Homemade Chili Oil will Level up Your Chinese Cooking | The Woks of Life

ground pork

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground beef is often less expensive.

doubanjiang

Healthier: chili paste

Cheaper: sriracha

Chili paste can replicate the heat with less complexity.

Sichuan peppercorns

Cheaper: black pepper

Black pepper provides spice but lacks the unique numbing effect.

chicken broth

Healthier: vegetable broth

Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lower in calories, while water is a budget-friendly option.

ground pork

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground beef is often less expensive.

peanut butter

Healthier: almond butter

Cheaper: sunflower seed butter

Almond butter offers a nutty flavor with less saturated fat.

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free while liquid aminos is often less expensive.

Sichuan peppercorns

Healthier: black pepper

Cheaper: white pepper

Black pepper provides a similar heat, while white pepper is more affordable.

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: salt + water

Tamari is gluten-free while salt + water is a budget-friendly alternative.

sesame oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Olive oil offers heart-healthy fats, while vegetable oil is more affordable.

rice vinegar

Healthier: apple cider vinegar

Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has health benefits, while white vinegar is cost-effective.

sugar

Healthier: honey

Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey adds natural sweetness, while agave syrup is often cheaper.