Add Smoky Heat to Your Food | Hot Chili Oil Recipe

None of the food is complete without the touch and flavor of hot, spicy chili. It’s totally your choice whether you want to add the food at the beginning or the end. You can use it anytime and anywhere to spice up things. Therefore, if you are searching for hot chili oil, you have two options –  you can make it at home or buy it from the grocery store; that’s totally your choice. Just make sure to try a little bit of it if you aren’t aware of the spice level instead of dumping it all over the food, as the level of spice varies from brand to brand. Let’s discuss the recipe if you want to make it at home.

Step-by-Step Procedure For making Hot Chili Oil 

Ingredients To Take For The best Hot Chilli Oil:

• 1 cup vegetable oil (canola, avocado oil,  light olive oil, or peanut oil work well)
• 1/2 cup dried red chili flakes
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Add toasted sesame seeds, black vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, Sichuan peppercorns, and raw garlic if wanted (optional)

Instructions To Make:

1. In a medium-sized pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
2. While the oil is heating up, combine the dried red chili flakes and Sichuan peppercorns (if using) in a heat-safe bowl.
3. Once the oil is heated, carefully pour it over the chili flakes and peppercorns. The mixture will sizzle and bubble up.
4. Add the garlic and salt to the mixture and stir well.
5. Cool down the prepared mixture to room temperature.
6. Once the mixture has cooled, pour it into a clean, airtight container.
7. Store the hot chili oil in a cool, dark place for up to a month. Shake the container occasionally to redistribute the ingredients.

Tips For a Perfect Recipe:

• If you prefer a milder hot chili oil, use fewer chili flakes. You can adjust the number of chili flakes and Sichuan peppercorns to suit your taste preferences.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer before storing it.
• Be sure to handle the hot oil with care to avoid burns. Use oven mitts or pot holders when handling the pot of hot oil.

Different ways To Use Hot Chili Oil

• Condiment

It can serve as a great condiment for any dish that needs a little heat. You can drizzle it over dumplings, noodles, rice, or any other food you want to add some spiciness too. The oil will add flavor as well as heat, making it a versatile and flavorful condiment.

• Soups

Soups can sometimes benefit from a little extra flavor, and hot chili oil is a great way to achieve that. A spoonful of hot chili oil can add depth and complexity to the broth, making it more satisfying and flavorful.

• Marinade

If you’re looking to add some heat and flavor to your meats or tofu, try using hot chili oil as a marinade. Combine the oil with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, and let your protein of choice marinate for several hours before cooking. The result will be a flavorful and spicy dish that’s sure to impress.

• Dipping Sauces

It can be a great ingredient in salad dressings or dipping sauces. Combine it with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for a delicious Asian-inspired dressing, or mix it with mayonnaise for a spicy dipping sauce for vegetables or sushi.

• Fried foods

 If you love fried foods, try drizzling some hot chili oil over your fried chicken, french fries, or other fried foods. The oil will add a spicy kick to the dish and make it more interesting and flavorful.

• Pizza

It can be a great substitute for traditional pizza sauce; spread a thin layer of the oil on your pizza crust; or drizzle it over your favorite pizza toppings for a spicy twist.

Hot chili oil is a versatile condiment that can add heat and flavor to a variety of dishes. It can be used as a condiment, in stir-fries, soups, marinades, dressings, with fried foods, and even on pizza. With its intense flavor and spiciness, it is sure to add an extra kick to any dish.