Taiwanese Chili Oil

- Submitted by Dahlia

(Chilli Oil, Taiwan Chili Oil)

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Chili oil is a widely loved condiment made by infusing oil with dried chili flakes, garlic and aromatic spices. It is vibrant in color, very aromatic and enhances many dishes by adding an additional flavor. Across various Asian cuisines, it appears in many regional forms—ranging from lightly infused oils to crunchy or paste-like versions—each reflecting local ingredients and culinary traditions.

Today I am going to share the Taiwanese version of this chili oil that is adapted to ingredients available in Chennai, India. I tasted this during my recent visit to Taiwan. This is common in all Taiwanese night-markets. This chili oil blends the flavors of golden fried garlic and shallots with red chili flakes. This is a versatile condiment that can be added to noodles, dumplings, rice and even simple comfort foods like idli, dosa or chapathi. Chili oil is used as a finishing drizzle, cooking ingredient or a dipping accompaniment. It adds that instant punch to your everyday dishes.

Recipe For Taiwanese Chili Oil

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 25 tbsp

Ingredients

• Any neutral oil (Refined Sunflower oil, Saffola Oil etc.) - 1 cup
• Dried Red Chili Flakes - 4 tbsp
• Kashmiri Red Chili Powder - 1 tsp
• Garlic (finely minced) - ½ cup
• Small Onions (finely minced) - ¼ cup
• White Sesame Seeds - 2 tbsp
• 1 tbsp ginger, finely minced
• For Flavoring - 1 tsp peppercorns, 1 start anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 bay leaf and 1” piece ginger
• Salt - 1 tsp
• Brown Sugar - 1 tbsp

Method

1. Heat oil in a heavy pan on low heat. Add star anise, cinnamon, bay leaf, peppercorns and ginger.
2. Let it gently simmer for 3-5 minutes. After that remove and discard them.
3. Rinse the onions and garlic cloves. Add it to the hot oil and cook until it turns light golden. This will take atleast 10 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.

   

4. Now add the rest of the ingredients - red chili flakes, red chili powder, sesame seeds, salt and brown sugar.

   

5. Cook for another few minutes stirring well. Switch off and keep it covered till it cools well.

   

6. Store in a clean, dry glass jar.

   

Serving Suggestions

• This can be added to noodles, omelette, fried rice, soups etc. to instantly enhance its flavor.
• You can serve with momo
• It can also be added as a topping for dosa or served with chapati and idli.

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