What is prickly oil? It's a mix of rapeseed oil (88%) and Sichuan pepper (12%). There aren't any actual Sichuan peppercorns in the oil, and I guess a chemical process beyond my understanding has somehow extracted the numbing heat of Sichuan pepper into oil form. It is potent stuff and I love it. So, what's the best way to use prickly oil? Well, there's a reason why I'm called Mr Noodles, which is why I used it in a knockout dressing for noodles!
Sichuan Chilli Soy Dressing
Soy sauce
Chiu Chow chilli oil (other kinds of chilli oils/sauces can also be used)
Sesame oil
Prickly oil
Spring onion
1) Mix soy sauce, sesame oil and the Chiu Chow chilli oil in a bowl.
2) Finely chop the spring onion and add to the bowl. Give it a stir.
3) Add prickly oil (little by little). Give it another stir.
I hate measurements when it comes to stuff like this. This is food we're talking about, not a chemistry practical. Just mix the ingredients to your own taste, but do take care when adding the prickly oil – a few drops go a long way.
Serving Suggestion
In the above photo, I tossed some Shanghai noodles (上海麵) and fishballs in the dressing before garnishing with some pak choi. As well as noodles, I reckon this versatile dressing would go brilliantly with dumplings.
Where can I buy prickly oil?
I bought this bottle of prickly oil at Wing Yip in Croydon but do let me know if you see it stocked elsewhere. And as Dean (see comments) points out, you can also get this oil at the Chinatown branch of SeeWoo, where it's called Sichuan Hanyuan Pepper Oil.
I've never seen prickly oil! I want some!
ReplyDeletethey have it at one of the asian supermarkets in hackney - i had no idea it had sichuan peppercorns in it! im buying some
ReplyDeleteIf it numbs the tongue I need to find some for my dad! he is forever looking for something hotter!!
ReplyDeletemeemalee - not sure how far you are from Wing Yip, but I still haven't seen it anywhere else.
ReplyDeletetim_g - which shop in particular? It'd be good to spread the word to others.
catty - your dad would love it although for max effect in needs to mixed in with some chilli oil!
I've seen the world's hottest chilli sauce lately in Chinatown. I have yet to try but I don't know whether to believe it's THE hottest sauce in the world?
ReplyDeletehttp://theawkwardcauliflower.blogspot.com/2011/09/magical-and-powerful-chilli.html
How coincidental! I just bought a packet of "prickly ash" which are Szechuan peppercorns in an attempt to re-create a szechuan chicken dish. You probably also know they use a fermented chilli bean paste plus dried chillis, ginger and garlic to round it all up! I'll report back on my experiment!
ReplyDeleteCrispy - a bold claim, of which I'm dubious!
ReplyDeleteHungry Female - looking forward to your adventures in Sichuan cooking!
I couldn't find it in the New Loon Fung Supermarket on Gerard St. But then again, finding anything in a Chinese supermarket is always a bit touch and go for me!
ReplyDeleteFrank - I think this stuff is still relatively rare. Even the checkout operator where I bought this was surprised when she saw it. But do keep on looking...
ReplyDeleteSee Woo in Chinatown sell "Sichuan Hanyuan Pepper Oil". Not sure if this is exactly what you're describing but it sounds the same - vegetable oil with a sichuan peppery kick to it.
ReplyDeleteDean - a good spot! Just done a quick Google search, and it's the same thing. I'll update the post - thanks.
ReplyDeleteNo worries. I always keep a bottle of it in the fridge - with sichuan peppercorns often not being that potent in the UK, adding a few drops helps with the ma-la when making sichuan food!
ReplyDeleteJust found the same brand as pictured, in the little pan-Asian supermarket between Queensway and Westbourne Grove (Bayswater I guess), looking for something entirely different. Happy days!
ReplyDeleteCodeFarmer - good spot! I think I know the one you mean.
ReplyDeleteI usually get my supply at the Oriental City Supermarket in Bayswater, near Queensway Station.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/oriental-city-london-2
I mixed Prickly OIL, cucumber, soya sauce, chilli and Basmati Rice and Tuna for lunch today, What a wonderful texture and taste it has, Loved it...
ReplyDeleteFinally found some in Chuanglee Cash & Carry in Charlton - yippee!
ReplyDelete