shacha sauce special is its health benefits. It can help improve digestion, boost the immune system, and even help to lower cholesterol levels. It also helps you absorb more nutrients from your food.
Shacha sauce is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage. These antioxidants can also help to reduce the risk of some chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
Shacha sauce is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and calcium. So not only can it make your food taste better, but it can also be good for you. It is rich in umami substances such as glutamic acid and inosinic acid, which can help the body to better absorb protein and calcium.
The sauce is also a good source of antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamin C, carotene, and selenium. These nutrients can help protect the body against oxidative damage and improve immunity. Shacha sauce can be a healthy addition to many dishes, such as stir-fries, noodles, rice, and soup.
Shacha sauce is also a good source of antioxidants and has been linked with reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. Additionally, it contains compounds that may help to protect against certain cancers.
This dish contains a good amount of calories, so it should be eaten in moderation if you are trying to lose weight. It is also high in sodium, so it is best to limit your intake if you have hypertension or other conditions that require you to watch your salt intake.
Moreover, this dish is usually cooked with pork fat, which is high in saturated fat. Saturated fat can increase your cholesterol levels and raise your risk of heart disease. If you are trying to limit your saturated fat intake, you can ask for the sauce to be made without pork fat.
Shacha sauce contains a variety of healthy ingredients, making it a great addition to many dishes. However, it is high in calories and sodium, so it should be eaten in moderation. If you are trying to limit your saturated fat intake, you can ask for the sauce to be made without pork fat.
While more research is needed, shacha sauce appears to be a healthy addition to the diet and may offer some impressive health benefits.
How To Make Shacha Sauce?
Here, we will give you our guides to make shacha sauce:

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
The first and most important step is to prepare all the ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need 2 tablespoons of cooking oil, 1 tablespoon of garlic, 3 tablespoons of shallot, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of water.
Step 2: Heat the oil
After you have prepared all the ingredients, it is time to start cooking. Heat up a pan with the cooking oil on medium heat. Then add in the garlic and shallot. Cook until they are fragrant. Cook until they are fragrant. When doing this, you have to be careful not to let the garlic and shallot burn.
Step 3: Add the sugar, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and salt
After the garlic and shallot are cooked, add in the sugar. Then add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and salt. Stir until everything is mixed well. You should be able to see the sugar dissolving in the sauce.
Step 4: Add the cornstarch mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water. This is called a slurry. Once it is mixed well, add it into the pan. Stir until the sauce has thickened. Then add it into the pan. Stir until the sauce has thickened.
Step 5: Serve
And there you have it! Your shacha sauce is now ready to be served. We hope you enjoyed.
How To Use Shacha Sauce?
Shacha sauce can be used in many different ways.

Dipping sauce
The first way to use shacha sauce is as a dipping sauce. You can use the sauce to dip your food into, such as chicken or vegetables. You can use it to dip meats, vegetables, or even chips in.
Cooking sauce
Another way to use shacha sauce is as a cooking sauce. You can add it to stir-fries or use it as a marinade for meats. It can also be used to flavor soups or sauces. To use in cooking sauce, you first need to dilute it with water or oil.
Flavor enhancer
The third way to use shacha sauce is as a flavor enhancer. This means that you can add it to food to give it more flavor. You can add it to rice, noodles, or even soup. It can also be used to top off a dish. You can also use it to make a dipping sauce.
Table condiment
The next way to use shacha sauce is as a table condiment. This means that you can add it to your food after it is cooked. You can add it to rice, noodles, or vegetables. You can also use it as a dip for dumplings or spring rolls.
Soup
Another way to use shacha sauce is in soup. To use in soup, you will need to dilute it with water or broth. You can add it to any soup that you like.
Stir-fry
The final way to use shacha sauce is in a stir-fry. To use in a stir-fry, you first need to dilute it with water or oil. Then, you can add it to your stir-fry. It will give the stir-fry more flavor.
There are many different ways that you can use shacha sauce. You can use it as a dipping sauce, a cooking sauce, or even a flavor enhancer. You can also use it as a table condiment or in soup. If you want to use it in a stir-fry, you first need to dilute it with water or oil.
Things To Keep In Mind When Making Shacha Sauce
There are things you should keep in mind when making your shacha sauce, including:

