Make Your Own Chilli Oil at Home for Spice Lovers + Expert Storage & Health Benefits Advice
Chilli Oil
The flavour and spiciness of your own chilli oil can be adjusted to your personal taste with ease. A simple recipe for homemade chilli oil is provided here, along with some healthful advice:
Homemade Chili Oil Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of oil (preferably neutral-flavoured oil like vegetable or peanut oil)
- ¼ cup of crushed red pepper flakes
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-2 teaspoons of Sichuan peppercorns (optional, for added flavour)
- 1-2 dried whole chillies (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, warm the oil over medium heat.
- To the oil, add the minced garlic and Sichuan peppercorns, if using. Simmer the garlic for one to two minutes, or until it begins to turn golden.
- Toss in the dried chilies and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) in the saucepan. Mix thoroughly to blend.
- Stirring occasionally, let the mixture simmer over low heat for five to ten minutes. Take care to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Take the saucepan off the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes once the oil is aromatic and the chilli flakes have added colour and flavour.
- Move the chile oil into a sterile, well-washed jar or container. Before sealing, let it cool fully.
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Healthy Tips:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Go for fresh garlic and high-quality oil. For a variety of flavours, you may also try experimenting with different kinds of chilli flakes.
- Control Salt and Sugar: Commercial chilli oils sometimes have sugar or salt added. You can make a healthier version because you have control over these elements when you make your own.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: When oil is heated too high, it can smoke and produce toxic chemicals. To keep the garlic from burning, turn down the heat a little and keep a close eye on it.
- Portion Control: Chilli oil adds flavour to your food, but because it contains a lot of oil, it is high in calories. Use it cautiously to limit the number of calories you eat.
- Store Properly: Keep your homemade chili oil cold and dark, in an airtight container that is clean. To preserve its flavour and freshness, store it properly.
- Experiment with Herbs and Spices: For further flavour depth without adding extra calories, try adding additional herbs and spices like cinnamon, star anise, or ginger.
Storage Tips:
- To preserve its flavour and quality, keep the chilli oil out of direct sunlight and store it somewhere cold and dark.
- To avoid contamination, scoop out chilli oil with a dry, clean spoon each time.
- Homemade chilli oil can be stored for several weeks or even months if it is properly bottled. But before using, always use your senses to look for any symptoms of rotting.
Enjoy your handmade chilli oil as a tasty side dish for soups, noodles, stir-fries, and more!