If you’re looking to add bold flavor, heat, and depth to your dishes, there’s nothing quite like chili oil. This simple yet powerful condiment has become a kitchen essential in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada thanks to its versatility. From drizzling over noodles to spicing up pizza or stir-fries, learning how to make a homemade chili oil recipe will completely transform your cooking.
🔥 Why Chili Oil?
Flavor Booster – Infuses smoky, spicy, and aromatic notes into any dish.
Endlessly Versatile – Works with noodles, dumplings, rice, grilled meats, and even soups.
Customizable Heat – Adjust chili flakes or add aromatics to match your spice tolerance.
Easy to Store – A jar can last weeks and is always ready for a quick flavor kick.
🥢 Key Ingredients for Chili Oil
To master this chili oil recipe, you’ll need a few pantry staples:
Chili flakes (Sichuan or crushed red pepper flakes)
Neutral oil (canola, vegetable, grapeseed, or peanut oil)
Aromatics: garlic, ginger, scallions, onion
Whole spices (optional): star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, peppercorns
Salt or soy sauce for seasoning
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Chili Oil Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups neutral oil
1 cup chili flakes (adjust to taste)
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1 thumb-sized piece ginger, sliced
2 scallions, chopped
1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns (optional, for a numbing kick)
1 tsp salt
Method:
Heat the Oil
Add oil to a saucepan. Place garlic, ginger, scallions, and peppercorns into the oil. Heat gently until the aromatics sizzle and turn golden brown (don’t burn!).
Strain
Remove the aromatics and discard them. This leaves a fragrant, infused oil.
Bloom the Chili Flakes
Place chili flakes in a heatproof bowl. Carefully pour the hot oil over them. You’ll hear a satisfying sizzle as the flavors release.
Season
Add salt (or soy sauce) and stir well.
Cool and Store
Once cooled, transfer to a clean glass jar. Store in the fridge for up to a month.
🌟 How to Use Chili Oil
Drizzle over noodles or dumplings for instant flavor.
Mix into stir-fries for heat and aroma.
Top your pizza or pasta for a fiery twist.
Stir into soups and stews to elevate richness.
Use as a dipping sauce for bread, veggies, or spring rolls.
💡 Pro Tips
Adjust spice levels by mixing mild and hot chili flakes.
For smoky flavor, add smoked paprika.
Make it crunchier by adding sesame seeds, fried shallots, or peanuts.
Always pour hot oil slowly to avoid splattering.
✨ Conclusion
This chili oil recipe is your secret weapon in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes, you’ll have a versatile, flavorful condiment that can transform everyday meals into extraordinary dishes. Whether you like it fiery or mild, once you make your own, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought! 🌶️🥢