In this text, Foods for day introduces you to how to make chili crisp. First, chili crisp, also known as chili oil crisp or chili sauce crisp, is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine. Chili peppers, garlic, shallots, and spices are just a few of the ingredients that go into making it. The mixture is then cooked until the ingredients become crispy and fragrant. The resulting chili crisp is a spicy, savory, and aromatic condiment with a rich flavor profile.
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1. What are the ingredients in chili crisp?
The ingredients commonly used in chili crisp are:
- Dried chili peppers: Usually a combination of spicy chili peppers like Sichuan peppers, Thai chili peppers, or bird’s eye chili peppers. The type and amount of chili peppers used can vary based on personal preference for spiciness.
- Oil: Neutral oils like vegetable oil or peanut oil are commonly used for frying the ingredients and creating the base of the chili crisp.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are often minced or finely chopped and added to the mixture for their distinct flavor.
- Shallots: Shallots, thinly sliced or finely chopped, contribute a slightly sweet and onion-like flavor to the chili crisp.
- Sichuan peppercorns: These aromatic peppercorns are a key ingredient in many chili crisp recipes, adding a unique numbing and citrusy flavor.
- Spices: Various spices like star anise, cinnamon, and fennel seeds may be included to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Salt: A small amount of salt is typically added to balance the flavors.
Chili crisp, a fiery condiment commonly found in Chinese cooking, is created from the following essential ingredients:
- 1 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup of dried red chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons of Sichuan peppercorns
- 3 tablespoons of minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
These components come together to craft the distinctive flavor profile of chili crisp.
2. How to make chili crisp?
Remember, the spiciness level can be adjusted by using more or fewer chili peppers and seeds. To make chili crisp, follow these steps:
Step 1: Chili preparation
Remove the stems from the dried chili peppers and discard any seeds if you prefer less heat. Break the peppers into smaller pieces. Heat the oil: In a pan or wok, heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches around 300°F (150°C). Be cautious not to overheat or burn the oil.
Step 2: Fry the ingredients
Add the dried chili peppers to the hot oil and fry them for about 30-60 seconds until they turn darker in color and become fragrant. Remove the peppers from the oil and set them aside to cool.
Fry the garlic, shallots, and Sichuan peppercorns: In the same oil, add minced or chopped garlic, sliced shallots, and Sichuan peppercorns. Fry them over low heat until they turn golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 3: Add optional additives
If desired, add spices like star anise, cinnamon, or fennel seeds to the pan along with a small amount of salt. Stir everything together for an additional minute to infuse the flavors.
Step 4: Combine the ingredients & Mix everything together
Once the chili peppers have cooled, transfer them to a mortar and pestle or a food processor. Crush or grind them into flakes or a coarse powder, depending on your desired texture. Combine the chili pepper flakes and the fried garlic, shallots, and Sichuan peppercorns in a bowl. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Step 5: Enjoy
Chili crisp can be used as a condiment or flavor enhancer for various dishes. Sprinkle it on noodles, stir-fries, soups, or any other dish that could use a spicy kick and a crunchy texture.
Watch step-by-step video tutorials for beginners on how to make chili crisp:
3. How to store chili crisp?
To store chili crisp, follow these steps:
Step 1: Let chili crisp cool down: let the chili crisp cool down to room temperature before storing. This helps maintain its texture and flavor.
Sep 2: Container storage: transfer the chili crisp to a clean, airtight jar, or container. Ensure it has a tight-fitting lid to prevent air and moisture from entering.
Step 3: Temperature storage: store in a cool, dry place: Place the jar or container in a cool and dry area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Ideally, store it at room temperature and avoid moisture.
Notes:
- Seal the jar or container tightly after each use
- Check for signs of spoilage
- Chili crisp can typically be stored for several months to a year, depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used.
Chili crisp is typically used as a topping or flavor enhancer for a variety of dishes. It can be added to stir-fries, noodles, dumplings, rice dishes, soups, or even spread on sandwiches or enjoyed with steamed buns. The combination of crunchy texture, spicy heat, and umami flavors makes chili crisp a versatile and delicious condiment that adds a delightful kick to many dishes.
Foodsforday is the founder of the Foods For Day blog. A lover of cooking, sharing and synthesizing cooking experiences on recipes, kitchen utensils, and spices.