1998 "Sichuan Chili Sauce" auctions high price on eBay

A limited-edition dipping sauce McDonald's put out in 1998. [Photo: 163.com]

A cult cartoon hit in the United States has generated new "heat" for Chinese chili sauces.

This month's premiere of the 3rd season of Adult Swim's "Rick and Morty" has the internet buzzing, after the time-travelling characters rediscover Sichuan Chili Sauce.

The product itself was a limited-edition dipping sauce McDonald's put out in 1998 for its Chicken McNuggets to promote the Disney film "Mulan."

"Rick and Morty's" mention of the product has created a new groundswell of excitement on the internet for the long-discontinued sauce.

A bidder on eBay recently purchased a 28 gram container of McDonald's "Szechuan Chili Sauce" for $14,700! In 1998, the sauce was free with the purchase of Chicken McNuggets, which then cost $3.20.

Reports are suggesting the buzz created by "Rick and Morty" is having a spillover effect on Chinese-produced spicy sauces.

A bottle of Guizhou Lao Ganma hot sauce is now selling at $14.70, or around 100 renminbi. A bottle of Wang Zhihe bean curd sauce is now demanding around $17, or around 120 yuan.