Few condiments deliver the same punch of heat, aroma, and richness as homemade chilli oil. Whether you’re diving into a bowl of noodles, dipping dumplings, or dressing a salad, this simple yet powerful ingredient transforms ordinary meals into fiery delights.
This Chinese Chili Oil recipe is inspired by traditional Sichuan flavors and can be customized to suit your heat tolerance and culinary style. It’s not just a Hot Oil Recipe—it’s a gateway to bolder cooking, brighter plates, and bursts of flavor in every drop.
🌶️ What Is Chilli Oil?
Chili oil is a spicy, infused oil made by pouring hot oil over chili flakes, often combined with aromatics like garlic, ginger, and spices. Commonly used in Chinese cuisine, it’s a staple in regions like Sichuan, Hunan, and even Northern China. It also appears in Korean, Thai, and Italian cooking (think spicy arrabbiata or chili oil pizza crust).
Traditionally known as “You Po La Zi” (油泼辣子) in Chinese cooking, this oil can be numbing, spicy, smoky, earthy, and savory—all in one spoonful.
Today, homemade versions are booming in popularity due to their clean ingredients, adjustable flavor, and the joy of making something artisan from scratch.
🛒 Ingredients for Chinese Chili Oil
You only need a handful of pantry ingredients to make this bold, delicious condiment.
Dry Mix:
- ½ cup crushed red chili flakes (Chinese-style or Korean gochugaru for milder spice and redder color)
- 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns (for the numbing effect)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (balances the heat)
- 1 star anise (optional but adds depth)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Aromatic Oil Base:
- 1½ cups neutral oil (grapeseed, peanut, or canola are best)
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 thumb-size piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 scallions, chopped
Note: For a Hot Chili Oil with bold kick, add ½ tsp cayenne or use extra-hot chili flakes. For a milder Easy Chilli, reduce the pepper flakes or mix in sweet paprika.
🍳 How to Make Homemade Chilli Oil – Step-by-Step
This is one of the easiest gourmet condiments to make at home. It takes just 20 minutes but adds weeks of flavor to your meals.
🔥 Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a heatproof bowl or wide-mouth glass jar, mix together:
- Chili flakes
- Sichuan peppercorns
- Sesame seeds
- Salt and sugar
- Optional: star anise and bay leaf
Place it near your stovetop, ready for the hot oil.
🔥 Step 2: Heat the Aromatics
In a saucepan, add your neutral oil along with:
- Sliced garlic
- Ginger
- Scallions
Set over medium-low heat. Let it slowly infuse for 10–15 minutes until the garlic turns golden brown. Do not rush this step—burnt garlic creates a bitter taste.
🔥 Step 3: Strain and Pour
Remove the oil from heat. Carefully strain it into the bowl of chili flakes while it’s still hot. The flakes will sizzle and release a strong, fragrant aroma. Stir gently and let sit for 15–20 minutes.
🔥 Step 4: Cool and Store
Once fully cooled, pour your chili oil into a clean, dry jar. Seal with a lid and store at room temperature for up to 1 month, or refrigerate for up to 3 months.
🧂 Variations and Add-Ins
Making Homemade Chilli oil is all about personalization. Here are some easy ways to switch things up:
💫 1. Garlic-Lovers Chili Oil
Add 1–2 tablespoons fried minced garlic after pouring the oil. Boosts umami and goes great with stir-fried greens.
🌸 2. Floral Chili Oil
Add dried edible flowers like rose petals, chrysanthemum, or osmanthus. The visual is stunning, ideal for food styling with flowers wallpaper backgrounds on blogs or Pinterest.
🥜 3. Crunchy Peanut Chili Oil
Add crushed peanuts for texture. Works beautifully as a topping for rice bowls, dumplings, and fusion dishes.
🍋 4. Citrus Infused
Add lemon or orange zest to the oil after it’s cooled. Pairs well with seafood and salads.
🌿 5. Chili Pesto Dip Fusion
Stir a spoonful into basil pesto or avocado dip. The spicy herb combo is irresistible and great for parties.
🍽️ How to Use Chilli Oil in Meals
Homemade Chilli Oil isn’t just for dipping dumplings. Here are mouthwatering ways to use it:
🍜 1. Noodles & Ramen
Swirl into any noodle dish for instant flavor. Try it on sesame noodles, Dan Dan noodles, or spicy ramen.
🥟 2. Dumplings & Potstickers
A classic pairing—add a splash to soy sauce for the ultimate dumpling dip.
🥗 3. Salad Dressing
Blend with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a bit of honey for a bold vinaigrette.
🍳 4. Eggs
Drizzle over fried eggs, omelets, or even scrambled tofu.
🥬 5. Roasted Veggies
Toss sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or green beans with chili oil before roasting.
🍕 6. Pizza
Add a drizzle before or after baking for a spicy crust and cheesy kick.
🥖 7. Bread Dip
Combine with balsamic vinegar or use as a base for a pesto dip with extra heat.
🥡 Storing Your Homemade Chilli Oil
Proper storage ensures food safety and freshness.
- Room Temp: 1 month in a cool, dark place.
- Fridge: 2–3 months.
- Always use a clean spoon when scooping to avoid contamination.
⚠️ If you’ve added fresh garlic or herbs that weren’t strained out, refrigerate immediately and consume within 2 weeks to reduce the risk of botulism.
🧘♀️ Health Benefits of Chili Oil
While it’s a condiment, chilli oil has some health perks:
- Capsaicin in chili peppers may aid metabolism and reduce inflammation.
- Ginger and garlic offer antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
- Sesame seeds contain heart-healthy fats and minerals.
However, as with any oil-based ingredient, moderation is key!
✍️ Make It a Gift!
Hot chili oil makes a thoughtful, gourmet gift.
- Use mini mason jars or sauce bottles.
- Add handwritten tags: “Spicy Love in a Jar” or “Homemade Chilli Oil – Handle with Care!”
- Include serving suggestions or a small recipe card.
Great for holidays, housewarmings, or foodie friends.
🌍 A Global Twist: Chili Oils Around the World
Although this recipe is based on Chinese chili oil, many global cuisines have their own spicy oils:
- Italy: Olio di peperoncino, used on pizza and pasta.
- Japan: Rayu, often sesame-oil based with a rich umami profile.
- Mexico: Chili oils made from ancho or guajillo peppers.
- Korea: Gochugaru-infused oils or ssamjang with chili and soybean paste.
Feel free to take inspiration and blend cultural flavors for your own signature version!
❤️ Final Thoughts
If you’re someone who craves spice, making your own Homemade Chilli Oil is a game-changer. It’s easy, rewarding, and endlessly adaptable. This Hot Oil Recipe adds instant depth, aroma, and personality to every dish.
Use it in classic Asian meals, modern fusion dips like chili pesto, or even experimental desserts (yes, spicy chocolate truffles are a thing!). The best part? You’re only 20 minutes away from unlocking a new world of flavor.
