Chili oil is a versatile condiment that adds a flavorful kick to a variety of dishes. Making your own chili oil at home allows you to customize the level of heat and flavor to suit your taste preferences. This easy recipe for homemade chili oil is a great way to elevate your cooking and add a touch of spice to your favorite dishes.
Chili Oil Recipe – How To Make Chili Oil
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup of dried red chili flakes
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns
– 1 piece of ginger, sliced
– 2-3 dried bay leaves
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1 star anise
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over low heat. Add the dried red chili flakes, minced garlic, Sichuan peppercorns, ginger slices, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Stir well to combine.
2. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. You’ll start to notice the oil turning a deep red color and becoming infused with the flavors of the aromatics.
3. Once the oil is fragrant and the chili flakes have slightly darkened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the chili oil cool for a few minutes.
4. Strain the chili oil through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean, heatproof container to remove the solid ingredients. This step will help ensure a smooth and clear oil without any debris.
5. Stir in the soy sauce and sugar into the chili oil, adjusting the seasoning to taste. These ingredients will add depth of flavor and balance out the spiciness of the chili oil.
6. Allow the chili oil to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a month.
7. Enjoy your homemade chili oil drizzled over noodles, stir-fries, soups, or any dish that could use a spicy kick. It also makes a great dipping sauce for dumplings or spring rolls.
Making your own chili oil at home is a simple way to enhance your culinary creations and add a burst of heat to your meals. Experiment with different types of chili flakes and aromatic spices to create a unique chili oil that suits your palate. This homemade chili oil is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, ready to spice up any dish with its flavorful goodness.
