Sichuan chili oil is a popular condiment as well as something that many chefs include when they prepare and serve authentic Chinese dishes. Some of the most commonly used ingredients used to prepare chili oil include dry chili pepper, vegetable oil, star anise, salt, Bay leaves, ginger, sesame, and garlic.
Chefs prepare it in a variety of ways, most of which are involved processes that require multiple steps. Upon preparing a batch of chili oil, the chef must cover it with plastic wrap while still in a stainless-steel pan and allow it to sit for up to 24 hours. Here are 10 ways to enjoy chili oil once it's finally ready to serve.
Chocolate truffles: Although this sweet treat is already an indulgence, adding chili oil can make it even more decadent. It's especially useful to pair with cool cream to offset the different temperatures.
Dan dan noodles: As one of the most popular Sichuan noodle dishes, this food relies on peppercorns and chilis infused with oil to give it the spicy and numbing flavor that made it famous.
Dipping sauce: The possibilities are nearly limitless when using dipping sauce made from chili oil. Some of the most popular uses include tater tots, sweet potato fries, and dumplings.
Eggs: Chili oil fans can either dip their eggs in hot sauce before eating or prepare any style of eggs in the oil itself. The result is a unique and spicy flavor combination.
Fried oysters: When combined with tiny pieces of celery and tzatziki sauce, chili oil makes an excellent additive to fried oysters. This is true whether the diner orders fried oysters as the main dish or an appetizer.
Marinated meats: Lightly brushing chicken, pork, or shrimp with chili oil and then adding salt and pepper can spice up these commonly served meats. However, the chef should refrigerate the meats before grilling to help infuse the flavor of the added ingredients.
Popcorn: Adding cinnamon, sugar, and chili oil to this American treat can make for an amazing taste sensation. This is due to the unexpected combinations of opposing flavors.
Raw vegetables: An everyday cucumber salad can take on a new taste by mixing cut-up pieces of raw cucumber with chili oil, sesame oil, and vinegar. It also goes well as a coating for any type of raw vegetable included as part of a salad.
Wild game: Chili oil can make an excellent condiment for wild game such as deer or wild boar. Italian chefs frequently use chili oil combined with cinnamon and red wine to prepare a cocoa powder. It is especially tasty with those meats because the acidity of the wine brings out the sweetness of the cocoa powder mix.
Wontons: Wonton are a well-loved part of Asian culture. Coating the wontons with chili oil and vinegar to gives them a more appealing appearance and a spicier taste experience.
Considering the many uses for Sichuan chili oil, it's easy to see why it's a favorite in many nations within and outside of Asia.