The first thing to keep in mind is the type of meat you use. The best option is to use pork, but chicken or beef can also be used. You should also consider the type of noodles you use. The best option is to use egg noodles, but you can also use rice noodles or even vermicelli noodles.
You should make sure the noodles are cooked properly before adding them to the shacha sauce. If they are not cooked properly, they will absorb too much of the sauce and become mushy.
You should also be careful not to overcook the noodles. If they are overcooked, they will lose their firmness and become mushy. And therefore, it is best to cook them just until they are tender.
When adding the noodles to the shacha sauce, you should add them gradually so that they do not absorb too much of the sauce. And lastly, you should remember to add the green onions and cilantro after the noodles have been cooked. This will ensure that they retain their freshness and flavor.
Once you have added all of the ingredients to the shacha sauce, you should stir it well and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the shacha sauce over cooked noodles or rice. You can also add vegetables or meat to the sauce if you like.
3 Amazing Cooking Recipes Using Shacha Sauce
Shacha sauce is a great condiment to have on hand for adding flavor to your cooking. Here are two recipes that will show you just how versatile it can be!

Shacha Fried Rice
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked rice, 1/4 cup shacha sauce, 1 egg, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
Instructions:
The first step to do when cooking fried rice with shacha sauce is to scramble the egg in a small bowl. Then, heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cooked rice and shacha sauce to the pan, and stir to combine. Then, add the scrambled egg and green onions. Stir everything together until it is evenly mixed and heated through. Serve immediately.
When cooking this dish, you should make sure that the rice is cooked all the way through before adding it to the pan. This will help to prevent it from sticking together and becoming mushy.
Shacha Chicken
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1/4 cup shacha sauce, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Instructions:
In a large bowl, whisk together the shacha sauce, vegetable oil, honey and salt. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them evenly with the marinade. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours if you have the time.
When you’re ready to cook, heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through. Be sure to baste them with the marinade several times while they are cooking.
Shacha Noodles
This dish is simple and flavorful, and can easily be tailored to your liking.
Ingredients: 1/2 package of shirataki noodles, 1/4 cup shacha sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 green onion, 1 tsp chili flakes (optional).
Instructions:
Rinse the shirataki noodles and drain well. In a pan, heat up the sesame oil over medium heat and add in the garlic cloves.
Stir until fragrant and then add in the shacha sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil and then add in the shirataki noodles.
Toss the noodles in the sauce until evenly coated and then remove from heat. Top with green onions and chili flakes (optional) before serving. Enjoy!
Shacha sauce is a great way to add flavor to your cooking. These four recipes show just how versatile it can be! Whether you’re in the mood for fried rice, chicken, noodles, or something else entirely, shacha sauce is a great way to add some extra flavor to your dish. Give these recipes a try the next time you’re looking for something new to make for dinner!
FAQs

What is the nutritional value of shacha sauce?
Shacha sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine. It is made from soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, and chili peppers. Shacha sauce is high in sodium and contains no nutritional value.
Is shacha sauce vegan or vegetarian friendly?
Yes, shacha sauce is vegan and vegetarian friendly. It is made from soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, and chili peppers. It is because it does not contain any animal products.
What is shacha sauce used for?
Shacha sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine. It is used as a dipping sauce, marinade, or stir-fry sauce. It can also be used to add flavor to soups and stews.
How long does shacha sauce last?
Shacha sauce can last for up to 6 months if stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 2 weeks. It is because it contains soy sauce, which is a fermented food.
What are the substitutes for shacha sauce?
There are many substitutes for shacha sauce. Some of the most popular substitutes include hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. These sauces are similar in taste and texture to shacha sauce.
How to store shacha sauce when not in use?
Shacha sauce can be stored in a refrigerator when not in use. You can also keep it in a cool and dry place. However, it is best to consume it within two days after opening the bottle.
Conclusion
Shacha sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is perfect for adding a bit of flavor to stir-fries, rice dishes, and even noodle soups.It has a delicious, spicy flavor that will add zing to your food.
If you are looking for an easy way to add a little something extra to your meals, be sure to give shacha sauce a try. Whether you’re cooking up a stir-fry or just want to give your regular old sandwich a boost, shacha sauce is the perfect way to do it. Ready to get cooking? Give shacha sauce a try!

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.