Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

Name: Homemade Chinese Chili Oil
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 40 grams Sichuan Chili Flakes; 200 ml rapeseed oil (or Chinese Caiziyou oil); 3 cloves garlic; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; Fresh ginger and various spices (star anise, black cardamom, bay leaf, cinnamon)

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

January 24, 2026

Updated:

January 24, 2026

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Spice up your culinary creations with this Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe! This Sichuan-style chili oil is spicy, savory, and utterly addictive. Perfect for drizzling over noodles, tossing with vegetables, or enhancing your favorite dishes, it adds a rich depth of flavor that elevates any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this versatile condiment is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this chili oil in no time.
Packed with flavor – The combination of spices and oils creates a unique taste that enhances any dish.
Versatile usage – Use it as a dip, dressing, or ingredient in various recipes for a spicy kick.
Customizable heat – Adjust the amount of Sichuan chili flakes to suit your spice preference.
Long-lasting – Store this homemade chili oil for weeks and always have delicious spice on hand.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

A small saucepan
A heatproof jar or container
A wooden spoon
A fine mesh strainer

Importance of Each Tool

Small saucepan – Ideal for heating the oil evenly without burning the spices.
Heatproof jar or container – Perfect for storing your chili oil while ensuring it stays fresh.
Wooden spoon – Great for stirring without scratching your cookware.
Fine mesh strainer – Ensures you get a smooth oil without any leftover solids.

Ingredients

To create this flavorful Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Base

40 grams Sichuan Chili Flakes
1 tsp salt
2 tsp brown sugar (white sugar is fine too!)
1-2 tbsp black rice vinegar
1 tsp sweet paprika powder (This is more for the red color than the taste.)
2-3 tsp white sesame seeds (toasted if possible)
2 tsp sesame oil

For the Infusion

200 ml rapeseed oil (or Chinese Caiziyou oil)
3 cloves garlic
2 pieces star anis
3 tsp Sichuan Pepper
2 pieces black cardamom
2 pieces bayleaf
1 piece cinnamon
2 nuggets fresh ginger

Servings: 40 teaspoons
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Chinese, Sichuan
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 82 kcal

How to Make Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by measuring out all your ingredients. This makes it easier to follow along without interruptions.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:
1. The rapeseed oil (or Chinese Caiziyou oil).
2. Add in the crushed garlic, ginger, star anis, black cardamom, bay leaves, and cinnamon.
3. Heat until aromatic but not smoking (about 5–7 minutes).

Step 3: Combine Spices

While the oil heats:
1. In a heatproof bowl, mix together:
– The Sichuan chili flakes
– The salt
– The brown sugar
– The sweet paprika powder
– The toasted white sesame seeds

Step 4: Strain & Mix

Once the oil has reached fragrance:
1. Carefully strain it over your spice mixture while it’s still hot.
2. Stir well to combine; let it cool before transferring to your jar.

Step 5: Let It Sit

Allow your homemade chili oil to sit at room temperature for at least one hour before using. This helps meld all those incredible flavors together!

Enjoy using your Homemade Chinese Chili Oil in various dishes!

How to Serve Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

Homemade Chinese chili oil is incredibly versatile and can elevate various dishes. Here are some delicious ways to serve this spicy condiment that will surely tantalize your taste buds.

Drizzle on Noodles

Enjoy a generous drizzle of chili oil over your favorite noodle dishes, such as ramen or soba, for an extra kick.

Enhance Stir-Fries

Add a spoonful of chili oil to vegetable or meat stir-fries. It adds depth and spice, making every bite delightful.

Pair with Dumplings

Serve chili oil alongside dumplings as a dipping sauce. The heat perfectly complements the savory flavors of the dumplings.

Mix into Salad Dressings

Incorporate chili oil into salad dressings for a zesty twist. It pairs well with sesame oil and soy sauce for a refreshing Asian-inspired salad.

Add to Soups

Stir in some chili oil into broth-based soups like wonton soup or hot-and-sour soup to intensify the flavor profile.

Top off Rice Dishes

A splash of chili oil can turn plain rice into something extraordinary. Use it on fried rice or steamed jasmine rice for added flavor.

