Sichuan Dipping Chilies (Gan Die)

This irresistible blend of chilies, Sichuan pepper, nuts and numerous other seasonings and secret ingredients is called gan die in Mandarin, meaning dry dish, but a better translation for this condiment in English is chili dip or dipping chilies. It is a spicy, nutty and tingly condiment with just the right amount of umami and heat. 

Dipping chilies make a frequent appearance in Sichuan, served as a dry dip with Sichuan hot pot. It is also sprinkled on and served alongside Sichuan-style shao kao BBQ. We've seen it served with finger foods like cured meats, a plate of roasted whole new potatoes and fried snacks.

Though it's usually eaten as a dip, feel free to sprinkle it on fresh fruit, raw vegetables and popcorn. And we often employ it as an ingredient in cooked dishes as well, in stir-fries and on roasts. 

We tasted many a Sichuan-made formulation for this dip, and not all are created equal. We held out until we found one that stands out! A good gan die is one that tastes great licked straight off your fingers. This one is nicely spicy, but not too hot to enjoy in generous amounts.