Easy Chili Crisp Recipe (2024)

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Jump To Recipe by Liz Thomson May 15, 2023This post may contain affiliate links.

This easy chili crisp oil can be made in just a few minutes! It’s an easy way to add a spicy flavor to your favorite dishes!

Easy Chili Crisp Recipe (1)

This chili oil recipe is based on the popular Trader Joe’s condiment Chili Oil Crunch which skyrocketed into popularity. But Trader Joe’s didn’t invent this tasty condiment. If you’ve been to a Chinese restaurant and noticed the little dish of chili oil on the table, that’s what inspired the creation of the Trader Joe’s product. So I guess this is a recipe based on a product that is based on a classic Chinese restaurant staple!

What is Chili Oil Crunch?

Chili crisp or chili oil crunch is simply oil infused with chili peppers and other seasonings. In this case, the crunch comes from garlic, onion, and flaky sea salt. I love the balance of the different textures and flavors. Sometimes this type of condiment is called chili crisp oil.

Trader Joe’s Version

The Trader Joe’s chili oil crunch is made with dried garlic and onion, which creates a crunch texture with a bit of heat from dried red bell pepper and chili flakes. While it certainly wasn’t the first chili crisp on the market, it’s one that most people are familiar with.

Momof*cku Chili Crunch Version

David Chang’s version of this crunchy, spicy oil is made with Mexican chilis, crunchy garlic, and shallots. I recommend trying it if you can get your hands on it! It’s really good, but it’s also quite expensive.

Ways to Use Chili Oil Crunch

  • On rice dishes: Add chili crisp on top of fried rice to add flavor and texture.
  • In noodle dishes: Toss chili oil crunch with noodles and veggies to turn a few basic pantry staples into a meal.
  • On top of soups: Drizzle it on top of your favorite soup to add a kick of spicy flavor.
  • As a marinade: Mix chili crisp with soy sauce to make a simple marinade for tofu, tempeh, or vegetables.
  • On eggs or toast: Try this over scrambled eggs or drizzled on avocado toast.
  • As a dipping sauce: Use it as a tasty dipping sauce for dumplings or spring rolls.
Easy Chili Crisp Recipe (2)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the difference between chili oil and chili crunch? The main difference between chili oil and chili oil crunch is their texture and the additional ingredients that are added to chili oil crunch to give it a more complex flavor. Chili oil is primarily for adding heat, while chili oil crunch contains crispy bits of minced garlic and onion, so it adds both heat and texture to dishes.
  • Do I need to fry the onion and garlic? No, in order to save time, I used dried minced garlic and onion. This adds the perfect texture without any additional work.
  • Can I make it less spicy? Absolutely! You can adjust the spiciness based on the amount of crushed red pepper flakes you add to the sauce.
  • Can I adjust the salt? Yep! I like to use Maldon flaky sea salt to add additional crunch and texture but you can leave it out entirely if desired.
  • How long does it last? You’ll want to keep this oil at room temperature, as it will solidify in the fridge. It should last up to 2 months. Just be sure to use a clean spoon every time you dish out some of the oil.
  • Can I use another oil? Yes, any neutral oil is fine. Vegetable oil, avocado oil, or olive oil all work fine.

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Easy Chili Crisp Recipe (3)

Easy Chili Crisp Recipe

  • Author: Liz Thomson
  • Prep Time: 1 minute
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1/2 cup 1x
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chinese Inspired
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

This easy chili crisp oil can be made in just a few minutes! It’s an easy way to add a spicy flavor to your favorite dishes!

Ingredients

Units Scale

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons dehydrated minced onion
  • 2 tablespoons dehydrated minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table salt)

Instructions

  1. Add the olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and paprika to a skillet.
  2. Heat over low heat for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Transfer to a jar and add minced onion, garlic, and salt. Stir to combine.

originally posted May 15, 2023 (updated June 20, 2023) by Liz Thomson
categories: Side Dish, Vegan 5 comments

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5 comments on “Easy Chili Crisp Recipe”

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  1. AnjaliReply

    I buy the Trader Joe’s chili crunch oil all the time, but never knew it was so easy to make at home! I might like your version even better than the store bought one! It was delicious!

  2. Dina and BruceReply

    Made it! Put over thick plain yougurt and serve with veggies!

  3. ElisaReply

    Love this Easy Chili Crisp Recipe, is easy to make and looks delicious!!! Definitely will make it because love spicy salsas. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  4. BianaReply

    What a simple recipe for chili oil! Should be great with salad or roasted veggies.

  5. JulieReply

    What a delicious recipe! I made this as a dipping oil and it was so good. I’ve got some left and will be mixing it in a veggie dish to give it a flavor kick.

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Easy Chili Crisp Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best oil to use for chili crisp? ›

You may see other neutral oils like grapeseed used in chili crisps. Oils that don't have strong flavors on their own let the chili and other flavors shine. If a peanut allergy isn't a concern, peanut oil can be a good option because of its high smoke point and umami flavor.

