04/10/2026
1. Chinese Sichuan Chili Oil
Ingredients
Neutral oil (vegetable or peanut oil) – 1 cup
Red chili flakes – 3 tbsp
Sichuan peppercorns – 1 tbsp
Sesame seeds – 1 tbsp
Star anise – 2
Cinnamon stick – 1 small
Bay leaves – 2
Garlic cloves, sliced – 3
Ginger, sliced – 1 small piece
Salt – 1 tsp
Method
Heat the neutral oil in a saucepan over low to medium heat.
Add star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and ginger. Infuse gently until aromatic.
Place the red chili flakes and sesame seeds in a heatproof bowl.
Carefully strain the hot oil over the chili flakes and sesame seeds.
Stir well, add salt, and allow the oil to cool before transferring it to a clean, dry jar.
Flavor: Spicy, aromatic, nutty, and slightly numbing.
2. Korean Gochugaru Chili Oil
Ingredients
Neutral oil – 1 cup
Korean gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) – 3 tbsp
Sesame seeds – 1 tbsp
Sesame oil – 1 tsp
Garlic cloves, finely sliced – 3
Grated ginger – 1 tsp
Soy sauce – 1 tsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Method
Heat the neutral oil in a saucepan over low heat.
Add the sliced garlic and cook gently until fragrant and lightly golden. Add the ginger.
Place the gochugaru and sesame seeds in a heatproof bowl.
Carefully pour the hot oil over the chili flakes and sesame seeds, stirring well.
Allow it to cool slightly, then mix in the sesame oil, soy sauce, and salt.
Cool completely before transferring to a clean container.
Flavor: Smoky, savory, mildly sweet, and spicy.
3. Japanese Rayu Chili Oil
Ingredients
Neutral oil – 1 cup
Red chili flakes – 2 tbsp
Sesame oil – 1 tbsp
Garlic cloves, thinly sliced – 2
Grated ginger – 1 tsp
Sesame seeds – 1 tbsp
Dried kombu – 1 small piece (optional)
Salt – ½ tsp
Method
Heat the neutral oil over low heat.
Add the sliced garlic and ginger. Cook gently until fragrant without burning.
Add the dried kombu, if using, and infuse briefly. Remove it before the oil gets too hot.
Place the chili flakes and sesame seeds in a heatproof bowl.
Carefully pour the hot oil over the chili flakes and sesame seeds, stirring well.
Add the sesame oil and salt. Mix thoroughly and allow to cool.
Flavor: Nutty, fragrant, savory, and moderately spicy.
Chef's Tips
Use low heat to prevent garlic and chili flakes from burning.
Adjust the quantity of chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
Store homemade chili oil in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. Because these recipes contain fresh garlic and ginger, do not store them at room temperature; refrigerate promptly and use within 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.