This homemade chili oil is bold, versatile, and easy to make. It brings a spicy, aromatic flavor perfect for everything from grilled meat to pizza. This recipe is customizable and can be varied by taste.
Chili oil is a staple in Chinese cuisine, but we like to drizzle it over just about anything. With this recipe, you control the flavour and the heat. Want it fiery? Add more chili flakes. Would you prefer a bit more depth? To make it your own, try tossing in some star anise, cinnamon, or rice vinegar.
Traditional Sichuan chili oil uses Sichuan chili flakes, which are milder than the Indian-style ones most stores carry. If you can find the Sichuan variety at an Asian market, give them a shot. We used regular chili flakes, which were pretty spicy. And that’s just how we like it.
Because the oil is heated before it’s poured over the other ingredients, choose an oil with a high smoke point. We used avocado oil (smoke point 270°C / 518°F), but refined peanut oil or other neutral, refined oils work great, too.
What Can You Do With Chili Oil?
Everything tastes better with chili oil. Seriously. Use it on grilled chicken drumsticks, fried eggs, soup, or pizza, or stir it into fried rice. If you like a little heat, this stuff is liquid gold.
Once you’ve made a batch, you’ll start thinking of more ways to use it. Trust us.
If you give this chili oil a try, drop a comment below. Even better, please snap a pic and tag @bbqhelden on Instagram. We’d love to see your spicy creations.
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 a red onion
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chili flakes
- 250 ml avocado oil
Instructions
- Pour the oil into a saucepan and slowly bring it to a boil.
- Finely grate the garlic, onion, and ginger, and place them in a heatproof bowl.
- Add the salt and chili flakes, then carefully pour the hot oil over it.
- Please stir it a good bit and let the chili oil cool completely.
