Description
This homemade Chinese chili oil adds an intense, spicy kick to your dishes, transforming simple meals into bold, flavorful creations. It’s easy to make, stores for months, and is highly versatile—perfect for everything from stir-fries to noodle bowls!
Ingredients
- Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut oil
- 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
- 3 whole star anise
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 whole black cardamom pods
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup Sichuan chili flakes (or regular red chili flakes)
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1–2 tablespoons toasted hulled sesame seeds (for texture)
- 1 teaspoon Chinese black vinegar (or balsamic/rice vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon tamari (or soy sauce, omit salt if using)
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Add all ingredients except the chili flakes and optional add-ins to a small saucepan. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 225°F (108°C). Maintain this temperature, and ensure you see tiny bubbles floating. If garlic starts to burn, reduce the heat.
- Simmer: Let the oil gently simmer at 225°F for about 30 minutes. If the garlic turns very brown, remove it to avoid burning.
- Prepare Jar: Place the chili flakes into a sealable jar.
- Strain Oil: Strain the hot oil through a fine mesh strainer into the jar, keeping the oil around 225°F to prevent burning the chili flakes. The oil will sizzle as it hits the chili flakes, releasing a pleasant aroma.
- Optional Add-Ins: If adding sesame oil, sesame seeds, vinegar, or tamari, let the oil cool for about 10 minutes before stirring in these ingredients.
- Cool and Store: Allow the chili oil to cool completely. Seal the jar and refrigerate it. Wait at least 24 hours before using for optimal flavor. Stir the oil each time before using with a clean utensil.
Notes
- Spicy Level: Adjust the amount of chili flakes to your desired spice level. Add more for a thicker, spicier oil.
- Herbal Notes: Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the simmering oil for an herbal infusion.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
