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Chili Oil

A flavorful and aromatic condiment that brings heat and depth to various dishes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 cup neutral oil vegetable, canola, or light olive oil
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons red chili flakes
  • 6 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns optional but recommended
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black sesame seeds optional for garnish
  • 3 to 4 dried red chilies whole or crushed (optional for extra depth)

Equipment

  • Small saucepan or skillet
  • Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
  • Glass jar with tight-fitting lid (8 to 16 ounces)
  • Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Small glass bowl for cooling
  • Funnel (optional but helpful)

Method
 

  1. Measure out your oil, chili flakes, garlic, and spices before you start heating anything.
  2. Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice garlic into paper-thin pieces about 1/8-inch thick.
  3. Pour the neutral oil into a small saucepan and add the sliced garlic, Sichuan peppercorns, and any whole dried chilies.
  4. Start with medium heat and let the oil warm gently for about 2 to 3 minutes until it begins to shimmer.
  5. Once you smell the garlic becoming fragrant and the spices releasing their aromas, stop heating immediately.
  6. Pour the red chili flakes into the warm oil and stir gently with a wooden spoon for about 30 seconds.
  7. Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in your kosher salt.
  8. Let the oil cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
  9. Pour the warm chili oil into your clean glass jar, including all the garlic, chili flakes, and spices.
  10. Let the jar sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before screwing on the lid.
  11. After cooling, open the jar and taste a tiny amount on a spoon to check the heat level and flavor balance.

Notes

Let your chili oil sit for 24 hours before using it for the first time for the best flavor.