Chili Oil Recipe

Chili oil is a deliciously versatile condiment that can elevate any dish with its warm, spicy flavor. This Chili Oil Recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for spicing up meals or enjoying as a dipping sauce. Get ready to transform your cooking with this aromatic addition that will have your taste buds dancing!

Why You’ll Love This Chili Oil Recipe

• Adds a kick of heat to dishes without overwhelming flavors.
• Quick to prepare and easy enough for beginners.
• Perfect for meal prepping; it lasts for weeks in the pantry.
• Family-friendly condiment that everyone will enjoy.
• Can enhance leftovers, making them exciting again.

Ingredients Needed

Oils

● 2 cups neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or peanut oil)

Spices

● ½ cup crushed red pepper flakes
● 2 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns (optional, for numbing heat)
● 2 star anise pods
● 2 bay leaves
● 1 cinnamon stick
● 1 tsp sugar
● 1 tsp salt

Aromatics

● 6 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
● 2-inch piece of ginger (sliced)

Optional Enhancements

● 2 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for depth)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.

Step 2

Add garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Fry gently until fragrant and golden.

Step 3

Remove and discard aromatics to leave behind clean, flavored oil.

Step 4

Place chili flakes, salt, and sugar in a heatproof bowl. Carefully pour the hot oil over them.

Step 5

Stir until chili flakes release color and fragrance into the oil.

Step 6

Add soy sauce if using, mix, and let the oil cool completely before storing.

Serving Suggestions Chili Oil Recipe

• Drizzle over dumplings or noodles for a delicious kick.
• Use as a dip for spring rolls or fresh veggies.
• Add to pizza for a spicy and flavorful twist.
• Incorporate into stir-fries for an added depth of flavor.
• Mix into dressings for salads for a unique taste.

Tips for Success Chili Oil Recipe

• Monitor the heat closely while frying aromatics to avoid burning them.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili flakes.
• Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.
• Allow enough cooling time before bottling to prevent condensation.

Variations

Here are a few easy ways to change it up:

• Swap chili flakes for a blend of different dried chilies for varied heat.
• Add a tablespoon of sesame oil for a richer flavor.
• Infuse with herbs like basil or cilantro for a different aromatic profile.

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Chili Oil

This Chili Oil Recipe is quick and easy to make, adding a warm, spicy flavor to any dish. Perfect for meal prepping or as a dipping sauce, it elevates your cooking with its versatile use.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 16 servings

Course: Condiment, Sauce

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Oils

• 2 cups neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or peanut oil)

Spices

• 0.5 cups crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns (optional, for numbing heat) Optional
• 2 pods star anise
• 2 leaves bay leaves
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt

Aromatics

• 6 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
• 2 inches ginger (sliced)

Optional Enhancements

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for depth) Optional

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
2. Add garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Fry gently until fragrant and golden.
3. Remove and discard aromatics to leave behind clean, flavored oil.
4. Place chili flakes, salt, and sugar in a heatproof bowl. Carefully pour the hot oil over them.
5. Stir until chili flakes release color and fragrance into the oil.
6. Add soy sauce if using, mix, and let the oil cool completely before storing.

Notes

Monitor the heat closely while frying aromatics to avoid burning them. Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili flakes. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness. Allow enough cooling time before bottling to prevent condensation.