Sichuan pepper: culinary use, taste and benefits

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Szechuan pepper is usually sold as dry brown-red open or half-open boxes with black seeds. In cooking, as a rule, shells are used. It has a special taste with citrus notes and a chilly aroma. Let us consider in more detail the features of the use of seasoning, its benefits and several interesting recipes.

What is the secret behind the original taste of Sichuan pepper?

When buying seasoning, you don't have to worry about the fact that most of the shells are open. Since it is in them, as noted, that an unforgettable taste is contained. Medium-sized bitter pepper seeds are no different from ordinary black.

The shells of the seasoning contain a very rare substance that increases the sensitivity of the nerve endings of the tongue to temperature and touch. After its application, taste buds begin to work intensively. The result is a feeling close to true cognitive dissonance.

Sichuan pepper. Application

How to use the seasoning so that the aroma and taste are fully revealed? There are several simple tricks.

Firstly, it is recommended to fry without adding oil over low heat before using the grain and casing. After that, you must immediately crush the Sichuan pepper. The photo contains an image of the structure that should be the result. The shells should remain almost intact.

Secondly, it is better to add seasoning to soups and liquid dishes ten to fifteen minutes before they are ready. Thanks to this method, the pepper will be able to give all its aroma and flavor to the broth.

Thirdly, it is not recommended to use this seasoning separately. It works better in combination. It is recommended to add other peppers, fragrant herbs, star anise or ginger to it.

Fourthly, if meat or fish is being prepared, then you need to make a mixture. To do this, mix the fried pepper with s alt. Next, the semi-finished product is rubbed and cooked.

That's all the secrets.

What can replace this seasoning?

Not every housewife has Sichuan pepper on the shelf in the kitchen. How to replace this seasoning and can it be done without loss of taste? There are several recommendations for this.

Firstly, this seasoning is often replaced with white pepper. However, the result is somewhat different. The fact is that white pepper has a similar aroma, but there is no specific cold taste. Therefore, the dishes are a little different.

Secondly, a relative substitute for this seasoning is a mixture of black and allspice. But, of course, the taste and aroma will not be exactly the same.

Third, it is recommended to use ordinary black pepper. But keep in mind that Sichuan is not so spicy, it is more spicy. Therefore, the taste of the final dish will be slightly different.

Sichuan pepper. Benefits

This original seasoning is very he althy.

Firstly, due to its composition, digestion improves. Substances that are present in pepper can increase the production of special enzymes, which, in turn, will improve the activity of the digestive tract. In addition, this spice is a carminative.

Secondly, pepper lowers blood pressure. Thanks to its intake, blood vessels dilate, blood circulation normalizes and blood pressure decreases.

Thirdly, this spice has rejuvenating properties. Naturally, it is not recommended to use it in domestic conditions. But cosmetic companies use an extract that is obtained from pepper shells. Studies have shown a short-term and long-term anti-aging effect.

Pepper contains a significant amount of antioxidants, due to which the destruction of free radicals occurs. This stops negative oxidative processes in the cells.

Fourthly, the seasoning has anti-inflammatory properties. Pepper can be used as an additional remedy in the treatment of arthritis and diseasesinflammatory nature.

Fifth, if taken in small quantities, this seasoning has a diuretic effect. Its mechanism of action is simple: pepper removes excess water from the body due to the fact that a person often goes to the toilet. As a result of fluid loss, the process of losing weight occurs.

Sixth, Japanese pepper is an anesthetic. It contains a unique compound that is very active. It is able to excite nerve fibers that send specific signals to the brain. As a result, the taste buds in the mouth are excited, which are felt as numbness. This property of pepper is actively used in medical practice, mainly to combat chronic pain.

Seventhly, the latest cancer research has shown that the substances contained in this pepper will help create a cure for such a terrible disease as oncology. This is due to the fact that they are able to stop the growth of abnormal cells without affecting the activity of he althy, normal ones. Such treatment is optimal for pancreatic and breast cancer, as well as prostate cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to use this seasoning in the diet as often as possible.

We offer some interesting recipes that include Sichuan pepper. Culinary studies may be different, but the result is very interesting.

Grilled wings "Appetizing"

Sichuan pepper needs to be ground and mixed with sea s alt. Next, rubchicken wings, grease them with ketchup and mustard. Leave the meat to marinate for several hours. Grill the wings, stirring constantly. Serve with ketchup and fresh vegetables.

Meat "Juicy" with spices

Szechuan pepper should be ground in a mortar with dried onion, a piece of ginger, sea s alt and star anise. You can add your favorite seasonings. Mix the sprinkles, pour on the table and carefully roll the tenderloin in it. Fry the meat on all sides very carefully so that the seasonings are browned. Put it in a foil envelope. Bake in a preheated oven.

Fry the vegetables in a saucepan just before serving. Mushrooms, spinach and red hot peppers are the perfect side dish.

Spaghetti with meat chips

First you need to prepare seasonings. Grind Sichuan pepper with fragrant herbs and add s alt. Cut the beef tenderloin into thin strips, roll in seasonings and fry. Boil spaghetti, drain water and mix with olive oil. Put the pasta in the pan with the meat and stir.

It is recommended to make a fragrant sauce for spaghetti. To do this, finely chop the hot pepper, mix it with soy sauce and mustard. Next, put the spaghetti on a plate, sprinkle with fresh basil leaves, parsley and celery pieces, pour over the sauce.

Quick Meat

Cut the beef tenderloin into medium strips. Mix Sichuan pepper with s alt, favorite seasonings and meat. Heat up a deep saucepanpre-filled with olive oil. Fry the meat for ten to fifteen minutes. At this time, cut the green and red bell pepper into strips. Put it in a saucepan and fry for a few minutes. The bell pepper should stay crisp.

It is recommended to serve the dish warm. You can sprinkle ground pepper and seasonings on top.