17 Chinese Hot Chili Oil Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 20, 2024
Chinese hot chili oil, also known as "là jiāo yóu" in Mandarin, is a staple condiment in Chinese cuisine. This fiery and flavorful oil is made by infusing dried chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and other aromatics in hot oil. Its rich and spicy taste adds depth and heat to dishes, making it a popular choice among Chinese chefs and home cooks alike. In this article, we will dive into the history and origins of this beloved condiment and provide a simple and easy-to-follow recipe for you to make your own Chinese hot chili oil at home.
Main Ingredients: Chili Peppers, Vegetable Oil, Scallion, Star Anise, Bay
If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you’ve probably encountered hot chili oil in various dishes. This delicious and spicy condiment is a staple in Chinese cooking and can be used as a dipping sauce, marinade, or as a flavor enhancer. While you can easily find ready-made hot chili oil in most supermarkets, making your own at home is a great way to customize the flavor and adjust the spice level to your liking.
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Chinese Pork Dumplings + Chili Oil
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Large Egg, Low Sodium Soy Sauce, Sesame
One of the most popular ways to enjoy hot chili oil is with Chinese pork dumplings. These delicious bite-sized treats are filled with a savory pork filling and boiled or pan-fried to perfection. The addition of hot chili oil adds a spicy kick and takes the flavor to the next level. To make this dish, you can either use store-bought dumplings or make your own from scratch.
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Chinese Pork Dumplings + Chili Oil Dipping Sauce
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Large Egg, Low Sodium Soy Sauce, Sesame
If you prefer a spicier dipping sauce for your dumplings, then you can mix hot chili oil with soy sauce and vinegar for a delicious and easy dipping sauce. This combination adds a tangy and savory element to the spice of the chili oil, making it the perfect accompaniment to your dumplings. You can also add some garlic, ginger, or green onions to the sauce for extra flavor.
Hot chili oil is also a great addition to Chinese chicken stir fry dishes. The spiciness of the oil adds depth to the dish and pairs well with the savory flavors of the chicken and vegetables. You can use hot chili oil as a marinade for the chicken or simply add it to the stir fry while cooking. Don’t forget to add some extra chili oil on top for an extra spicy kick.
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Chinese Mongolian Hot Pot
Main Ingredients: Lamb, Cellophane Noodles, Bok Choy, Tofu, Chicken
Hot chili oil is a must-have ingredient for Chinese Mongolian hot pot. This popular dish involves cooking various meats, vegetables, and noodles in a hot and flavorful broth. The addition of hot chili oil adds a spicy element to the broth, making it even more delicious and comforting. You can also add some extra chili oil on top of your hot pot for an extra kick.
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Spicy Chili Oil Wontons
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Peeled And Deveined Shrimp, Sliced Green
If you’re a fan of spicy food, then you’ll love these spicy chili oil wontons. These bite-sized dumplings are filled with a savory pork filling and served in a spicy chili oil sauce. The combination of the spicy sauce and the flavorful filling is a match made in heaven. You can adjust the spice level of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less chili oil.
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Wontons with Red Chili Oil
Main Ingredients: Wonton Wrappers, Spring Onions, Pork, Chopped Ginger
Another delicious way to enjoy hot chili oil is with wontons served in a red chili oil sauce. These wontons are filled with a savory pork and vegetable filling and served in a spicy and tangy sauce made with hot chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and other seasonings. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or as a main course.
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Sliced Beef in Hot Chili Oil
Main Ingredients: Vegetable, Mung Bean Sprouts, Lettuce, Beef, Green
If you’re a fan of beef, then you’ll love this spicy and flavorful dish. Sliced beef is cooked in hot chili oil and served with a variety of vegetables and seasonings. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy dinner and can be adjusted to your preferred spice level. You can also add other ingredients to the dish, such as tofu or noodles, for a more filling meal.
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Szechuan Red Chili Oil Wonton Sauce
Main Ingredients: Szechwan Peppercorns, Chili Oil, Soy Sauce, Oyster
This spicy and flavorful sauce is perfect for dipping wontons or adding to a variety of dishes. The combination of hot chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and other seasonings creates a delicious and tangy sauce that pairs well with dumplings, noodles, or stir-fries. You can also use this sauce as a marinade for meats or vegetables.
Eggplant lovers, rejoice! This dish is a delicious and spicy way to enjoy eggplant. Slices of eggplant are cooked in a hot chili oil sauce and served with a tangy and savory sauce made with vinegar, soy sauce, and other seasonings. This dish is perfect as a side dish or as a main course served with rice or noodles.
