This is a blog post on how to make homemade chili oil. Chilli oil is used not only in Chinese cuisine but also in ma y other types of cuisines like Italian. While it is possible to buy ready-made chili oil from shops, homemade versions are definitely more superior to shop-bought ones. This is because more ingredients can be tailored or added to the chili oil-making process. As a result, it becomes more flavourful. This that fetch wonderful prices at food markets like basil-infused chili oil is easily made at home.
Chilli oil is used to flavor food, a bit of it will simply just perk up a dish. It can use in many dishes like fried rice, noodles, and pizza. Homemade chili oil can be vegan and gluten-free. Dried prawns (grounded) can be added for extra umami flavor.
Homemade chilli oil – ingredients
The key in making chilli oil at home is heating the oil to the right temperature. The quality of oil and chili flakes used will also affect the final outcome of the oil. There are of course many variations to the ingredients but I would just go into the key ingredients the main technique. As too hot the oil it will burn the ingredients, not hot enough the oil will not infuse.
If you have got a spice blender it is much better to grind your own chili powder. One can use different varieties of dried chilies rather than be dependent on the shop-bought grounded chili powder. Different types of oil can be used like olive oil but commonly used ones are vegetable oil from rapeseed or corn oil even sesame oil. It very much depends on the flavor one is trying to achieve. I would use a light oil like rapeseed as I want the strong flavors of chili to come thru.
Recipe
Cooking oil about 1 cup
1-2 tsp Grounded dried chili
Spices like bay leaf, cardamon, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon
Method
Prepare the chili powder and herbs in a bowl big enough to hold the heated oil as well. Heat up to the oil to the point of nearly frying point temperature. Then turn off the heat and pour this hot oil onto the herbs, it will start bubbling then it is a good sign. Once cool down then put the oil in a jar or bottle.
Thank you for reading and dropping by. Do have a look at my homemade blog post like making hand-pulled noodles at home which is great to go with chili oil.
