Chili Crisp Recipe – How to Make Chili Crisp Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold and spicy flavors, this Chili Crisp Recipe – How to Make Chili Crisp Recipe is a game-changer in your kitchen arsenal. I absolutely love how this homemade chili crisp has the perfect balance of crispy, aromatic bits with a punch of heat that wakes up any dish from noodles to simple rice bowls. Seriously, once you make your own, store-bought versions just won’t do it for you anymore.

When I first tried making this chili crisp, I was amazed at how the slow infused oil picks up layers of flavor from garlic, shallots, and serrano peppers, mingling beautifully with aromatic spices. You’ll find that making your own chili crisp not only lets you control the spice level but also lets you customize it any way you like — plus, it stores well, making it a handy condiment you’ll reach for again and again.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chili Crisp Recipe – How to Make Chili Crisp Recipe comes from simple, accessible ingredients that pack maximum flavor. Getting good quality oils and fresh aromatics will really elevate the final product.

• Vegetable or peanut oil: I prefer peanut oil for its nutty flavor, but neutral vegetable oil works great.
• Serrano peppers: Don’t worry about finely chopping—rough pieces are perfect for slow infusion.
• Shallot: Adds a subtle sweetness and aroma that deepens the flavor.
• Garlic: Rough chopped for crispy, flavorful bits.
• Black or Sichuan peppercorns: Sichuan peppercorns add numbing heat, but black peppercorns work well if you don’t have them.
• Red chili flakes: Choose your favorite heat level here—gochugaru is a great smoky option.
• Smoked paprika or cayenne: Smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky touch, but cayenne works if you want more heat.
• Soy sauce: For rich umami depth.
• Sugar: Balances the heat and saltiness.
• MSG (optional): Enhances umami—feel free to use sea salt as an alternative.
• Cinnamon stick and star anise (optional): Add these for a fascinating warm spice dimension.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Chili Crisp Recipe – How to Make Chili Crisp Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. I love encouraging you to make this your own by experimenting with different spice combinations or flavor boosts.

• Spicy Kick: Adding extra cayenne or using hotter peppers like Thai bird’s eye will crank up the heat—my husband swears by this when he needs a real fire!
• Smoke Lover’s Edition: Using smoked paprika or even adding a chipotle chili powder lends a smoky depth that’s irresistible on grilled meats.
• Fragrant Spice Blend: Try infusing with additional spices like fennel seeds or cloves if you want to play with more aromatic notes.
• Vegan Umami Boost: Swap soy sauce with tamari or add mushroom powder to deepen the umami flavor without altering the vegan profile.

How to Make Chili Crisp Recipe – How to Make Chili Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Oil Slowly

Start by adding the oil to a small pot with the serrano peppers, shallot, garlic, and peppercorns; add the cinnamon stick and star anise pods if you’re using them. Heat the oil on medium-low—patience is key here.

I learned from experience that rushing this step leads to raw-tasting oil or burnt bits that ruin the flavor, so keep it low and slow for about 20-30 minutes. You’ll see the aromatics gradually turn golden brown—that’s when the magic really happens.

Step 2: Mix Your Spices While It Cools

While the oil infuses and cools for a couple of minutes after you remove it from heat, mix your red chili flakes, smoked paprika (or gochugaru), soy sauce, sugar, and MSG (if you’re using it) in a heat-proof bowl. This helps everything blend evenly when you pour the oil over.

Step 3: Strain the Oil and Capture Those Crispy Bits

Strain the infused oil into your chili flake mixture. Don’t toss those crispy serrano, shallot, and garlic bits in the strainer! Let them cool for a few minutes until they crisp up fully, then pick out the cinnamon stick and star anise pods and swirl those crunchy bits back into your chili oil. This texture is what takes this chili crisp from good to unforgettable.

Step 4: Refrigerate and Let the Flavors Develop

Cover and refrigerate your chili crisp overnight, if you can wait that long! The flavors intensify beautifully after a day, making it even better than when freshly made. If your crispy bits aren’t quite crunchy enough, just gently heat them again in a bit of the chili oil until they crisp up.

How to Serve Chili Crisp Recipe – How to Make Chili Crisp Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped scallions or cilantro on top when serving dishes with chili crisp, as the fresh herbs complement the spicy, oily crunch beautifully. A squeeze of lime over the plate is also a nice tangy counterpoint.

Side Dishes

This chili crisp shines next to simple sides like steamed rice, fried eggs, dumplings, or roasted vegetables. I also love tossing it into noodle bowls or using it as a dip for crispy tofu or chicken wings.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving chili crisp in small ramekins alongside dishes so guests can add as much or as little as they want. It also makes a killer gift when jarred nicely with a handwritten label—my foodie friends always go crazy for it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your chili crisp in a clean, airtight jar in the refrigerator. I’ve kept mine fresh and tasty for up to a month, and each day the flavor seems to get better. Just make sure to use a clean spoon each time to avoid contamination.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze chili crisp because the texture can change, but if you do, make sure it’s in a tightly sealed container. Thaw it gently at room temperature and stir well before using.

Reheating

If the crispy bits soften after refrigeration, just warm the chili crisp gently in a pan or microwave for a few seconds to revive the crunch. Stir well and let it cool slightly before serving to enjoy that amazing texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can honestly say that once you try this Chili Crisp Recipe – How to Make Chili Crisp Recipe, it becomes a staple in your fridge and a highlight in your meals. I love how it instantly adds brightness, heat, and crunchy texture to everything from weeknight dinners to special dishes. Give it a go—you’ll find making your own chili crisp is easier than it looks, and you’ll be so proud of the flavor punch it brings!

Print