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Chicken Cilantro Wontons with Red Chili Oil
Main Ingredients: Vegetable, Black Cardamom Pods, Fresh Ginger Root
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious wonton dish, then this is the one for you. These wontons are filled with a savory chicken and cilantro filling and served in a spicy red chili oil sauce. The combination of the chicken, cilantro, and chili oil creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
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Sichuan Smashed Cucumber Salad + Hot Chili Oil
Main Ingredients: English Cucumbers, Kosher Salt, Rice Vinegar, Garlic
This refreshing and spicy salad is a must-try for hot chili oil lovers. Thinly sliced cucumbers are combined with a spicy and tangy dressing made with hot chili oil, vinegar, and other seasonings. This dish is perfect as a side dish or as a light and refreshing snack.
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Dan Dan Noodles |
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Vegetable, Peanuts, Scallions, Black Pepper
Dan Dan noodles are a classic Chinese dish that is known for its spicy and flavorful sauce. This dish involves noodles topped with a spicy sauce made with hot chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and other seasonings. You can also add ground meat or tofu to the sauce for a more filling meal.
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Northern Chinese Beef Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Gyoza Wrappers, Chilli Oil, Soy Sauce, Coriander
Beef lovers will enjoy this delicious and spicy dish. These beef dumplings are filled with a savory beef filling and served in a spicy chili oil sauce. The combination of the beef and the chili oil creates a burst of flavors in every bite. You can also add some vegetables to the dish for extra texture and flavor.
This classic Chinese sauce is a favorite among many and can be used in a variety of dishes. The combination of sweet and sour flavors creates a delicious and well-balanced sauce that pairs well with meats, vegetables, and noodles. You can also add some hot chili oil to the sauce for an extra kick.
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Cold Soba Noodles In Hot Chili Oil Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Eggs, Cucumber, Carrot, Red Delicious
If you’re a fan of soba noodles, then you’ll love this spicy and flavorful dish. Cold soba noodles are served in a hot chili oil sauce and topped with various vegetables and seasonings. This dish is perfect for a hot summer day and can be adjusted to your preferred spice level.
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Sichuan Spicy Wonton In Chili Oil (红油抄手)
Main Ingredients: Minced Garlic, Light Soy Sauce, Black Rice Vinegar
This popular Sichuan dish is a must-try for any hot chili oil lover. These wontons are filled with a savory pork filling and served in a spicy chili oil sauce. The combination of the flavorful filling and the spicy sauce creates a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to become a favorite.
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Sichuan Shredded Chinese Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Salt, Canola, White Vinegar, Sugar
Potato lovers will enjoy this spicy and flavorful dish. Thinly shredded potatoes are cooked in a hot chili oil sauce and topped with various seasonings and spices. This dish is perfect as a side dish or as a main course served with rice or noodles.
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Chinese Tofu Veggie Chow Mein {Gluten-Free, Vegan}
Main Ingredients: Water, Gluten Free Brown Rice Spaghetti, Canola Oil
This gluten-free and vegan dish is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy hot chili oil. Tofu and vegetables are cooked in a flavorful and spicy sauce made with hot chili oil, soy sauce, and other seasonings. You can also add some noodles to the dish for a more filling meal.
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Sichuan Pork Wontons in Chili Oil Sauce (Hong You Chao...
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Ginger, Garlic Cloves, Chinese
If you’re looking for a spicy and flavorful dish, then look no further. These wontons are filled with a savory pork filling and served in a spicy chili oil sauce. The addition of Sichuan peppercorns in the sauce adds a unique and numbing sensation to the dish, making it a must-try for any hot chili oil lover.
The Origins of Chinese Hot Chili Oil
The Influence of Sichuan Cuisine
Chinese hot chili oil has its roots in Sichuan cuisine, one of the eight major regional cuisines of China. Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, with the use of chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns as key ingredients. The province's long history of spice trade and access to a variety of chili peppers have contributed to the development of this fiery condiment.
The Medicinal Benefits
In addition to its flavorful properties, Chinese hot chili oil is also believed to have medicinal benefits. The key ingredient, chili peppers, contains a compound called capsaicin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, capsaicin is used to treat various ailments such as arthritis, digestive issues, and even the common cold.
The Recipe for Chinese Hot Chili Oil
To make your own Chinese hot chili oil, you will need:
- 1 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup of dried whole chili peppers
- 2 tablespoons of Sichuan peppercorns
- 3 cloves of garlic, smashed
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 1 teaspoon of salt
1. In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add in the dried chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, cinnamon stick, and star anise.
3. Let the ingredients infuse in the oil for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the oil starts to bubble and the aromatics are fragrant, turn off the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
5. Add in the salt and stir to combine.
6. Let the mixture cool completely before transferring it into a jar.
7. Store the Chinese hot chili oil in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Pro tip: For a spicier oil, you can add more dried chili peppers or leave the seeds in. For a milder version, use fewer chili peppers and remove the seeds before infusing.
In conclusion, Chinese hot chili oil is a versatile and flavorful condiment that has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. Its origins in Sichuan cuisine and its potential health benefits make it a popular choice for both cooking and as a medicinal remedy. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can now make your own Chinese hot chili oil at home and add a fiery kick to your dishes.
