If you're a fan of bold flavors and crave a little heat in your meals, then you’ll love this homemade crunchy chili oil! It's perfect for elevating your dishes with a punch of spice and adds a satisfying texture to every bite. Whether you're drizzling it over roasted veggies, stirring it into soups, or using it as a dipping sauce, this chili oil will quickly become your new favorite condiment.
In this batch, I used Arrows Farm’s harvested cayenne and paprika peppers to make my own chili flakes—bringing a farm-fresh twist to this recipe! It’s a great way to use your harvest and get the most out of your peppers this season.
Crunchy chili oil
Ingredients:
1/2 cup oil (I used EVOO)
4 cloves garlic (sliced or minced, depending how you like your crunch)
1 paprika pepper (minced)
1/2 medium shallot (thinly sliced)
2 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice level)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Flakey Salt to taste
Optional: toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch
Instructions:
Make Your Own Chili Flakes:
Pick your peppers: Use cayenne, paprika, or any hot pepper of your choice.
Dry the peppers: There are a few ways to dry peppers—either by hanging them in a dry, warm spot, using a dehydrator, or drying them in the oven on low heat (around 150°F) for several hours.
Grind the peppers: Once the peppers are fully dried, remove the stems and crush them with a mortar and pestle or pulse them in a blender until you reach your desired texture.
Store your flakes: Keep your homemade chili flakes in an airtight container for future use.
Prepare the Aromatics: Start by slicing your garlic, shallot, and paprika pepper. These aromatics will infuse the oil with deep, rich flavor.
Heat the Oil: In a small saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Once it's warm, add the garlic, paprika pepper, and shallot. Lower the heat slightly and stir constantly, ensuring they don’t burn. Cook until turns golden brown and crispy, around 8-10 minutes.
Mix in the Heat: In a heatproof bowl, combine the crushed red pepper flakes, soy sauce, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Once the aromatics are crispy, carefully pour the hot oil and fried garlic, shallots, and ginger into the bowl of chili flakes. The hot oil will immediately sizzle, releasing all the spicy goodness into the mixture.
Optional Crunch: For additional texture, add toasted sesame seeds into the mix. Stir everything well and let it cool.
Store: Once cooled, transfer the chili oil into a jar. This oil can be stored at room temperature for a couple of weeks or refrigerated for longer shelf life.
How to Enjoy Your Crunchy Chili Oil
This versatile condiment can be used in countless ways:
Drizzle over roasted veggies or grilled meats to add a spicy, crunchy finish.
Toss with noodles or rice for an easy weeknight meal with a kick.
Dip dumplings, spring rolls, or bread in this flavorful oil for a boost of flavor.
Use it as a topping for soups like ramen or pho for extra texture and spice.
How to Grow Peppers at Home
Peppers are a fantastic addition to any garden! Here's a quick guide on how to grow your own:
Start from Seed: You can start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Keep them in a warm, sunny spot and transplant them outside once the soil has warmed.
Planting: Peppers need full sunlight and well-drained soil. Plant seedlings about 18 inches apart in rows that are about 24-36 inches apart. Water them regularly, but avoid waterlogging the soil.
Nurture Your Plants: Peppers love the heat, so make sure they get plenty of sun. Fertilize your plants with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Harvesting: You can harvest peppers when they are green or wait until they ripen to their final color (red, yellow, or orange, depending on the variety). The more you pick, the more the plant will produce!
Why Farm-Fresh Peppers are Best
At Arrows Farm, we believe in the power of eating fresh, locally-grown produce. Not only does it taste better, but it’s packed with more nutrients than store-bought alternatives. Growing your own peppers or buying locally supports sustainable farming and ensures you get the freshest ingredients for your meals.
Upcoming Event: Farm-to-Fork Dinner
Looking for more ways to enjoy fresh, farm-to-table meals? Join us at our Farm-to-Fork dinner on October 26th featuring a multi-course meal curated by Chef Alex Stein, highlighting our farm-fresh produce. Reserve your spot here.
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