Ingredients

• 1 cup crushed red pepper flakes
  
• 1 3/4 cups vegetable oil
  
• 1/4 cup Sichuan numbing peppercorns
  
• 6 star anise
  
• 1 stick cinnamon
  
• 3 bay leaves
  
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  

Directions

• Heat oil in a medium pot over medium heat with Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves.
  
• Cook for 30 minutes.
  
• Make sure the oil does not get to hot.
  
• If bubbles start to pop up, turn heat down slightly.
  
• While you wait, mix together red pepper flakes and salt in a large heat-proof bowl.
  
• After the 30 minutes are up, strain the spices out of the oil.
  
• Keep the oil and discard the spices.
  
• Pour oil into red pepper flakes and mix well.
  
• Let cool.
  
• Add salt to taste.
  
• Store oil in sealed container in the fridge for up to half a year.
  
• Use as base for Dumpling Dipping Sauce.
  

#sauce #vegan #vegetarian #glutenfree 

Recipe submitted by Reilly Knop - Peace Corps Volunteer, China (2014-2016)