Szechuan Peppercorns

Szechuan Pepper (sichuan peppercorns) are the brown berries of a Chinese spice, which comes from the prickly ash tree. The berry is similar to a black peppercorn but contains a tiny seed and has a distinctive flavor that is less sharp. There has been a US ban on the seeds because it may carry a citrus canker but as of 2005 the ban has been lifted. All product must be heat processed before it is allowed to enter the U.S.

Substitute For Szechuan Pepper

If you don't have Szechuan pepper, you can use one of these substitutes (per tablespoon needed)

• This substitute uses ingredients you are likely to have in your kitchen.  Combine 2 teaspoons black peppercorns with 1 teaspoon freshly-grated lemon zest
• OR - Use 1 tablespoon salt free lemon pepper seasoning.  If you have lemon pepper seasoning with salt, use that and reduce the salt in your recipe.
• OR - Tasmanian pepper is a good substitute but probably harder to find.
• OR - Add 2 teaspoons of Japanese Sansho powder which is prickly ash powder. This is easy to find in most any Asian grocery store.