saa1 caa4 zoeng3沙茶醬沙茶酱

Jyutpingsaa1 caa4 zoeng3

Yalesā chàh jeung

Definition

Shacha sauce; a savory and slightly spicy Chinese condiment made from shrimp, garlic, shallots, chilies, and oil.

colloquialfooddim sum

How it's used

Originating from Southeast Asian satay, this sauce has been adapted into a staple condiment for Cantonese hotpot and stir-fry dishes. It is distinct from the peanut-heavy satay sauce found in other regions, as it relies heavily on dried shrimp, garlic, and spices to create a savory, umami-rich profile. It is rarely eaten on its own and is almost exclusively used as a dipping sauce or a seasoning base for cooking.

Measure word

zeon1樽jēun

Examples

daa2打bin1邊lou4爐jat1一ding6定jiu3要dim2點saa1沙caa4茶zoeng3醬sin1先hou2好sik6食。

You must dip in satay sauce for hotpot to taste good.

nei5你uk1屋kei2企zung6仲jau5有mou5冇saa1沙caa4茶zoeng3醬aa4呀？

Do you still have any satay sauce at home?

Common phrases

saa1沙caa4茶ngau4牛juk6肉

stir-fried beef with satay sauce

daa2打bin1邊lou4爐pui3配saa1沙caa4茶zoeng3醬

hotpot with satay sauce

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with the peanut sauce served with chicken satay skewers in Southeast Asian cuisine, as the flavor profiles and ingredients differ significantly.