How to Perfect Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

Making your homemade Chinese chili oil is easy, but a few tips can help you achieve perfection.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spices and oils will significantly enhance the flavor. Replace old spices for a more vibrant taste.
Control the heat: Adjust the amount of Sichuan chili flakes according to your spice preference. More flakes mean more heat!
Infuse flavors slowly: When heating the oil, do it gently to allow the flavors from garlic and spices to meld without burning them.
Store properly: Keep your chili oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and extend shelf life.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices like dried chilies or even herbs to create your unique blend.
Let it rest: Allowing the chili oil to sit for at least 24 hours before using will deepen its flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

Homemade Chinese chili oil pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some excellent options that complement its spicy richness.

Steamed Buns
Soft and fluffy steamed buns make a great base for drizzling with spicy chili oil, adding excitement to each bite.
Cucumber Salad
A refreshing cucumber salad tossed with sesame oil and vinegar balances perfectly with spicy chili oil’s heat.
Fried Tofu
Crispy fried tofu cubes topped with homemade chili oil create an enticing combination that’s hard to resist.
Spring Rolls
Crispy spring rolls served with a side of homemade chili oil make for an addictive appetizer bursting with flavor.
Egg Fried Rice
Elevate simple egg fried rice by mixing in some spicy chili oil for an exciting twist on this classic dish.
Bok Choy Stir-Fry
Quickly sautéed bok choy drizzled with homemade chili oil provides a flavorful and healthy option alongside any meal.
Sichuan Spicy Wontons
Toss wontons in homemade chili oil for a classic dish that packs both flavor and heat in every bite.
Potato Fries
Crispy potato fries sprinkled with salt and drizzled with spicy chili oil offer a delightful fusion twist on traditional fries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade Chinese chili oil can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to avoid. Here are some mistakes that can affect the quality of your chili oil.

Not using fresh ingredients: Using old spices or oils can lead to a dull flavor. Always check the freshness of your spices and use high-quality oils for the best results.
Overheating the oil: Heating oil too quickly can burn the spices instead of infusing them with flavor. Gradually heat your oil on low to medium heat for a perfect infusion.
Skipping the aromatics: Garlic and ginger are essential for depth of flavor in your chili oil. Don’t skip these ingredients—they enhance the overall taste significantly.
Ignoring the spice balance: Too much spice can overpower the dish, while too little makes it bland. Adjust the amount of Sichuan chili flakes based on your heat preference, and taste as you go.
Inadequate storage: Improperly stored chili oil can lose its flavor quickly. Ensure you store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency.

Refrigerator Storage

Store homemade Chinese chili oil in an airtight container.
Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Make sure to label the container with the date of preparation.

Freezing Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

You can freeze chili oil for longer shelf life.
Use ice cube trays to portion out servings.
Transfer frozen cubes into a resealable freezer bag for easy access.

Reheating Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

Oven: Preheat to low heat and place the oil in an oven-safe dish until warmed.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts (10-15 seconds) in a microwave-safe container, stirring between intervals.
Stovetop: Gently warm on low heat in a small pan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe?

Homemade Chinese chili oil is a spicy condiment made by infusing oil with various spices, including Sichuan chili flakes and aromatics like garlic and ginger. It adds depth and heat to many dishes.

How long does homemade chili oil last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade chili oil can last for up to 2 months without losing its flavor.

Can I customize my Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe?

Absolutely! You can adjust the spice level by varying the amount of Sichuan chili flakes or adding other spices like dried herbs or different types of peppers.

Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?

Yes! The ingredients used in this homemade Chinese chili oil recipe are entirely plant-based, making it suitable for vegan diets.

How do I use homemade chili oil?

You can drizzle it over noodles, use it as a dipping sauce, or add it to stir-fries for an extra kick. It’s versatile enough to enhance many dishes!

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe is not only spicy and savory but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it according to your taste preferences. Whether you want more garlic or a different type of pepper, feel free to experiment! Give this recipe a try and elevate your meals with this addictive condiment!