Description
This salt-free Chili Garlic Oil is a flavorful condiment made with neutral oil infused with crispy garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and aromatic spices. Perfect for adding a spicy kick to noodles, rice, vegetables, or eggs while keeping sodium levels low. Its versatile Asian-inspired flavor makes it a must-have in your kitchen for a healthy, vegan, and gluten-free spicy oil option.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup neutral oil (such as avocado, canola, or grapeseed)
- 1/4 cup crushed red pepper flakes
- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon onion flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for depth and color)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a small saucepan, heat the neutral oil over medium-low heat to prepare for gentle cooking.
- Cook the garlic: Add the thinly sliced garlic cloves to the oil, cooking gently while stirring frequently. Watch closely as the garlic turns golden brown and crisp, about 5-7 minutes, and reduce heat if it begins to brown too quickly to avoid burning.
- Add spices: Once the garlic is golden and crispy, remove the saucepan from heat immediately. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, onion flakes if using, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper to infuse the oil with robust flavors.
- Steep and cool: Allow the mixture to steep and cool completely at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This process enriches the chili garlic oil with deep, layered flavors.
- Store the oil: Transfer the cooled chili garlic oil into a clean glass jar. Store at room temperature or refrigerate. If refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature before use to soften any solidification.
Notes
- This chili garlic oil is completely salt-free, making it ideal for low-sodium dietary needs.
- Adjust the spiciness by using fewer crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.
- For a nutty aroma and complexity, add a bit of sesame oil alongside the neutral oil.
- Use as a topping for noodles, rice, vegetables, or eggs to enhance dishes with bold heat and garlic flavor.
- The oil may solidify slightly when refrigerated; simply bring it back to room temperature before using.
