If there’s one condiment I can’t live without, it’s my homemade spicy chili crisp. I honestly didn’t expect to become obsessed with this one—but what a pleasant surprise. It makes almost everything taste better! It’s versatile, bold, crunchy, and full of umami flavor. There’s been a jar of it in my fridge at all times since the first time I made it!
I know at first glance the ingredient list looks long, but don’t let that scare you! This crunchy chili oil recipe comes together very easily. Make a big batch because it keeps for a long time, and you’ll find yourself spooning it on everything. I’ve even been known to eat it straight off a spoon when the mood strikes!
What is chili crisp?
Chili crisp (sometimes called chili crunch or crunchy chili oil) is a spicy, savory condiment made from infused oil, dried chilis, aromatics, seeds, and seasonings. Unlike a straight chili oil that’s just oil and heat, chili crisp has texture. And it is sooooo good. Originating in different Asian cuisines, chili crisp has become popular around the world because it adds satisfying texture and a little kick to everything from noodles and sandwiches to unexpected snacks like my homemade five-spice Scotch egg recipe.
Is chili crisp hot?
The short answer is, it depends. It’s spicy, but not overwhelmingly spicy. The heat level depends on the chili flakes you choose and how much you add. And, of course, your own spice tolerance! The gochugaru in this recipe adds a warm, smoky, and slightly fruity heat. To me, the flavor is more balanced than fiery. If you want extra heat, you can certainly add more chili flakes. One of the best things about this recipe is that you can easily tweak it to suit your personal taste.
What is gochugaru?
Gochugaru is a Korean chili powder and flake spice made from dried Korean red peppers. This unique spice is known for its smoky, fruity flavor and rich red color. It’s moderately spicy on its own, but here it enhances the chili crisp without overpowering the other aromatic ingredients.
What about tamari?
Tamari, for me, is soy sauce’s richer, more savory cousin. It deepens the overall flavor of the chili crisp. Tamari is an awesome ingredient to keep on hand because it’s soy-free and gluten-free!
What are the different types of chili crisp?
Chili crisp comes in many different forms! Some store-bought brands include MSG, which makes their umami flavor unforgettable. This version (with shallots, garlic, gochugaru, sesame seeds, tamari, and peanuts) is smoky, savory, crunchy, and versatile.
Sichuan Chili Crisp
Sichuan-style chili crisps are heavier on Sichuan peppercorns. They have a wonderful, unique flavor and a mildly electrifying, numbing mouthfeel.
Korean Chili Crisp
These varieties use gochugaru for that smoky, fruity heat.
Garlic‑Forward Chili Crisp
Lots of crispy garlic bits, and sometimes shallots too. I’ve even seen some that have crispy fried beans inside for extra texture! These tend to be the crunchiest.
Sesame Chili Crisp
Maybe it goes without saying—a sesame chili crisp will include sesame seeds for a deep, nutty flavor note.
Sweet & Spicy Chili Crisp
And finally, you might come across some varieties with a touch of sugar or honey to help balance out the spice.
What is the origin of chili crisp?
Chili crisp has roots in Chinese (and other Asian) cuisines, where chili oils and sauces have been used for centuries to add heat and flavor to food. In recent years, chili crisp has become popular globally because it pairs so well with so many dishes! It’s one of those pantry staples that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make at home. And if it’s not a staple in your pantry yet, it will be soon!
What does chili crisp taste like?
If you’ve read most of this article, you probably already have an idea of the flavor profile: Chili crisp is generally savory and umami, crunchy and crispy, and rich in other flavors depending on what ingredients are used. This recipe has smoky and fruity notes, and it’s pretty balanced in terms of heat. It’s not just spicy—it’s a complex condiment that enhances every bite it touches. Yum!
What’s the nutritional value of chili crisp? Is it bad for you?
The base ingredient of any chili crisp recipe is going to be oil. It has flavor components too, but you can expect a good chili crisp to be calorie‑dense. But don’t let that stop you—you’ll be using it in small amounts. Nutritionally, it will also have some antioxidants from garlic and spices. And because it adds so much flavor, you might find that you need less salt. Like all condiments, enjoy it in moderation. And the key word here is enjoy!
Last but not least, what can you eat chili crisp with?
Once you make this chili crisp, you’ll find yourself adding it to everything. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
Mary’s Homemade Chili Crisp Recipe
Umami homemade chili crisp with gochugaru, shallots, garlic, sesame, tamari, and spices. This crunchy, savory sauce is perfect for noodles, eggs, pizza, roasted veggies, tacos, sandwiches, and more. It’s seriously irresistible!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the ginger, star anise, cinnamon, fennel, peppercorns, chili flakes and gochugaru in a heat-proof bowl and set aside.
- In a medium pan over medium-low heat, add the grapeseed oil and the sliced shallots. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the shallots turn golden brown. Remove the shallots with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate, keeping the oil in the pan.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic to the reserved oil. Cook, stirring frequently, until it’s a pale golden color. Remove and combine with the shallots.
- Bring the oil back to medium heat. As soon as it’s hot, pour it over the ginger spice mixture, stir to combine and then let it sit for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, add the reserved shallots and garlic to the mixture. Stir in the chili flakes, gochugaru, sesame seeds, tamari, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, peanuts, and salt.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring to a jar. Store in the fridge for up to 3 months. Before using, remember to take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes ahead so the oil has a chance to relax!
