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Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil

Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil

Add a burst of flavor to your dishes with Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil. This homemade condiment combines the heat of Sichuan red chilies with aromatic garlic, ginger, and spices, resulting in a rich and savory oil perfect for drizzling over dumplings, noodles, or using as a dipping sauce. Not only is it budget-friendly compared to store-bought options, but it’s also incredibly easy to make at home. With customizable spice levels and a shelf life of up to six months in the fridge, this chili oil is a must-have for any kitchen. Elevate your meals and impress your guests with this versatile and flavorful addition that enhances everything from stir-fries to rice dishes.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 16 servings (1 tablespoon each) 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups whole dried Sichuan red chilies (or 1.5 cups Sichuan/Korean chili flakes)
  • 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 2 1/2 cups vegetable oil
  • 1/4 tsp Sichuan pepper powder
  • 3 tsp salt
  • 4 slices ginger
  • 1 small onion (quartered, or 1 shallot halved)
  • 4 star anise
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 5 cloves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Grind dried red chilies in a food processor until they become small flakes.
  2. Combine chili flakes, minced garlic, Sichuan pepper powder, and salt in a large heat-proof bowl.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a pot until it reaches about 250°F.
  4. Infuse the hot oil with ginger, onion, star anise, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cloves for 20-25 minutes.
  5. Remove aromatics and pour the infused oil into the bowl with chili flakes; stir gently.
  6. Allow to cool before transferring to a sterilized air-tight jar; store in the fridge.
  • Author: Natalia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Infusing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust chili flakes based on your heat preference. Experiment with additional spices like cardamom or sesame seeds for unique variations.