Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

Spicy, savory, and addictive, the Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe is a must-have condiment for any meal. This Sichuan-style chili oil enhances dishes with its bold flavors and versatility. Perfect for drizzling over dumplings, adding to stir-fries, or spicing up noodles, this recipe caters to all occasions—from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. The unique combination of spices and oils in this chili oil makes it stand out, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create your own batch of chili oil at home.
• Bursting with Flavor: The blend of Sichuan chili flakes and spices gives this oil a deep and rich taste that elevates any dish.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for dipping sauces, marinades, or as a finishing touch on soups and stir-fries.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the amount of chili flakes to suit your spice preference.
• Long Shelf Life: Store in a cool place and enjoy your homemade chili oil for weeks!

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your homemade chili oil, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and ensure the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• A heavy-bottomed saucepan
• A heatproof glass jar or container
• A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Measuring spoons
• A wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan: This distributes heat evenly while cooking the oil, preventing burning.
• Heatproof glass jar: Ideal for storing your finished chili oil without worrying about chemical reactions.
• Fine mesh strainer: Ensures that only liquid oil remains after infusing flavors from the spices.

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 (for color)
• 2-3 tsp white sesame seeds (toasted if possible)
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 200 ml rapeseed oil (or Chinese Caiziyou oil)

For Flavor Enhancements

• 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 Ingredients

Begin by gathering all ingredients. Measure out the Sichuan chili flakes, salt, brown sugar, black rice vinegar, sweet paprika powder, sesame seeds, sesame oil, and rapeseed oil.

Step 2: Infuse Oils

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan:
1. Combine rapeseed oil with garlic cloves, ginger nuggets, star anis, Sichuan peppercorns, black cardamom, bay leaves, cinnamon stick.
2. Heat over low flame for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally until fragrant but do not let it smoke.

Step 3: Combine Spices

Once infused:
1. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
2. In a bowl, combine Sichuan chili flakes with salt, brown sugar, sweet paprika powder, toasted sesame seeds.

Step 4: Mix Together

Pour the warm infused oil over the spice mix:
1. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
2. Add in black rice vinegar and sesame oil for added flavor.

Step 5: Store Your Chili Oil

Allow your homemade chili oil to cool completely before transferring it into a heatproof glass jar:
1. Seal tightly and store in a cool dark place.
2. Use as needed to elevate your favorite dishes!

Enjoy your homemade Chinese chili oil as an exciting addition to any meal!

How to Serve Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

Homemade Chinese chili oil is a versatile condiment that can elevate many dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to help you enjoy this spicy delight.

Drizzle Over Noodles

• Toss hot noodles with chili oil for a spicy kick. It complements both cold and warm noodle dishes perfectly.

Enhance Your Dumplings

• Use a spoonful of chili oil as a dipping sauce for dumplings. It adds an exciting flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory filling.

Spice Up Stir-Fries

• Add chili oil to your stir-fry dishes for an extra layer of flavor. Just a few drops can transform a simple vegetable stir-fry into a culinary delight.

Mix in Soups

• Incorporate homemade chili oil into soups or broths. It adds depth and warmth to any soup, especially noodle soups.

Flavor Your Marinades

• Use chili oil as part of your marinades for meats or tofu. It infuses your ingredients with a rich, spicy flavor before cooking.

Finish Off Rice Dishes

• Drizzle chili oil over rice dishes to enhance their taste. It works wonderfully with fried rice or plain steamed rice.

How to Perfect Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

Getting the perfect homemade Chinese chili oil requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your recipe turns out great every time.

• Choose quality ingredients – High-quality Sichuan chili flakes and oils make a significant difference in flavor.
• Control the heat level – Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your spice tolerance; you can start with less and add more if needed.
• Infuse slowly – Allow the oil to infuse over low heat for longer to extract maximum flavors from spices and aromatics.
• Store properly – Keep your chili oil in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to prolong its shelf life.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust the spices used according to your taste preferences, such as adding more garlic or ginger.
• Let it rest – Allowing the chili oil to sit for at least 24 hours before using intensifies its flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

Homemade Chinese chili oil pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its bold flavors. Here are some delightful options.

1. Steamed Buns – Soft and fluffy buns that serve as perfect vessels for dipping into spicy sauces.
2. Scallion Pancakes – Crispy pancakes filled with green onions, ideal for pairing with flavorful chili oil.
3. Cucumber Salad – Refreshing cucumber salad dressed lightly with vinegar and topped with a drizzle of chili oil for added heat.
4. Egg Fried Rice – Simple fried rice loaded with eggs; just add some chili oil for an extra zing.
5. Sesame Noodles – Cold sesame noodles tossed in sauce, which can be elevated by adding homemade chili oil.
6. Tofu Stir-Fry – Quick stir-fried tofu mixed with veggies; finish it off with a splash of spicy homemade chili oil.
7. Hot Pot Ingredients – Various meats and vegetables served in hot pot, where dipping into spicy chili oil enhances every bite.
8. Szechuan Green Beans – Crunchy green beans sautéed in Szechuan sauce topped generously with your homemade chili oil for an irresistible dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade Chinese chili oil can be simple, but there are common mistakes you should avoid for the best flavor and texture.

• Using Poor Quality Oil: The choice of oil is crucial. Using low-quality oils can affect the taste. Opt for fresh rapeseed or Caiziyou oil for the best results.
• Not Toasting Spices: Skipping the toasting step for spices can lead to a flat flavor. Toast your spices lightly to enhance their aroma and depth.
• Ignoring the Temperature: Cooking at too high a temperature can burn the ingredients, leading to bitterness. Maintain a low heat to infuse flavors gently.
• Skipping the Salt: Omitting salt can make your chili oil bland. Ensure you add the recommended amount to balance flavors.
• Not Letting It Sit: Rushing to use your chili oil right away means missing out on developed flavors. Allow it to sit for at least 24 hours before using.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store your homemade Chinese chili oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• item It will last up to 2 months when stored properly.

Freezing Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

• item You can freeze chili oil in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
• item Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer-safe bag and use within 6 months.

Reheating Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

• item Oven: Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C) and warm your chili oil in a heatproof dish for about 10 minutes.
• item Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until warm, ensuring it doesn’t get too hot.
• item Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe?

Homemade Chinese chili oil is a flavorful condiment made by infusing oils with spices and aromatics like garlic and Sichuan pepper.

How long does Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe last?

When refrigerated, your homemade chili oil can last up to 2 months if stored in an airtight container.

Can I customize my Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust spice levels or add other herbs like thyme or oregano for unique flavors.

What dishes go well with Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe?

This versatile condiment pairs well with dumplings, noodles, roasted vegetables, or as a marinade for meats.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe is not only spicy and savory but also incredibly versatile. It enhances any dish you pair it with, making it a must-try for spice lovers. Don’t hesitate to customize it according to your taste preferences!

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

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Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: About 12 servings (1 tablespoon each) 1x

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Description

Spice up your culinary repertoire with this Homemade Chinese Chili Oil Recipe! This Sichuan-style condiment is a flavor powerhouse that will elevate any dish. Whether you’re drizzling it over dumplings, enhancing stir-fries, or adding a spicy kick to noodles, this chili oil is incredibly versatile and easy to make. With a unique blend of Sichuan chili flakes, garlic, and aromatic spices, every drop bursts with flavor. Perfect for both casual meals and festive gatherings, this homemade chili oil is a must-have in your kitchen. Plus, it has a long shelf life, so you can enjoy your creation for weeks!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 40 grams Sichuan chili flakes
• 200 ml rapeseed oil (or Chinese Caiziyou oil)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp brown sugar (white sugar is fine too!)
• 1–2 tbsp black rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sweet paprika powder (for color)
• 2–3 tsp white sesame seeds (toasted if possible)
• Various spices: star anis, Sichuan peppercorns, black cardamom, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, fresh ginger

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Instructions

1. Gather and measure all ingredients.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat, combine the rapeseed oil with garlic and spices. Heat for 30-40 minutes until fragrant.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before combining with the Sichuan chili flakes, salt, brown sugar, sweet paprika powder, toasted sesame seeds.
4. Pour the warm infused oil over the spice mixture and stir well to combine. Add black rice vinegar and sesame oil.
5. Allow to cool completely before transferring to a heatproof glass jar. Seal tightly and store in a cool dark place.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Infusing
• Cuisine: Sichuan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (15g)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg