椒盐 (jiāo yán) is a classic Chinese seasoning blend made from finely ground Sichuan peppercorns (椒, jiāo) and salt (盐, yán). Though the name literally means 'pepper-and-salt', it refers specifically to this aromatic, slightly numbing, savory mixture—not generic black pepper and table salt. The 'pepper' here is not chili or black pepper but the distinctive huājiāo (Sichuan pepper), prized for its citrusy aroma and tingling málà sensation.

This seasoning is widely used in Chinese cooking, especially for fried or roasted dishes featuring meats, seafood, and poultry—most famously on shrimp, squid, chicken wings, and pork ribs. It’s often sprinkled on hot food just before serving to preserve its fragrance and texture. In restaurants, you’ll commonly see '椒盐' listed on menus as a flavor option, indicating the dish will be prepared with this signature dry seasoning rather than a wet sauce.