Sichuan Chili Oil
September 25, 2021
1M+ Views Chinese Oils & Sauces Recipes Vegetarian
Sichuan Chili Oil is my favorite condiment – I love to drizzle it on everything and anything. Everyone always asks me what my favorite brand is and my answer is – my own! I love making homemade Chili Oil (and it’s also my favorite gift to give others). Try this one out – the oil is super aromatic and the chili adds an amazing texture to any dish!
My Key Ingredient Tips for Sichuan Chili Oil
INGREDIENTS TIPS
NEUTRAL OIL
My favorite neutral oil is avocado oil, but you can also use canola or vegetable oil! I don’t use olive oil when cooking Chinese food for two reasons: 1. It has a low burning point and 2. I find that the flavor profile does not usually go with the dish.
SICHUAN CHILI FLAKES
This is a KEY ingredient for this recipe. I purchase mine from 99 Ranch (Chinese grocery chain) but you can also find these on Amazon.
INGREDIENT SUBS
While I am usually happy to recommend ingredient subs, for this recipe, I highly recommend you follow it exactly as it is. I have perfected this recipe over the years and each ingredient is included for a specific reason.
My Top Recipe Tips for Sichuan Chili Oil
RECIPE TIPS
SAFETY FIRST
You are handling boiling hot oil in this recipe, so please be safe! Use a small sauce pan you can handle comfortably when heating up the oil and be careful when pouring (go slowly).
DO NOT USE A GLASS BOWL
Please use a ceramic or oven safe bowl – DO NOT USE A GLASS BOWL! I have never had a glass bowl explode on me but I know this is possible, so please do not use them when handling hot oil!
USE A THERMOMETER
I highly recommend you use a thermometer and monitor the temperature of the oil. We are intentionally infusing the spices at a low temperature before pouring over the Sichuan chili flakes at a higher temperature. You will want to measure the temperature as accurately as possible!
STORAGE
You can store these in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 months!
Sichuan Chili Oil
Ingredients
- 3 cups neutral oil I used avocado oil
- 1.5 cups szechuan chili flakes
- 2 tbsp whole szechuan peppercorns
- 4 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 shallot halved
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 star anise
- 1 tbsp cloves
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp salt to taste
Instructions
- Pour 3 cups of neutral oil into a heavy bottomed saucepan and add your spices (except sesame seeds, Szechuan chili flake, and salt).
- Over medium low heat, bring oil temp up to 225-250F and infuse your spices for 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour for maximum flavor). Monitor the temperature of oil so it stays in this temperature range. I highly recommend using a thermometer to measure the heat accurately.
- In a heat proof container (ceramic or heavy metal mixing bowl), add 1 1/2 cups of Szechuan chili flake.
- Strain all spices from the oil with a mesh strainer, then heat oil to 350F and carefully pour oil directly over chili flakes through your mesh strainer. It should smell like popcorn!
- Let cool for a few minutes, then add sesame seeds and salt to taste. Let cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
This recipe is so simple and I use this condiment on so many things. Love this content and his recipes!!
Hi Toi – thank you so much for the kind comment! So glad to hear you are enjoying this Chili Oil – I use it on everything, too 😉
Hi. Can you link the chili flakes and peppercorns you use in this recipe? And would peanut oil work? Thanks!
Currently making it for the second time and it is SUCH a great recipe! I used the last batch on pretty much everything, and especially love it on eggs. Always have to have some on hand.
Thanks, Brian! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the chili oil!
Tried it the first time, nailed it the first time! Everybody in my home loved it. Amazing recipe
Thanks Jose! I’m glad you enjoyed it – it’s one of my favorites!
Does this stay in the fridge when finished or can it be left in the cabinet
I leave it in an airtight container on my counter. You can also keep it in the fridge as well.
Hi CJ
Found yor recipes on Insta and need a perfekt dumpling sauce. Love to eat my dim sum with a kick. So I tried my chili oil and it was not what i was looking for. Just finished your recommended chili oil and the whole kitchen was smelling good. Tryed it, burned my lips, needed a pinch salt and I put a bit more sesame seeds in and love it. Will also fit my Italian Spaghetti for shure.
Thank you and all the best from Germany.
Thank you so much for the kind words Hardy! I’m glad you enjoyed it