Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

Spice lovers rejoice! This Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe is a flavorful addition to your kitchen. Perfect for drizzling over noodles, enhancing stir-fries, or adding a kick to your favorite dishes, this Sichuan-style chili oil is both easy to make and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this chili oil will elevate your culinary experience with its spicy and savory profile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create this delicious chili oil in under an hour.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and oils creates a rich flavor that enhances any dish.
• Versatile Use: Use it as a condiment, marinade, or cooking oil to add depth to various recipes.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the amount of Sichuan chili flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
• Homemade Goodness: No preservatives or additives—just pure, delicious ingredients.

Tools and Preparation

To make your homemade chili oil, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and excellent results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Glass jar for storage
• Small saucepan
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Glass jar for storage: Keeps your chili oil fresh and ready for use; it’s also visually appealing.
• Small saucepan: Ideal for infusing flavors evenly without burning the ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate ratios for perfect seasoning every time.

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering homemade chili oil, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chili Oil Base

• 40 grams Sichuan Chili Flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp brown sugar (white sugar is fine too!)
• 1-2 tbsp black rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sweet paprika powder (This is more for the red color than the taste.)
• 2-3 tsp white sesame seeds (toasted if possible)
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 200 ml rapeseed oil (or Chinese Caiziyou oil)

For Flavoring

• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 pieces star anis
• 3 tsp Sichuan Pepper
• 2 pieces black cardamom
• 2 pieces bayleaf
• 1 piece cinnamon
• 2 nuggets fresh ginger

How to Make Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by finely chopping the garlic and ginger. This will help release their flavors during the infusion process.

Step 2: Heat the Oils

In a small saucepan, combine the rapeseed oil and sesame oil. Heat over low-medium heat until it simmers gently. Do not let it boil.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Once heated, add the chopped garlic, ginger, star anis, black cardamom, bayleaf, cinnamon, and Sichuan pepper to the oil. Stir gently and let simmer for about 15–20 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine with Spices

Remove from heat. In a heatproof bowl, mix together the Sichuan chili flakes, salt, brown sugar, sweet paprika powder, and white sesame seeds.

Step 5: Pour Hot Oil

Carefully pour the hot infused oil over the spice mixture in the bowl. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 6: Cool Down & Store

Allow the chili oil to cool completely before transferring it into a glass jar for storage.

Enjoy your homemade Chinese chili oil as a delightful condiment that brings warmth and flavor to any dish!

How to Serve Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

Homemade Chinese chili oil is a versatile condiment that can elevate many dishes. Its spicy and savory notes enhance flavors and add depth to your meals. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious oil.

Drizzle Over Dumplings

• Freshly steamed or fried dumplings benefit from a drizzle of chili oil, enhancing their flavor and adding a spicy kick.

Mix into Noodle Dishes

• Add a spoonful of chili oil to your favorite noodle recipes. It pairs well with both cold and hot noodles, providing an extra layer of taste.

Use as a Marinade

• Combine chili oil with other ingredients to create a flavorful marinade for chicken or tofu. Let it sit for a few hours for the best results.

Enhance Stir-Fried Vegetables

• A splash of homemade chili oil in stir-fried vegetables will elevate the dish, bringing out the natural sweetness of the veggies while adding heat.

How to Perfect Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

To ensure your homemade Chinese chili oil turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh spices: Fresh spices like Sichuan pepper and star anise provide better flavor than older ones. Always check the freshness before using.
• Experiment with oils: While rapeseed oil is great, you can try using peanut oil or canola for different flavor profiles. Each type of oil has its unique taste that can enhance your chili oil.
• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Sichuan chili flakes or mix in milder peppers. Tailor the recipe to suit your palate.
• Infuse longer for more flavor: Allowing the oil to infuse longer than 60 minutes can intensify the flavors. Just be cautious not to burn the garlic or spices.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

Pairing side dishes with homemade Chinese chili oil can create a delightful dining experience. Here are some excellent side dishes that complement its bold flavors.

1. Steamed Bok Choy
   This simple dish brightens up any meal and absorbs the flavors of chili oil beautifully.
2. Fried Rice
   A classic that can be customized with vegetables or proteins, adding chili oil gives it an extra kick.
3. Spring Rolls
   Crispy spring rolls dipped in chili oil make for an irresistible appetizer or snack.
4. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad topped with chili oil balances heat and coolness perfectly.
5. Sesame Noodles
   Tossed in sesame sauce and drizzled with chili oil, this dish is quick and satisfying.
6. Grilled Eggplant
   Grilled eggplant brushed with chili oil invites smoky flavors that pair wonderfully together.
7. Tofu Stir-Fry
   Sautéed tofu mixed with vegetables and finished off with chili oil elevates this plant-based option significantly.
8. Rice Paper Rolls
   Fresh rice paper rolls filled with veggies paired with homemade chili oil make for a light yet flavorful side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making your own Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using old spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor. Always check the freshness of your spices, especially the Sichuan pepper and chili flakes.
• Overheating the oil: High heat can burn the ingredients, making the oil bitter. Use low to medium heat to extract the best flavor without burning.
• Ignoring measurements: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results. Use a kitchen scale for precision with ingredients like chili flakes and spices.
• Not letting it cool properly: Allowing the chili oil to cool completely helps develop flavors. Patience is key; don’t rush this step.
• Skipping storage precautions: Improper storage can spoil your oil. Store it in a dark glass container in a cool place to maintain freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Homemade Chinese chili oil lasts up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

• Pour into ice cube trays for easy portions.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; transfer cubes to a freezer bag.

Reheating Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to low temperature; warm oil gently in an oven-safe dish.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Gently warm on low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making your own chili oil.

How long does Homemade Chinese Chili Oil last?

Homemade Chinese chili oil can last for up to 3 weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Can I customize my Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe?

Absolutely! You can adjust spice levels or add different herbs and spices like thyme or oregano for unique flavors.

What is the best type of oil for making chili oil?

Rapeseed oil is a great choice due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but you can also use other oils like sunflower or vegetable oil.

How do I use my Homemade Chinese Chili Oil?

Use it as a condiment for noodles, dumplings, or stir-fries. It’s also great drizzled over roasted vegetables or added to marinades.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe is not only flavorful but also versatile. Whether you want it spicier or milder, feel free to customize it according to your taste. Enjoy experimenting with this vibrant condiment!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Homemade Chinese Chili Oil

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings (180ml total) 1x

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Description

Spice enthusiasts will love this Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe, a vibrant and aromatic addition to any kitchen. This Sichuan-style condiment is easy to prepare and adds an exciting kick to your dishes, whether you drizzle it over dumplings, stir it into noodles, or use it as a marinade. With its rich medley of spices and the perfect balance of heat and flavor, this chili oil elevates meals from ordinary to extraordinary. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your spice tolerance! Made with all fresh ingredients and no preservatives, this homemade chili oil is not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to store-bought options. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this fiery yet savory sauce that you can whip up in under an hour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 40 grams Sichuan Chili Flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1–2 tbsp black rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic
• 200 ml rapeseed oil
• 1 tsp sweet paprika powder
• 2–3 tsp white sesame seeds (toasted if possible)
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 pieces star anis
• 3 tsp Sichuan Pepper
• 2 pieces black cardamom
• 2 pieces bayleaf
• 1 piece cinnamon
• 2 nuggets fresh ginger

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Instructions

1. Finely chop the garlic and set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, combine rapeseed oil and sesame oil over low-medium heat until gently simmering.
3. Add chopped garlic along with star anise, black cardamom, bay leaf, cinnamon, and Sichuan pepper; simmer for 15–20 minutes.
4. In a heatproof bowl, mix Sichuan chili flakes, salt, brown sugar, sweet paprika powder, and sesame seeds.
5. Pour the hot infused oil over the spice mixture; stir well.
6. Allow to cool completely before transferring to a glass jar for storage.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Infusing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (15g)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg