Chinese Hot Chili Oil Recipe

neutral oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is healthier.

dried red chili flakes

🥗Healthier: cayenne pepper

💰Cheaper: crushed red pepper

Cayenne provides similar heat with less cost.

sesame seeds

🥗Healthier: sunflower seeds

💰Cheaper: pumpkin seeds

Sunflower seeds offer a nutty flavor at a lower price.

Grab a medium to large bowl with steep sides.

Add 1.5 cups of Chinese chili flakes to the bowl.

Add 1.5 teaspoons of salt to the chili flakes.

(Optional) Add 0.25 teaspoons of MSG for authenticity.

Add a splash of Chinese black vinegar to the mixture.

Mix everything together and set aside.

In a pot, add 1 stalk of roughly chopped green onions.

Add 4-6 smashed cloves of garlic (no need to peel them).

Add 1 cinnamon stick and 4 star anise pods to the pot.

Add 3 tablespoons of red Sichuan peppercorns to the pot.

Pour in enough neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) to cover the ingredients.

Place the pot over medium heat, monitoring the temperature to avoid burning the chilies.

Once it starts sizzling, let it cook for about 10 to 15 minutes.

After 10 minutes, kill the heat and pour the hot oil through a strainer into the bowl with the chili mixture.

Let the oil cool down before using.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens