Spicy Chili Oil: A Simple and Delicious Homemade Delight

Spicy chili oil is an absolute game-changer in the world of condiments. Whether you drizzle it over your noodles, stir it into soups, or use it as a dipping sauce for dumplings, this fiery delight adds a burst of flavor to almost anything. While you can easily find pre-made jars in stores, making your own is not only more fun but also allows you to customize the heat to your preference. Plus, it’s ridiculously simple to make!

Why Make Your Own Spicy Chili Oil?

Sure, buying a jar of spicy chili oil at the store is convenient, but there’s something magical about creating your own version at home. The best part? You get to control the level of heat! Whether you want a mild warmth or a sizzling burn, you can adjust the spice level to perfectly suit your taste buds. Plus, the homemade version is much fresher and packs a punch in flavor that store-bought jars can’t match.

The ingredients needed are simple, and you likely already have most of them in your pantry. No need to hunt for any bizarre or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s all about combining the right base oils, chili flakes, and spices to make a tantalizingly flavorful concoction.

The spices you need

What You’ll Need:

• 400 ml mild oil (I used avocado oil)

• 1/2 onion, roughly chopped

• 5 cloves garlic, crushed

• 25 grams ginger, thinly sliced

• 150 grams chili flakes

• 50 grams sugar (I used cane sugar)

• 50 grams salt

• 3 bay leaves

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 teaspoon cloves

• 2 teaspoons peppercorns

• 3 star anise

• 80 grams peanuts

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

  
  

Instructions:

1. Infuse the Aromatics: Start by pouring the 400 ml of mild oil into a saucepan (avocado oil is a great choice for this because it has a mild flavor). Add the chopped onion, crushed garlic, and sliced ginger to the oil. Let the mixture cook over medium heat for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is for the garlic, onion, and ginger to become golden brown and fragrant, which will infuse the oil with a rich depth of flavor.

   
   

2. Prepare the Spice Mixture: While the aromatics are cooking, grab a heatproof bowl and add the chili flakes, sugar, and salt. Stir the ingredients together and set the bowl aside. This will form the base of your spicy oil, with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

   
   

3. Add the Spices to the Oil: Once your onions, garlic, and ginger are nicely browned, add the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, peppercorns, and star anise to the oil. Let these spices simmer with the aromatics for about 1 minute. This allows the spices to infuse the oil and enhance its flavor profile. Once the minute has passed, turn off the heat.

   
   

4. Strain the Oil: Carefully strain the hot oil over your bowl with the chili flakes, sugar, and salt. Make sure you filter out all the solid ingredients from the oil. The hot oil will melt the sugar, dissolve the salt, and release the heat from the chili flakes, creating a perfect blend of flavors.

   
   

5. Add Peanuts and Sesame Seeds: Once the oil has been poured over the spice mixture, stir in the peanuts and sesame seeds. These ingredients will give the oil a wonderful texture and add a nutty richness. Give everything a good stir to ensure the peanuts and sesame seeds are evenly distributed.

   
   

6. Store and Enjoy: Transfer the entire mixture to a large jar or bottle. Once it has cooled down to room temperature, seal the container and store it in a cool, dark place. This infused oil is best used within a couple of weeks to maintain its optimal flavor, but I’m sure it won’t last that long once you start using it!

   
   

How to Use Your Homemade Spicy Chili Oil

Now that you’ve made your own batch, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Drizzle it over steamed dumplings, noodles, or fried rice.

• Use it as a dipping sauce for bread, spring rolls, or grilled meats.

• Add it to soups, stir-fries, or marinades to bring a bit of heat and complexity to your dishes.

• Use it as a topping for pizza or roasted vegetables for a spicy twist!

  
  

Final Thoughts

Making your own spicy chili oil is one of the easiest and most rewarding kitchen projects. It’s quick, customizable, and far more delicious than the store-bought versions. Plus, it makes a great homemade gift for anyone who loves a bit of spice!

So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!

Super easy spicy chili oil!