03/02/2025
🔥 Homemade Chinese Chili Oil
A flavorful, aromatic chili oil perfect for drizzling over noodles, dumplings, and stir-fries.
⏳ Time Required:
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: About 1 cup
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🥢 Ingredients:
1 cup neutral oil (e.g., peanut, canola, or vegetable oil)
¼ cup crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns (optional, for a numbing effect)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1-inch ginger, sliced
1 cinnamon stick
2 star anise
1 bay leaf
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for extra umami)
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🔥 Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Chili Flakes:
In a heatproof bowl, add crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and sugar. Set aside.
2️⃣ Infuse the Oil:
In a small saucepan, heat the oil over low-medium heat.
Add Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, shallot, ginger, cinnamon stick, star anise, and bay leaf.
Let them sizzle gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3️⃣ Strain the Oil:
Once the oil is golden and aromatic, remove from heat.
Strain out the solid ingredients using a fine sieve or cheesecloth.
4️⃣ Pour Over Chili Flakes:
Slowly pour the hot oil over the chili flakes in the heatproof bowl.
You should hear a sizzling sound—this brings out the deep flavors.
5️⃣ Final Touches:
Stir in soy sauce (if using).
Let the chili oil cool before transferring to a sterilized jar.
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🌶️ Storage & Usage:
Store in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 1 month.
Use it to drizzle over noodles, dumplings, stir-fries, or even fried rice!
