If you crave a condiment that instantly transforms any dish with smoky heat, savory crunch, and hypnotic aroma, the Best Homemade Crispy Chili Garlic Oil is your new kitchen superstar! This quick, utterly addictive recipe delivers a jar full of crispy golden shallots and garlic swirling through chili-kissed oil – the perfect thing to wake up noodles, eggs, rice, and just about everything else.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Crunch: Crispy garlic and shallots create addictive texture that keeps everyone coming back for another spoonful.
- Layered, Complex Flavor: Aromatics and spices like cinnamon, star anise, and soy sauce infuse every drop with warmth and depth.
- Super Versatile: From dumplings to fried rice, this chili oil jazzes up every meal and even simple snacks.
- Easier Than You Think: Just a few pantry staples and some slicing land you a gourmet condiment in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient lineup for Best Homemade Crispy Chili Garlic Oil couldn’t be simpler, yet each element plays a starring role in the symphony of flavors and textures. Here’s why you’ll want to use each exactly as listed, plus a handy tip for perfect results.
- Sunflower oil: Neutral and light, this oil lets all the aromatics shine and gives optimal crispness. You can substitute another neutral oil if sunflower isn’t available.
- Shallots: Their natural sweetness and thin texture turn beautifully golden for flavor-packed crunch.
- Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced garlic brings that signature pungent warmth and irresistible crisp!
- Chili flakes and chili powder: The backbone of heat. Use your favorite chili variety for preferred spice level; go mild or fiery-hot!
- Cinnamon stick, star anise, and bay leaves: These whole spices infuse the oil with subtle, earthy undertones and a whisper of sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Adds just the right touch of caramel sweetness to balance the savory and spice.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor and melds the mix together.
- Sesame seeds: For a lovely nutty bite and extra visual pop.
- Soy sauce: Adds depth, savoriness, and those marvelous umami notes that make this oil unforgettable.
Variations
The joy of making your own Best Homemade Crispy Chili Garlic Oil is that you’re the boss! Customizing it to fit your pantry, your spice tolerance, or even your mood could not be easier. Check out these tasty tweaks to make every batch your own.
- Extra Spicy Kick: Toss in a few Sichuan peppercorns or use hot chili powder if you dare for a tongue-tingly punch.
- Umami Booster: Stir in half a tablespoon of fish sauce or a touch of miso paste for a deeper savory edge.
- Herb-Infused: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary, thyme, or even kaffir lime leaf to the oil as it fries for a unique aroma.
- Gluten-Free: Swap tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce to keep things celiac-friendly without compromising flavor.
How to Make Best Homemade Crispy Chili Garlic Oil
Step 1: Fry the Aromatics
Start by layering all that gorgeous sliced shallot and garlic in your pan, then drown it lovingly in sunflower oil. Over gentle heat, fry them at 120°C (248°F) while you soak in the aroma. Stir now and then to guarantee even crispiness and eye-catching golden color. When the slices are as crispy and bronze as potato chips, remove them with a slotted spoon and let them rest on paper towels—don’t snack on them all just yet!
Step 2: Prepare the Spice Mix
While your kitchen smells like heaven, grab a heatproof bowl and toss in the chili flakes, chili powder, cinnamon stick, star anise, bay leaves, brown sugar, and salt. Give it a quick stir. This dry mix is the secret to that fragrant, balanced backbone of your chili oil!
Step 3: Infuse the Oil
Let the just-used oil cool slightly to about 120°C (248°F)—just enough to avoid scorching your spices, but still hot enough to draw out all their complex flavors. Carefully pour the hot oil over your spice mixture. Listen for that satisfying sizzle, then stir gently as the spices instantly bloom in color and aroma.
Step 4: Add Shallots and Garlic
Once the oil and spices have melded a bit and cooled down further, it’s time for the fun part! Gently return the fried shallots and garlic into the bowl. Their crispness soaks up all the glorious chili oil, becoming the star crunchers in every bite.
Step 5: Finish the Oil
Now, reach for your soy sauce and sesame seeds. Pour both into your shimmering mixture, stirring everything together for that nutty, savory, and well-rounded finish. Every spoonful of your Best Homemade Crispy Chili Garlic Oil is now bursting with flavor and crunch.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Let the chili oil cool to room temperature—try your best not to eat half the batch by the spoonful while you wait! Once cooled, transfer to sterilized jars or containers. Seal tightly and refrigerate. Now you have a treasure chest of spicy, crunchy goodness ready for any dish.
Pro Tips for Making Best Homemade Crispy Chili Garlic Oil
- Slice Evenly, Slice Thin: For the ultimate crunch, use a sharp knife or mandolin to get your shallots and garlic ultra-thin and all the same size.
- Temperature Discipline: Keep your frying oil at a steady 120°C (248°F)—too hot and your aromatics burn, too cool and they won’t crisp properly.
- Pour With Caution: Always allow the oil to cool slightly before pouring over the spices—this preserves flavor and avoids bitter, burned chili flakes.
- Sterilized Storage: Clean, dry jars extend shelf life and preserve the crispness and flavor of your homemade oil.
How to Serve Best Homemade Crispy Chili Garlic Oil
Garnishes
The crowning touch for almost anything, a generous spoonful of crispy garlic and shallots looks as tantalizing as it tastes! Sprinkle over noodle bowls, soups, or simple eggs for a pop of color, crunch, and heat. Try a pinch of chopped green onion, cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds for extra flourish.
Side Dishes
Drizzle it over steamed dumplings, roasted veggies, or grilled meats to unlock a new level of flavor. It’s especially dreamy with simple steamed jasmine rice, fried noodles, or dipping sauces for crispy appetizers like spring rolls and potstickers.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Best Homemade Crispy Chili Garlic Oil in small clear jars with artisan labels for a gourmet gift. Create a build-your-own noodle bar and let guests dress their bowls, or swirl it over creamy dips like hummus for a spicy twist. Even a cheese board gets better with a chili oil accent for dipping bread or crackers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This homemade chili oil stores beautifully in sterilized glass jars, tucked in the fridge. The flavor deepens and the crispy bits stay crunchy for weeks—just keep the jar tightly sealed and always use a clean, dry spoon each time you dip in.
Freezing
If you find yourself with more Best Homemade Crispy Chili Garlic Oil than you can use in a month (doubtful!), you can freeze it for longer storage. Simply portion into small, freezer-safe containers and thaw in the fridge until ready to use. The texture may change a bit, but the flavor will stay bold!
Reheating
No need to reheat crispy chili oil—just bring it to room temperature and give it a gentle stir. If the oil solidifies in the fridge, let it sit on the counter for 10–15 minutes or place the jar in warm water (be sure it’s sealed) for a minute or two.
FAQs
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Can I use olive oil instead of sunflower oil?
While olive oil adds its own flavor, it can overpower the subtle aromatics and burn at higher temperatures. For the Best Homemade Crispy Chili Garlic Oil flavor and texture, stick with a neutral oil like sunflower, canola, or vegetable oil for the best results.
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How spicy is this crispy chili garlic oil?
It has a moderate savory heat that most people can enjoy, but you can easily adjust the level by changing the type or amount of chili flakes and powder. Like things bolder? Add extra chili powder or a few fresh chilies when frying the garlic and shallots.
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How long does Best Homemade Crispy Chili Garlic Oil last in the fridge?
Stored properly in a sterilized, airtight jar, it will keep for up to a month in the refrigerator. Always use a clean spoon to avoid introducing moisture or contaminants so your chili oil stays fresh and safe!
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Can I make this chili oil without shallots?
Absolutely! While the combination of shallots and garlic gives extra sweet, savory crunch, you can make a fantastic version using only garlic or swap in thinly sliced onions if needed. The oil will still be deliciously spicy, fragrant, and versatile.
Final Thoughts
This Best Homemade Crispy Chili Garlic Oil just might be the magic ingredient you didn’t know your weekly meals were missing. It’s so simple to whip up, and with every crunchy, spicy, golden spoonful, you’ll want to share it with friends—or just keep a secret stash for yourself. Give it a try, and let your taste buds celebrate!
PrintBest Homemade Crispy Chili Garlic Oil Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 Servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This recipe for Homemade Crispy Chili Garlic Oil results in a flavorful and aromatic oil infused with crispy shallots and garlic, perfect for adding a spicy kick to your dishes.
Ingredients
Sunflower Oil:
500 gShallots:
6, thinly slicedGarlic Cloves:
10, thinly slicedChili Flakes:
3 tbspChili Powder:
1 tbspCinnamon Stick:
1Star Anise:
1Bay Leaves:
2Brown Sugar:
2 tbspSalt:
PinchSesame Seeds:
2 tbspSoy Sauce:
2 tbspInstructions
- Fry the Aromatics: Place shallots and garlic in a deep pan, pour sunflower oil over them, fry at 120°C (248°F) until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Spice Mix: Combine chili flakes, chili powder, cinnamon stick, star anise, bay leaves, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Infuse the Oil: Pour slightly cooled oil over the spice mixture, stir to combine.
- Add Shallots and Garlic: Return fried shallots and garlic to the oil and spices.
- Finish the Oil: Stir in soy sauce and sesame seeds, mix well.
- Cool and Store: Allow the oil to cool completely, transfer to sterilized jars, and store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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