Chinese sesame paste, made with toasted sesames, is not the same as tahini, which is made with untoasted sesames. It is available in Asian grocery stores. It can be replaced here with peanut butter or by combining ¼ cup (60 ml) tahini with 1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame oil.
Chili oil is available in Asian grocery stores or among the Asian products in most supermarkets. It is made up of oil, red pepper flakes, star anise and cinnamon. It lends spicy, fragrant notes to this Dan Dan sauce. It can be replaced here with ½ tsp red pepper flakes or more to taste.
Shaoxing rice wine is a very popular cooking wine in Chinese cuisine. It has an alcohol content of about 4% and it used as a flavour enhancer. It is slightly acidic but very difference from vinegar. It can be found in most Asian grocery stores.
Looking to save time while preparing this recipe? Find the RICARDO Chicken Broth at IGA grocery stores.