Textual Chef

Chili Crisp Oil

A trendy, versatile condiment featuring crispy garlic, shallots, and chili flakes in aromatic oil. This addictive sauce adds texture and heat to noodles, rice, dumplings, eggs, or even ice cream.

35 minMediumServes 1670 cal/serving

ChineseSauceStovetopVegetarianVeganGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-Free

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola)
  • 1/2 cup dried red chili flakes
  • 12 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 4 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp MSG (optional)
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • 4 green onions, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a heatproof bowl, place 1/2 cup dried red chili flakes.

  2. 2

    In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola), 12 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 4 thinly sliced shallots, 2 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, and 2 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns.

  3. 3

    Heat the oil mixture over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic and shallots turn golden brown and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.

  4. 4

    Once the aromatics are crispy, remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

  5. 5

    Carefully strain the hot oil through a fine-mesh sieve over the bowl with chili flakes. The hot oil will sizzle and bloom the chili flakes.

  6. 6

    Reserve the crispy garlic, shallots, and spices from the sieve.

  7. 7

    To the oil and chili mixture, add 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp MSG (optional) if using. Stir to dissolve.

  8. 8

    Add back about two-thirds of the reserved crispy aromatics, along with 4 finely chopped green onions and 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional) if using. Stir to combine.

  9. 9

    Let the mixture cool completely before transferring to airtight jars.

  10. 10

    The chili crisp will keep at room temperature for up to 1 month or refrigerated for up to 3 months. Stir before using as the oil will separate.

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