How to Make Chili Crisp, Plus 19 Fiercely Genius Ways to Use It
Chili Crisp
While chili crisp isn't actually new, it is having a huge moment in the states right now. This crunchy, addictive chili crisp condiment is basically just a mixture of oil and chili flakes, but it elevates everything you put it on and can range from mild to more spicy. It can also have a different ingredients swapped in for the crisp (or crunch), like garlic crisp, crispy onions, fennel seeds and more, in lieu of chili flakes. It's salty, semi spicy and all around delicious.
What is Lao Gan Ma Chili Crisp?
When people think of store-bought chili crisp they usually think of Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp Hot Sauce, which was originally made and sold by the Lao Gan Ma company in China, but has risen to cult-like states here in the states. So much so, restaurants, chefs and grocery stores have all started creating their own versions of chili crisp, such as Fly By Jing and Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch. The winning combination of chili oil and crunch gives a unique umami texture to so many recipes—both as a dipping sauce and as an ingredient used for main dishes as well. While everyone's recipe differs as far as the peppers and spices used to make chili crisp, Lao Gan Ma's classic is full of crispy onions, chilies and Sichuan pepper bits.
Related: 16 Favorite Chinese Takeout Recipes
What Does Chili Crisp Contain?
The base of chili crisp is the quintessential aromatic chili oil used in Chinese cooking. Spiced with Sichuan peppercorns, onion, oil and miscellaneous spices (like star anise, cinnamon etc.), the chili oil is used for marinades, stir-fries and as a dipping sauce too. But what sets the chili crisp apart from other regular chili oil condiments is the crunchy element. Packed with roasted soy nuts, peanuts, fried onion and fried garlic, it is truly an amalgamation of wonderful flavors.
Related: 25 Amazing Homemade Condiments
How to Make Chili Crisp Sauce
With the basic understanding of what a chili crisp really is, you can make your own version of this fiery condiment. The types of chilies and oil base vary, and so does the amount of each ingredient. Ingredients like fried fermented soy beans, star anise, sesame seeds and MSG are also commonly added to the recipe.
To make your own chili crisp, all you need is a base of oil, your favorite chili peppers to spice it up and nuts of your choice to up the crunch element. The chili oil can be flavored with a combination of spices and you can really experiment here. You can also use a combination of ginger, garlic, mushroom and whole spices to really bring out the umami flavor. If you're looking to make your own chili crisp at home, we've included an easy recipe for it in this list.
Related: 30 Best Vegan Chinese Recipes
Best Chili Crisp Recipes
Chili crisp is most commonly served as a condiment with dumplings. Imagine the beautiful, red oil drizzled over soft and steamed dumplings! SO GOOD. You can also swap out regular oil with the chili crisp for any kind of fried rice, noodles or stir-fries. This oil-based condiment can also be used to spruce up your eggs, sandwiches and salads. In fact, many places also serve this aside desserts like ice cream, cake and more.
Browse through this list of 19 best chili crisp recipes to learn about how to make chili crisp at home and what to use it on!
The Best Chili Crisp Recipes
Chili Pepper Madness
This homemade spicy chili crisp recipe is easy to make, the perfect condiment for spooning over anything from vegetables to eggs, meats and more.
Get the recipe here: Homemade Chili Crisp
Okonomi Kitchen
Make weeknight meals extra delicious with these ultra easy Spicy Sesame Chili Crisp Noodles made in under 10 minutes!
Get the recipe here: Spicy Chili Crisp Sesame Noodles
Sara Feigin
Even TikTok is in on the chili crisp trend, using it to make the ultimate eggs.
Get the recipe here: TikTok Chili Oil Eggs
She's Got Chops Kitchen
Sweet and savory peanut sauce dresses the noodles and is paired with spicy chili crisp for an extra flavor kick.
Get the recipe here: Peanut Noodles with Chili Crisp
Pickled Plum
Here are some garlic shrimps that are smoky, salty, nutty and with just enough heat to make you reach for a spoonful of rice.
Get the recipe here: Garlic Shrimp with Chili Crisp
Cookly Bookly
Ditch the takeaway and whip up this tasty fried rice with chicken, prawns, eggs, veggies and homemade chilli crisp.
Get the recipe here: Chili Crisp Fried Rice
2 Food Trippers
Layering mashed avocado and egg over toast and then sprinkling chili crisp on top to get this delicious go-to breakfast sandwich.
Get the recipe here: Avocado Egg Toast with Chili Crisp
A Beautiful Plate
This spicy tofu dish comes together in less than 15 minutes, but you’ll want to marinate it in the refrigerator for several hours (or, preferably, 12 to 24 hours) before serving.
Get the recipe here: Spicy Chili Crisp Tofu
A Brown Table
Soft and fluffy rolls spruced up with delicious and spicy chili crisp!
Get the recipe here: Chili Crisp Cream Cheese Stuffed Rose Buns
Foods Of Jane
If you come across teamed rice rolls (or cheung fun) at your local Asian supermarket, then this one is a must try.
Get the recipe here: Rice Noodle Rolls With Spicy Chili Crisp
I Am A Food Blog
You’re 4 ingredients away from the best spicy cheesy grilled cheese you’ll ever eat!
Get the recipe here: Spicy Chili Crisp Grilled Cheese
I Am A Food Blog
A spicy thick and comforting bean and barley stew with kale and eggs.
Get the recipe here: Spicy Chili Crisp White Bean and Barley Stew
Marion's Kitchen
You don't have to restrict the use of chili crisp to just Chinese cuisine. Here's a great example of a delicious Spaghetti recip
Get the recipe here: Chili Crisp Garlic Butter Spaghetti
The Foodie Takes Flight
Wontons in a spicy chili crisp broth is probably the most underrated dishes of all time.
Get the recipe here: Vegan Wontons in Chili Broth
Punch Fork
Thinly s;iced potatoes cooked until soft and spiced up with chili crisp oil.
Get the recipe here: Spicy Chili Crisp Potato Salad
Simple Fit Vegan
A quick healthy and spicy weeknight dinner.
Get the recipe here: Spicy Chili Crisp Pizza
This Healthy Table
This easy recipe for chili crisp oil eggs can be served over rice for a delicious breakfast or lunch.
Get the recipe here: Chili Crisp Eggs
The Dusky Kitchen
It makes total sense that this savory and spicy chili crisp gives a vanilla ice cream sundae a wonderful twist, making it not just palatable, but also enjoyable.
Get the recipe here: Burnt Sugar Cupcakes with Chili Crisp Frosting
Not Eating Out Inny
Take the classic peanut butter ice cream up a notch with a delicious sweet and spicy brittle (made with chili crisp).
Get the recipe here: Spicy Chili Crisp and Peanut Ice Cream
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