What is a good substitute for chili crisp? ›

To substitute, you can use red pepper flakes instead. Gochujang (コチュジャン) – this is a fermented chili paste popular in Korean cooking. Gochujang is a great condiment to use for savory, spicy and slightly sweet flavors. It's sold in any Asian supermarket or online.

What are the ingredients in spicy chili crisp? ›

Sunflower Oil, Hot Chili Flakes, Korean Chile Flakes, Garlic, Onion, Tamari Sauce, Sesame Seed, Coconut Amino, Yeast Extract, Sesame Flour, Sugar, Spices, Birdseye Chile, Seaweed Powder.

How to cook with chili crisp? ›

8 recipes with chili crisp for a spicy umami kick
  1. Gnocchi With Chili Crisp, Capers and Parmesan.
  2. Coconut Corn Soup With Chili Crisp.
  3. Spicy Sesame Chile Oil Noodles.
  4. Stir-Fried Dumplings.
  5. Roasted Potatoes With Silky Corn Sauce.
  6. Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup.
  7. Miso-Parmesan Pasta With Chili Crisp.
Jan 31, 2024

What is the difference between chili oil and chili crisp? ›

The best-known commercial brand is Lao Gan Ma, which is based on the chili crisps of Guizhou province. The chili crisp is closely related to Chinese chili oil, and sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably, the difference being that the crisp contains edible chunks of food in the chili oil.

Do you stir chili crisp? ›

The one thing to keep in mind is that the solids quickly settle to the bottom of the jar, so it's a good idea to give the chili crisp a good stir to make sure it's evenly combined each time you go for another spoonful.

Why is chili crisp so addictive? ›

It's about the umami-ness of it, the natural flavor in there—it's addictive,” said Chef Neath Pal, instructor at Johnson & Wales University. While chilis are spicy, once you take a bite, the crunchiness, saltiness, spiciness, and sweetness keeps you reaching for the jar.

What's the difference between chili crunch and chili crisp? ›

While both chili crisp and chili crunch may, at first glance, appear to be similar oily-based mixtures of peppers and spice in jars, the inclusion of peanuts, soybeans, and sesame seeds take chili crunch to a chewier level than the crispy spoonfuls of chili crisp.

Should you refrigerate chili crisp? ›

But that doesn't mean you should completely neglect it. The fridge is the ideal place to store your chili crisp because it will preserve all of its complex flavors to their fullest — and that's especially true on the off chance that your mixture contains any fresh ingredients.

Is chili paste the same as chili crisp? ›

Chili paste is a paste version of chilis similar to a texture of tomato paste, with a thicker texture. Chili crisp is a condiment of a fried pepper alongside other aromatics that are immersed in oil.

Does chili crisp have sugar? ›

INGREDIENTS: SOYBEAN OIL, CHILI, ONION, SOYBEAN, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, PRICKLY ASH POWDER, SUGAR, SALT, SULFUR DIOXIDE, SODIUM SULFITE.

Is chili crisp the same as chili garlic sauce? ›

Chili crisp is an infused oil condiment that usually contains crunchy, flavorful bits of peppers, onions or scallions, garlic and other aromatics. “Chili crisp,” “chili oil and “chili sauce” can often be used interchangeably, but generally what differentiates chili crisp is the ratio of crispy bits to oil.

Can you leave chili crisp out? ›

Recommendations vary by brand, but most chili crisp or chili crunch doesn't need to be stored in the fridge. Most companies use garlic, shallots, and chiles that have been dried, which decreases the risk of bacterial growth.

Can you put chili crisp in ramen? ›

To serve, I like to arrange the noodles in low bowls. Then spoon the steaming broth over and top with chili crisp sauce. Then add fresh green onions for a nice pop of color and flavor at the end. That's it, enjoy immediately!

Can you use avocado oil for chili crisp? ›

#ChosenPartner @chosenfoods 100% Pure Avocado Oil is perfect for high heat cooking and has a neutral taste that works perfectly in my Garlic Chili Crisp.

Is olive oil good for chili oil? ›

Ingredients for Italian Chili Oil

While it is important to use a flavorful olive oil, the most prominent flavor in this condiment is the heat. So, the delicate flavor of a very high-end, extra-virgin olive oil will likely become masked.

Can you substitute chili oil for chili crisp? ›

Chili Crisp Substitutes

You can sub in sesame seeds and crushed peanut for your crispy bits. Or, use any hot chili oil for flavor and drizzling.

Do you refrigerate chili crisp oil after opening? ›

Chili Crisp - No

Most companies use garlic, shallots, and chiles that have been dried, which decreases the risk of bacterial growth. But as with many other condiments, storing it in the fridge will slow any flavor changes that might occur.

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