published Jan 26, 2022 I consider Chinese chili oil to be an essential Chinese pantry staple for those who cook with heat often and like a kick of spice. It has a vivid, deep red color and complex layers of spice and sweetness that is seriously addicting. Learn how to make chili oil that will last for months with this recipe! To make this condiment, popular Asian spices are simmered in vegetable oil. Then they are combined with the satisfying crispness of the toasted white sesame seeds and flaky Sichuan chilis. It’s a fantastic topping for stir-frys, noodles, and rice dishes. It’s also great in other sauces, or for an enhancement to any dish that could benefit from a little heat. Think of this chili oil as “more on subtle flavors from the steeped spices” than a “spicy heat from the chilis“. While this oil does have a kick, it is the FLAVOR that is just exceptional! This versatile condiment has made an appearance in many of my recipes, including my Shrimp and Pork Shumai, and Pai Huang Gua salad recipes. Check them out to see the different ways crispy chili oil can enhance a variety of meals, textures, and flavors.
INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Steep
Cloves – are slightly sweet and warm.Star Anise – This spice pairs well with savory dishes and has a sweet and peppery flavor. Cardamom – has a very strong, herbal, sweet, and citrus-like taste. Allspice or nutmeg can be used as alternatives.Coriander – This spice is sweet and lemony, and has a subtler taste than cardamom.Cinnamon – is very powerful and spicy with a bitter edge.Sichuan – These peppercorns are very popular in Chinese cuisine, adding a unique, spiciness when heated.Black Peppercorns – are popular worldwide for its mild spiciness.Orange Peel – Citrus peels are added as an aromatic, giving sauces a light, fruity scent.Shallot – This onion is delicate and sweet with a subtle heat.Ginger Root – Fresh ginger can be substituted with 1 tablespoon of dried ground ginger. You can also use dried sand ginger, or “ground galangal.”
Pour Over
White Sesame Seeds – Toasting white sesame seeds turns them golden, crispy, and nutty.Black Vinegar – Deep and fruity, you can use rice vinegar as a substitute.Sichuan Flakes – The first two packages of chilis below are Sichuan chili flakes and the brands I prefer for flavor and texture. You could substitute regular red chili flakes (see bottom right), but if you’re looking for that rich, deep red color you will need to add 2 teaspoons of paprika to the chili flakes before pouring the oil over them.
HOW TO MAKE CHINESE CHILI OIL
How long does Chinese chili oil last in the fridge?
It will last for up to 3 months in the fridge. It can also be left at room temperature in your pantry for up to 2 months.
How do you make Sichuan chili flakes at home?
To make these flavorful flakes at home, you fry whole chilis in vegetable oil until crispy. Then, the crisp peppers are ground into flakes, seeds, or powder. The flavor, color, and texture are all heightened when fried. As a result, the flakes have a hot, toasty flavor and achieve a bright red color with no additional dyes or additives.
Can I use red chili flakes instead of Sichuan in Chinese Chili Oil?
Regular red flakes can be used in a pinch, but you’ll want to add 2 teaspoons of paprika before adding the simmered spices in order to get the rich, red color that is characteristic of this condiment.
