I can't think of a fast food sauce that has the same cult-following as McDonald's Szechuan Sauce. Introduced on June 16, 1998, as a chicken McNuggets dipping sauce to promote Disney's new movie, Mulan, this sweet and savory sauce wasn't considered a cult classic until Adult Swim's Rick and Morty lamented on the condiment. Rick and Morty fans took to social media to demand the sauce come back, and in 2017 and 2018, the limited-time sauce hit stores, selling out almost instantly and causing one man to get stabbed. The (probably expired) is currently selling on Ebay for $35.
According to Mcdonald's, the sauce is coming back, and this time you'll need to use your cell phone to complete the order. According to the press release, The sauce will be available starting on March 31st, free with any Chicken McNuggets order placed through the McDonald's App while supplies last. Fans can also purchase 5 a la carte packets on the app as well. The sauce with hints of soy, garlic, ginger and mild vinegar notes will be served in limited-edition, golden foil packets in five different designs, which together spell "Szechuan." A lucky few might even be able to collect them all!
What is in McDonald's Szechuan Sauce?
Ingredients for this Asian-inspired sauce include:
Water, sugar, distilled vinegar, cornstarch, wheat, soybeans, salt, corn vinegar. Contains 2% of less: apple cider vinegar, ginger, soybean oil, sesame seed oil, xantham gum, spice, yeast extract, garlic, wheat starch, natural flavor, citric acid, safflower oil, glutamic acid, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate.
Contains soy and wheat.
Szechuan Sauce Substitutes
Before Mcdonald's launched their version of Szechuan sauce, this condiment was a popular part of Chinese cuisine in the Sichuan province. The main ingredient is Szechuan peppercorns (Sichuan pepper), which produce a tingling, numbing sensation when eaten. The peppercorns are usually found in dishes such as mapo doufu and Chongqing hot pot. It is also used in stir-fries, marinades, or as a spicy sauce to add to recipes.
Up until 2005, an import ban was in place due to the peppercorns carrying citrus canker, a potentially harmful bacterial disease that affected citrus crops.
While it might not taste as sweet as Mcdonald's version, San J Sauce's Szechuan is a good choice according to Amazon reviewers, especially if you like spicy food. It's also gluten-free, unlike the Mcdonald's brand.
San J Sauce, Szechuan, 10 Ounce
How to Make Szechuan Sauce at Home
You can also make your own Szechuan sauce recipe at home! Most of the recipes online include ingredients such as soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic powder, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and brown sugar.
READ MORE: 12 McDonald's Secret Menu Items To Order at the Drive-Thru
