Chili Oil is a hot, spicy, and aromatic Chinese condiment. It is typically made with chili flakes, shallots, garlic, and other aromatic spices that are infused with oil. This Homemade Chinese Chili Oil is one of the best condiments used in Asian cuisine for years. It is great as a dipping sauce for dumplings, momos, and spring rolls, and also makes a great addition to noodles, stir-fries, and other chicken or shrimp dishes to add a spicy kick.
The recipe I have shared here provides easy step-by-step instructions on how to make Chili Oil. Additionally, I have shared a detailed video of this recipe to make the cooking process visually clear.
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What is Chili Oil?
Chili Oil is a spicy, fragrant, and flavorful Chinese condiment. It is a spicy oil-based sauce that is made from chili peppers and oil, and it originated in China. The ingredients used to make Chili Oil may vary depending on the recipe, but typically, it includes dried chili flakes, garlic, ginger, Sichuan peppercorns, some whole spices, and oil.
The spices and chili flakes are infused with oil, creating a deliciously spicy and fragrant sauce. Chili Oil is used to add a spicy kick to dishes and also as a dipping sauce or marinade for chicken, shrimp, and other meat dishes.
Chili oil is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways. Its authentic flavor is perfect for spicing up dishes like noodles, chicken soups, and stir-fries. It can also be used as a marinade for meats or as a dipping sauce for appetizers like dumplings or spring rolls. To ensure the best flavor, it is important to choose quality ingredients when making this condiment. This includes using high-quality chili flakes, fresh garlic and ginger, and oil. Using fresh ingredients will make a big impact on the flavor of the finished product.
Chili Oil is a staple in many Asian and Chinese dishes, making it a perfect addition to any dinner. It pairs well with spicy dishes and adds depth to dishes that are milder in flavor. It is commonly used in dishes like Dan Dan noodles, hot pot, and Kung Pao chicken. Its versatility makes it a great condiment to have on hand in the kitchen, as it can be used to add a spicy kick to any dish. Overall, Chili Oil is a delicious condiment that is sure to add flavor and spice to any meal.
Ingredients & Substitutions
To make this delicious Chili Oil, you will need a few basic ingredients, including aromatic spices. Let's take a look at what you will need below.
- Oil - Any neutral-tasting oil can be used to make this condiment. I used canola oil, but you can use other oils as well
- Chili Flakes - The authentic recipe calls for Szechuan chili flakes, which deliver a hot and spicy flavor. However, I used regular chili flakes, and if Szechuan chili flakes are available, you can use them too
- Aromatics - Garlic and shallots add a sweet, caramelized, and warm flavor to your Chili Oil
- Spices - Whole spices such as cinnamon stick, black cardamom, star anise, bay leaf, cloves, Szechuan peppercorns, and dry ginger add an aromatic and fragrant flavor to your Oil
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Chili Oil at Home?
The recipe I have shared here is Chinese Chili Oil, an aromatic, and flavorful Asian condiment. It is a staple condiment in many Asian cuisines, especially Chinese, Sichuan, and Hunan cuisines. This fragrant Oil is made with chili flakes, oil, and various spices. It can be a perfect topping for noodles, soups, and stir-fries, or as a dipping sauce for dumplings.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
- Warm the oil - To start, add oil to a saucepan over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up before adding the spices. To test if the oil is warm enough, you can insert a small wooden spoon into the oil. If it starts to bubble, then the oil is warm enough to add the spices
- Add Spices - Then, add the spices to the saucepan and let them infuse in the oil for at least 20 to 30 minutes
- Infuse the flavor - It is essential to keep the temperature low-medium to avoid burning the spices. As the spices infuse, the oil will become aromatic, and you will notice a fragrant smell
- Remove - Once the oil is aromatic and hot, remove it from the heat and set it aside
- Prep Chili Mixture - Add chili flakes, shallots, garlic, and salt in a separate bowl, and mix well. You can also use Szechuan chili flakes for spicier oil. Szechuan chili flakes usually have a distinctive aroma and numbing effect
- Filter the Oil - Next, filter the hot spice-infused oil into the chili flakes mixture. The oil will sizzle when poured onto the chili flakes mixture. Let it sizzle undisturbed then mix well and allow it to rest for at least an hour. This process will infuse the flavors and produce a bright red color
- Use or Store - Once the Oil has rested for at least an hour, it is ready to use. You can use it as a topping for your noodles, soups, and stir-fries, or as a dipping sauce for dumplings
Tips
- Infuse the Oil - Infusing oil with fresh whole spices can deliver a fragrant and aromatic oil
- Maintain the Temperature - Maintaining the temperature at low-medium heat is crucial as it helps release the natural aroma of spices without burning them
- Use Quality Ingredients - Using fresh quality spices and chili flakes plays an important role in achieving a flavorful chili oil
- Aromatics - Do not skip on aromatics like garlic and shallots, as they add a lot of flavor to the oil. If you prefer a smooth texture, you can add the shallots and garlic to the oil while infusing the spices, and then filter before adding the chili flakes
- Storage - Proper storage is essential to ensure that the aromatic Chinese chili garlic oil remains fresh. You can store it in a closed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month
Storage Suggestions
The key to keeping your homemade Chili Oil fresh and flavorful is proper storage. Once you've made your Chili Oil, transfer it to a clean and dry airtight container. It's important to make sure that the container is completely airtight to prevent moisture and air from getting in, which can cause the oil to spoil.
