McDonald’s Loves the Szechuan Sauce Drama. Here’s How You Can Avoid it

Q: What ingredients are in the Mulan Szechuan Sauce Recipe?

The fan-made copycat typically uses garlic, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Sriracha, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and optional plum sake to mimic the original flavor.

Q: Is the copycat sauce spicy?

Yes, the sauce has heat from Sriracha and red pepper flakes, but you can adjust those amounts to make it milder or hotter to taste.

Q: How long does homemade Szechuan sauce last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the sauce should keep for about 1 to 2 weeks. Always check for off smells or mold before using.

Q: Can I omit the plum sake?

Yes. Plum sake is optional and adds subtle depth, but the sauce still tastes great without it—just balance with vinegar or a splash of mirin if desired.

Q: What is the estimated cost to make this sauce at home?

Buying all ingredients new ranges roughly $10.50 to $18.49, depending on whether you include optional items like plum sake; many ingredients will be usable for future batches.

Published by

Clara

Jan 2

Mulan Szechuan Sauce Recipe — Homemade Copycat

People go wild for McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce.

So intensely that when the condiment vanished in 2017, it sparked riots. Yes, really. McDonald’s even put out a podcast series documenting the episode. It’s entertaining if you’ve got a few spare minutes.

After what must have been months of disappointment and longing for die-hard sauce aficionados who’ve been without it since Oct. 8, 2017, McDonald’s is reintroducing the condiment. When?

Today. Monday, February 26.

Although Ronald, Grimace and company vow not to run short this time — the chain plans to distribute 20 million packets of Szechuan Sauce this year — it’s smart to plan ahead. Why wait anxiously for McDonald’s annual release when you can whip up your own (possibly superior) rendition at home?

How to Make Your Own Mulan Szechuan Sauce

Over the past several months, Redditors have been endorsing a fan-made copycat recipe for McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce, created sometime between the fast-food chain’s “Mulan” sauce promotion and its recent comeback.

Here’s what’s needed, according to Reddit user Xeropoint:

6 cloves garlic
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Soy sauce (as desired)
2 tablespoons plum sake (optional)
3 ½ tablespoons Sriracha
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Red pepper flakes (to taste)

What will that set you back?

Garlic cloves: $1.50
Balsamic vinegar: $2.68
Soy sauce: $1.44
Sriracha: $2.12
Brown sugar: $1.36
Red pepper flakes: $1.40
Plum sake (optional): $7.99

Total cost: $10.50 to $18.49

So, it’s not exactly a budget win if you’re buying everything anew. But which would you prefer? Head to McDonald’s with the family, pay roughly the same amount to snag just a few packets and be done? Or create this homage sauce at home, where you can savor it repeatedly?

No, really, don’t make me resolve your time-versus-money dilemma. I can’t handle the stress. It’s your sauce, folks. Obtain it however suits you best.

Jordan Hale is a senior writer and producer at Savinly.

Evan Brooks is a senior writer at Savinly who enjoys basking in sunshine and discovering inventive ways to support others. Find him on Twitter at @Ebrooks.