My 10 Minute Garlic Chili Oil Sauce (Aka Crack Sauce)

Garlic chili oil crisp, a culinary gem that originated in Chinese cuisine, has taken the global food scene by storm. This fiery condiment is a harmonious blend of crispy garlic, aromatic spices, and the bold kick of chili, creating a symphony of flavors that elevates any dish it graces. Let's delve into the captivating world of garlic chili oil crisp and uncover the secrets behind its popularity.

The Origins: Garlic chili oil crisp, often referred to as "la jiao jiang" in Chinese, has its roots deeply embedded in Sichuan cuisine. Sichuan, known for its bold and spicy flavors, gave birth to this condiment that has now transcended geographical boundaries. The dish typically consists of fried garlic, shallots, and a mixture of various spices, all infused in hot oil to create a rich, aromatic, and intensely spicy concoction.

Creating garlic chili oil crisp is an art form. While the basic components include garlic, chili, and oil, variations abound. Some recipes may include soy sauce, ginger, or even Sichuan peppercorns for an extra numbing effect. The key lies in achieving the perfect balance of heat, aroma, and texture. The garlic and shallots are carefully fried to a crispy golden brown, infusing the oil with their distinct flavors.:

One of the reasons behind the widespread appeal of garlic chili oil crisp is its incredible versatility. This condiment can transform a plain bowl of noodles, rice, or dumplings into a gastronomic delight. Its ability to enhance the flavors of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes has made it a favorite among food enthusiasts globally.

Beyond its delectable taste, garlic chili oil crisp also brings health benefits to the table. Garlic, a key ingredient, is renowned for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Additionally, chili peppers contain capsaicin, known for its metabolism-boosting properties. However, moderation is key, as the intense spiciness may not be suitable for everyone.

My recipe below is a fusion of Vietnamese & Chinese which I dubbed my “crack sauce”.

If you need any help finding any ingredients for my recipes, you can find links to all my pantry staples / seasonings / kitchen gear as well as photo gear -here-.

GARLIC CHILI OIL RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup neutral-flavored oil (such as vegetable, grape seed oil, or peanut oil)

• 3 tbs dried garlic slices

• 3 tbs dried fried shallots

• 3 tbs dried red chili flakes

• 3 tbs dried red chili powder (gochugaru powder or Korean red chili powder)

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 1/2 tbs sugar (brown or white sugar)

• 3 dried shrimps (pounded and minced)

• 2 tbs dark soy sauce

Optional add on’s:

Fish sauce (to taste)
Magic dust (msg, to taste)
1-2 star anise

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients:

• Measure out all the dried ingredients plus dark soy sauce and add to a heat proof bowl or large measuring cup.

2. Heat the oil:

• In a saucepan or a wok, heat the oil over medium heat. It's crucial to use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, get the oil hot to about 225-250F degrees.

3. Add oil to seasonings:

• Once the oil is hot, carefully pour oil over your chili mix.

4. Mix well and let it stand for about 10 min before adding the rest of the optional seasonings.

5. Optional seasonings and flavor enhancers:

• Add optional fish sauce, msg, and star anise. Taste and adjust salt/sugar according to your preference. If you like sweeter chili sauces add more sugar, if you like it more savory, add a little more salt or fish sauce.

6. Store: Let the chili oil crisp cool to room temperature before transferring it to a clean, airtight jar. This will help the flavors meld and intensify. Keep refrigerated for prolonged use (about a month), or keeps about 1-2 weeks at room temp, make sure you use sanitized jars and don’t double dip!

• Your homemade garlic chili oil crisp is ready to elevate your dishes. Drizzle it over noodles, rice, dumplings, or any other favorite dishes to add a burst of flavor and spice.

Note:

• Experiment with the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili flakes according to your preference.

• Feel free to customize the recipe by adding additional spices like star anise, cinnamon, or ginger for a unique twist.

• Store the chili oil crisp in a cool, dark place. It can be refrigerated to prolong its shelf life, but bring it to room temperature before using to restore its full flavor and consistency.