Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil

Spicy, delicious, homemade chili oil infused with red chili flakes, garlic, ginger, onion, and fragrant aromatics! This Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil is perfect for spicing up your dishes. It’s all-natural, cheaper, and better than store-bought options. Use it as a dipping sauce or drizzled over your favorite meals for an extra kick!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: You can whip up this flavorful chili oil in just 30 minutes.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for enhancing stir-fries, noodles, or as a dipping sauce.
• All-Natural Ingredients: Free from preservatives and artificial flavors found in commercial products.
• Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the amount of chili to suit your taste preferences.
• Long Shelf Life: Store in the fridge for up to 6 months and enjoy its robust flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure perfect results. Having the right equipment makes preparation smoother and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food Processor
• Large Heat-Proof Bowl
• Large Pot or Wok
• Slotted Spoon
• Digital Instant Read Thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Food Processor: Helps finely grind the dried chilies into flakes for an even texture.
• Large Heat-Proof Bowl: Safely holds hot oil without risk of breaking.
• Digital Instant Read Thermometer: Ensures precise oil temperature for proper infusion of flavors.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

Spicy, delicious, homemade chili oil infused with red chili flakes, garlic, ginger, onion, and fragrant aromatics! This quick, easy and simple Chinese chili oil is all-natural, cheaper and better than store-bought. A great sauce to spice things up!

For the Chili Base

• 2 cups whole dried Sichuan red chilies (or 1.5 cups / 360 g Sichuan or Korean red chili flakes & skip Step 1)
• 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable oil (or neutral tasting oil)
• 1/4 tsp Sichuan pepper powder
• 3 tsp salt

For Infusing Flavors

• 4 slices ginger
• 1 small onion (quartered, or 1 shallot halved)
• 4 star anise
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5 cloves

How to Make Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil

Step 1: Prepare the Chili Flakes

1. Add dried red chilis into a food processor and grind on HIGH speed until they become small flakes.
2. Transfer the chili flakes into a large heat-proof bowl (made of steel, ceramic or heat-resistant glass) and avoid inhaling the spice. To the same bowl, add minced garlic, Sichuan pepper powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or wok on low-medium heat to around 250°F using a digital instant read thermometer. Alternatively, insert a wooden utensil into the hot oil; look for bubbles forming.

Step 3: Infuse Aromatics

1. Carefully lower in the ginger, onion, star anise, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cloves into the hot oil.
2. Simmer on low for at least 20-25 minutes for best fragrance while stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Combine Oil with Chili Flakes

1. Remove the aromatics from the hot oil using a slotted spoon and discard them.
2. Very carefully pour the hot oil into the bowl with the red chili flakes; let it bubble.
3. Stir the flakes with the oil to prevent overcooking or burning.

Step 5: Cool and Store

1. Let the chili oil cool down before transferring it to a sterilized glass air-tight jar.
2. Store sealed in the fridge for up to 6 months; label with an expiration date.
3. Always use clean utensils when scooping from the jar to prevent contamination.

Enjoy your homemade Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil as a spicy condiment that elevates any dish!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil

Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil is a versatile condiment that can elevate many dishes. Its bold flavors make it perfect for spicing up your meals, whether you’re enjoying a simple dish or something elaborate.

As a Dipping Sauce

• Pair with dumplings: Use it as a spicy dip for steamed or fried dumplings to add an extra kick.
• Serve with spring rolls: The heat from the chili oil complements the crunchiness of fresh or fried spring rolls beautifully.

In Noodle Dishes

• Drizzle over noodles: A few drops can enhance the flavor of stir-fried noodles or ramen.
• Mix into cold noodle salads: Incorporate it into cold noodle salads for a refreshing yet spicy twist.

On Rice Dishes

• Add to fried rice: Stir some into your fried rice for an exciting flavor boost.
• Top plain rice: A spoonful on plain steamed rice transforms it into a flavorful side.

With Vegetables

• Toss with roasted veggies: Drizzling chili oil over roasted vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds spice.
• Use in sautéed greens: Enhance sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach with a splash of chili oil.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil

Creating the perfect Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil is all about balancing flavors and achieving the right texture. Here are some tips to ensure your chili oil turns out just right.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will give your chili oil a more vibrant flavor compared to dried versions.
• Control the heat: Adjust the cooking time of the spices in the oil to control how spicy your final product becomes.
• Choose quality oil: A good quality vegetable or neutral oil enhances the overall taste and aroma of your chili oil.
• Let it cool completely: Allowing your chili oil to cool down before transferring it ensures better preservation and flavor infusion.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices like sesame seeds or dried herbs for added complexity in flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil

Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil pairs well with various side dishes, enhancing their flavors significantly. Here’s a selection of tasty sides you can enjoy alongside this condiment.

1. Steamed Dumplings – Soft and filled with delicious ingredients, these dumplings make an excellent match for spicy chili oil.
2. Fried Rice – A classic dish that benefits from the added heat and flavor of homemade chili oil.
3. Vegetable Stir-Fry – Colorful veggies sautéed quickly, then drizzled with chili oil for an aromatic finish.
4. Cold Noodle Salad – Refreshing noodles tossed in sesame dressing and topped with chili oil provide a perfect balance of flavors.
5. Spring Rolls – Crispy on the outside, these rolls are delicious when dipped in spicy chili oil.
6. Grilled Tofu Skewers – Marinated grilled tofu skewers gain depth when served alongside this flavorful condiment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chili oil at home can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect Spice Measurement: Using too many or too few red chilies can alter the flavor. Stick to the specified amounts for the best results.
• Not Heating Oil Properly: Failing to reach the right temperature can lead to under-infused oil. Always use a thermometer or check for bubbles with a wooden utensil.
• Skipping Aromatics: Neglecting ingredients like garlic and ginger reduces flavor complexity. Ensure you include all aromatics for robust taste.
• Ignoring Storage Tips: Improper storage can spoil your chili oil quickly. Use sterilized jars and store in the refrigerator for longevity.
• Overcooking Chili Flakes: Pouring hot oil too aggressively can burn the flakes. Pour slowly and stir gently to prevent overcooking.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in a sterilized glass air-tight jar.
• Keeps well in the fridge for up to 6 months.

Freezing Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil

• Freeze in small portions using ice cube trays.
• Transfer cubes to a freezer bag; they can last up to 12 months.

Reheating Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil

• Oven: Preheat oven to low heat, place the jar (without lid) inside until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (10-15 seconds) until warm; do not boil.
• Stovetop: Gently warm on low heat in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil.

What is Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil?

Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil is a homemade condiment made with red chili flakes, garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices infused in vegetable oil, perfect for adding heat to various dishes.

How long does Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it can last up to 6 months. Always ensure you use clean utensils when scooping from the jar.

Can I customize my Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil?

Absolutely! You can adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red chilies or add additional herbs and spices like sesame seeds or scallions for extra flavor.

How do I use Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil?

You can drizzle it over dumplings, use it as a dipping sauce, or incorporate it into stir-fries and marinades for added spice and flavor.

Is Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure that all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Quick & Easy Chinese Chili Oil is not only simple to make but also adds an exciting burst of flavor to any dish. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or adjust the heat level according to your taste. Try making this versatile condiment today!