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Homemade Chili Oil

A quick, customizable chili-infused oil that delivers bold heat and aroma to any savory dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 16 tablespoons
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Chili Oil
  • 1 cup neutral oil vegetable, canola, or light olive oil
  • 3 to 4 dried red chilies stems removed, most seeds discarded
  • 2 to 3 fresh red chilies thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chili flakes red pepper flakes
  • 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns optional
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds optional
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds optional
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 small piece of ginger thinly sliced (optional)

Equipment

  • Small saucepan or skillet
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Glass jar with tight fitting lid
  • Paper towels
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Remove stems from dried chilies and shake out most seeds; set aside.
  2. Thinly slice garlic cloves and ginger for even infusion.
  3. Combine dried chilies, fresh chilies, chili flakes, Sichuan peppercorns, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds in a heat-proof bowl or keep nearby if adding directly to the pan.
  4. Pour the neutral oil into a small saucepan and heat over medium until shimmering and 325–350°F (about 3–4 minutes).
  5. Add sliced garlic and ginger to the hot oil; cook 30–45 seconds, stirring, until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Carefully add the chili and spice mixture to the oil and immediately remove the pan from heat; stir for 30 seconds to prevent scorching.
  7. Let the oil cool and infuse at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  8. Strain the cooled oil through a fine mesh strainer lined with paper towels into a clean, dry glass jar, pressing on solids to extract maximum flavor. Leave a few flakes for visual appeal if desired.
  9. Season with a pinch of salt, seal the jar, and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.

Notes

For a subtle smoky twist, replace one dried chili with a chipotle pepper in adobo. Always keep the jar completely dry to prevent spoilage.