Refrigeration is also crucial for prolonging the shelf life of your Chili Oil. Store the container in the refrigerator at a temperature between 35°F to 40°F (1.7°C to 4.4°C). This temperature range helps slow down the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause spoilage.
With proper storage in a closed airtight container in the refrigerator, your homemade chili oil can stay fresh for up to a month. However, it's important to note that the quality of the chili oil may begin to deteriorate after a week or two. So, it's best to consume it within the first two weeks for optimal flavor and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Chili Oil is a versatile condiment that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some popular dishes that go well with this popular Chinese condiment:
- Noodles - Chili oil is a popular topping for noodles such as Dan Dan noodles, Lanzhou beef noodles, or Chongqing noodles. The spicy and savory flavor of chili oil pairs well with the chewy texture of noodles
- Dumplings - Chinese dumplings are often served with chili oil as a dipping sauce. The spicy kick of the oil adds an extra layer of flavor to the dumplings
- Fried Rice Dishes - You can add a spoonful of this oil to your fried rice to give it an extra kick. The flavors of the oil complement the flavors of fried rice very well
- Stir-Fries - You can elevate a spicy and savory flavor in stir-fries using Chili Oil. For example, you can use this oil for vegetable stir fry, chicken stir fry & shrimp stir fry
- Soups - Add it to soups like hot and sour soup, or even to chicken ramen, chicken noodle soup, and vegetable soup. It adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor to the soup
Related Recipes
You could also find similar recipes below and more at Chinese recipes, and dips & condiment recipes.
- Chili Sauce
- Chili Garlic Sauce
- Sweet Chili Sauce
- Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Orange Sauce
- Stir Fry Sauce
- Teriyaki Sauce
- General Tso's Sauce
- Kung Pao Sauce
- Szechuan Sauce
- Chili Seasoning
Chili Oil Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Chili Oill Recipe below that I hope will help you to make a flavorful condiment at home. You can also find this recipe in story format.
📖 Recipe
Chili Oil
Ingredients
- 1½ cup Oil, any neutral-tasting oil
- ½ cup Chili Flakes, or Szechuan chili flakes for more heat
- 4 tbsp Shallots, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Garlic, finely chopped
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 1 Black Cardamom
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 piece Dried Ginger, small, refer to the step-by-step image
- 2 Star Anise
- ½ tbsp Szechuan Peppercorns
- 7 Cloves
- 1 tsp Salt, or adjust to taste
Instructions
To make Chili Oil
- In a low-medium heat saucepan, add oil and allow it to warm up. To test if the oil is warm enough, you can insert a small wooden spoon into the oil. If it starts to bubble, then the oil is warm enough to add the spices. Then add the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, cloves, star anise, black cardamom, dried ginger, and Szechuan peppercorns
- Allow the spices to infuse for at least 20 to 30 minutes. It is essential to keep the temperature low-medium to avoid burning the spices. Once the oil is aromatic and hot, remove it from the heat
- In a separate bowl, add the chili flakes, shallots, garlic, and salt, and mix well. For spicier chili oil, you may use Szechuan chili flakes if they are readily available
- Next, filter the hot spice-infused oil into the chili flakes mixture. The oil will sizzle when poured onto the chili flakes mixture Let it sizzle undisturbed until the sizzling stops
- Then mix well and allow it to rest for at least an hour. This process will infuse the flavors and produce a bright red chili oil
To Serve
- Use this Chinese chili oil as a topping for your noodles, soups, and other Asian-inspired meals. You can also store this chili oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month
Video
Notes
- Infuse the Oil - Infusing oil with fresh whole spices can deliver a fragrant and aromatic oil
- Maintain the Temperature - Maintaining the temperature at low-medium heat is crucial as it helps release the natural aroma of spices without burning them
- Use Quality Ingredients - Using fresh quality spices and chili flakes plays an important role in achieving a flavorful chili oil
- Aromatics - Do not skip on aromatics like garlic and shallots, as they add a lot of flavor to the oil. If you prefer a smooth texture, you can add the shallots and garlic to the oil while infusing the spices, and then filter before adding the chili flakes
- Storage - Proper storage is essential to ensure that the aromatic Chinese chili garlic oil remains fresh. You can store it in a closed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month
Nutrition
FAQ
Chili Oil is a popular Asian condiment that is spicy and aromatic. It is typically made with chili flakes, garlic, shallots, whole spices, and a neutral-tasting oil (such as canola oil), or sesame oil to add an earthy flavor. This flavorful oil is commonly used as a dipping sauce for appetizers such as dumplings, spring rolls, and momos. It is also one of the best condiments to use in noodles, stir-fries, and other Chinese recipes to add flavor and spice.
Yes, it is a spicy oil due to the addition of chili flakes, Szechuan peppercorns, and other aromatic spices. The level of spiciness can vary depending on the recipe and the amount of chili used. It's important to note that oil can be quite hot, so it's best to start with a small amount and gradually increase the amount to taste. Additionally, some brands may offer different levels of spiciness to cater to different preferences.
Chili Oil can be perfect as a condiment or ingredient to add spice and flavor to dishes. It can be drizzled over noodles, soups, or stir-fries to enhance their taste. It tastes great as a dipping sauce for appetizers or as a marinade for meats. To enjoy the full flavor and spiciness, it's important to use it sparingly and adjust the amount to taste.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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