Asian Chilli Oil: The Spicy Secret to Bold Flavour

Asian food is well known for its bold and deep flavours, making anyone who eats it feel the richness of its unique and diverse ingredients. Therefore, Asian food is far from the definition of bland food, as it mostly has intense flavours. Chilli oil is one of the most famous condiments for achieving that intense flavour, which can easily be made at home with a simple chilli oil recipe. Chilli oil can provide heat, depth, and a punch of umami to your dishes.

So, why is asian chilli oil such an important condiment? Why is chilli oil so popular as an ingredient in many Asian dishes? This article will answer all your questions about Asian chilli oil!

What is chilli oil

Chilli Oil ByBon

Chilli oil is a spicy condiment that infuses oil with chillies and often other aromatics like garlic, star anise, or ginger. It can even feature a hint of smoke for added complexity. Mixing chilli oil with dishes adds a rich, smoky layer to food that takes things up a notch. Used widely across Asian cuisines, this oil is poured over noodles, dumplings, rice, tofu, and more. Whether used as a drizzle, dipping sauce, or cooking ingredient, chilli oil brings depth and character, especially in vegan dishes that rely on big flavours.

History and origins of chilli oil

Chilli Oil

Chilli oil has centuries of history behind it. Its roots are in Chinese cuisine, where it is often paired with vegetables and spices. Originating from Sichuan Province, the oil was first used as a flavour enhancer in everyday cooking. As the love for spice spread across Asia, countries like Japan, Korea, and Thailand began creating their versions.

Over time, chilli oil evolved with local ingredients: different chillies, oils, spices, and even a hint of cinnamon influenced the outcome. Almost all Asian countries have chilli oil with various characteristics, but with the same goal of giving a bolder flavour.

What chillies to use

Not all chillies are made equal, especially regarding the medium used in chilli oil. The type of chilli you use will affect the oil's heat level, colour, and aroma. Here are three common picks for chilli oil, including the essential ingredients for a great homemade chilli oil recipe.

Dried Whole Chinese Chillies

A traditional Chinese chilli oil, dried whole Chinese chillies are perfect for layering flavours without overwhelming the palate. Just as fiery in flavour as in colour, this chilli oil provides a tangy taste and is loved by most Chinese, often made in their kitchens using a simple chilli oil recipe. They usually use this chilli oil when eating dim sum or noodles, adding a delightful sizzle.

Sichuan Chilli Flakes

Sichuan chilli flakes are coarsely ground, vibrant red flakes with moderate heat. What sets them apart is their slightly fruity, almost citrusy flavour. They're often mixed with spices like Sichuan peppercorns, giving your oil that signature numbing-spicy sensation. For an authentic Sichuan-style chilli oil, these flakes are essential. They're great in vegan dan dan noodles or even on top of steamed vegetables, adding a touch of sizzle to every bite.

Gochugaru

Gochugaru is not from China; it is a chilli powder from Korea and is widely used as an ingredient for Korean food, especially soups. By giving a little spicy flavour to the soup, you will feel a completely different and bold taste because of the gochugaru. However, gochugaru is not as pungent as chilli oil, so it is usually eaten by people who prefer mild spiciness, while others enjoy the intense burn of chilli oil.

Ingredients & substitutes

Oil is needed to make chilli oil, but not just oil is used as the ingredient. You can use neutral oils such as canola, peanut, or sunflower that are heated and mixed with dried chillies. In addition, you can also add aromatics to enrich the flavour of your chilli oil by using shallots, garlic, or ginger. However, if you want to go straight for the chilli oil by buying it, store-bought chilli oils can sometimes contain animal products, so always read the label or make your own for peace of mind; consider adding a pinch of salt for enhanced flavour.

How many types of chilli oil are there?

Chilli crunch

There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to chilli oil. The ingredients and flavour profile change depending on regional influences and personal preferences. However, some chilli oils are commonly consumed by Asian people.

Classic chilli oil

This is the base version of chilli oil infused with toasted chillies and sometimes garlic or shallots. It's versatile, easy to make, and works on just about anything. It is also absolutely fantastic for everyday cooking. It's a must-have in every vegan kitchen. Just a spoonful can turn plain rice or tofu into something crave-worthy.

Garlic chilli oil

For those who can't resist garlic, this variation brings a rich, aromatic hit to the mix. Garlic is slow-cooked in oil until golden, then combined with chilli flakes. It's punchy, slightly sweet, and ideal for noodle bowls, dumplings, or as a dip for crusty sourdough in vegan brunch menus, especially when enhanced with homemade chilli oil.

Sichuan chilli oil

Sichuan is made of Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and aromatic layers, giving it an addictive spicy flavour. It's perfect for you if you're a spice lover, as it delivers a bold and intense flavour! It's also ideal for dishes like tofu or spicy dumplings. It's an excellent choice for plant-based menus that want to bring out a pungent taste.

Which dishes does chilli oil go great with?

Chilli oil's versatility in cooking is genuinely inspiring. While it's a staple in Asian cuisine, it can also elevate Western dishes. Whether making dumplings, ramen, fried rice, or experimenting with vegan pizza and pasta, chilli oil brings a delightful burn to each bite. The possibilities are endless, and you can customise chilli oil with any food to create your best experiment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you do with Asian chilli oil?

Wondering what to do with Asian chilli oil? Think of it as your spicy sidekick. You can spoon it over cooked dishes, mix it into sauces, or use it as a dipping oil. Try it on dumplings, stir-fries, noodles, roasted veggies, or even on avocado toast for a kick. It's also brilliantly stirred into hummus or mayo for a spicy twist, especially when you add a drizzle of homemade chilli oil. 

Is chilli oil healthy?

Can you put chilli oil in fried rice?

Conclusion

Chilli oil deserves to be popular because of its unique flavour, which gives certain foods a new sensation. Its versatile nature also makes this ingredient very popular with many people, especially vegetarians.

It easily brings bold flavour, heat, and personality to plant-based and vegan dishes.

Whether you're making it from scratch or picking up a quality jar, there's no denying its versatility. From traditional Chinese recipes to Aussie café favourites, this oil has earned its place at the table.

You can also find this delicious and unique chilli oil and more vegan food in Brother Bon!