Sichuan Stir-Fried Snails

Fiery, Numbing, and Rich in Umami

Spicy Prep: 20 Mins Cook: 15 Mins Street Food

If you relish bold flavors and adventurous street food, Sichuan Stir-Fried Snails is a dish that deserves your attention. Celebrated throughout Southeast Asia and influenced by the distinctive flavors of Sichuan cuisine, this recipe features tender freshwater snails paired with aromatic herbs, dried chilies, pickled bamboo shoots, and a rich, spicy broth that offers both numbing heat and profound savoriness.

The Sichuan hot pot base delivers a signature spiciness, while Hloung Chicken Powder adds a depth of umami, resulting in a well-balanced broth that envelops each snail in delightful seasoning.

Food KH Kreung Hloung Chicken Powder seasoning banner with Khmer text tasting banner

Ingredients

Chef's Prep Note: Snails must be washed thoroughly multiple times in clean water to ensure all mud and dirt are completely removed before cooking.
  • Fresh Snails (ខ្យង) 500g
  • Pickled Bamboo Shoots 200g
  • Sichuan Hot Pot Block 1/2 Small Block
  • Garlic & Shallots 10 Cloves Total
  • Fresh Ginger 5 Slices
  • Dried Chilies 5 Pieces
  • Oyster Sauce 1 tbsp
  • Hloung Chicken Powder 1/2 tbsp
  • Cilantro For Garnish

How to Make It

Watch the complete cooking demonstration below before following the written recipe.

Watch The Cooking Video

1. Sautéing the Spices

Heat your wok and add a little oil. Drop in the half-block of Sichuan hot pot base and stir until it completely melts and releases its red chili oil. Immediately add the garlic, shallots, ginger slices, and dried chilies. Stir-fry until the kitchen smells incredibly fragrant and spicy.


Stir-frying Sichuan hot pot base with fresh garlic, shallots, ginger slices, and dried chilies in a wok

2. Adding Snails & Seasonings

Toss the thoroughly cleaned snails into the wok and mix them well with the fiery aromatics. Now, add 1 tablespoon of Oyster Sauce and your secret weapon for depth: 1/2 tablespoon of Hloung Chicken Powder. This powder balances the fierce Sichuan heat with a rich, savory umami base.

Tossing fresh freshwater snails into a wok with spicy Sichuan chili oil aromatics and oyster sauce

3. Simmering to Perfection

Add a small splash of water to the wok to create a bubbling sauce. Allow the snails to stir-fry and simmer until fully cooked and infused with the rich, spicy flavors. Incorporate the 200 grams of pickled bamboo shoots, tossing everything together for an additional minute.

Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary, then transfer the mixture to a serving plate. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Finished Sichuan stir-fried snails with pickled bamboo shoots and a rich spicy red broth sauce