Guaiwei

Guaiwei is a unique Sichuan blend of spices that is commonly used in the preparation of sauces or as a seasoning for various seafood and meat dishes. Its name is literally translated to strange or exotic taste and is extremely prized in Sichuan cuisine, although it is rare to find it outside of the region. Essentially, it is a combination of mala seasoning and yuxiang sauce, with added sugar, sesame seeds or oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and Sichuan peppercorns, resulting in a complex layering of piquant, salty, sweet, and sour flavors. The sauce is commonly used in the preparation of chicken dishes and stir-fries, dressing salads, or as a dip for wontons and pot stickers.