Chilli Oil is a spicy, aromatic condiment that instantly elevates any dish with its bold flavour. Made by blending fresh bird's eye chillies, crushed red chillies, garlic, and seasonings, then finishing it with hot oil infused with lemongrass and spring onion greens, this chilli oil is packed with heat, aroma, and umami. It's perfect for drizzling over noodles, dumplings, fried rice, eggs, or even sandwiches.

What is Chilli Oil?

Chilli Oil is a flavourful condiment prepared by pouring hot aromatic oil over a mixture of chillies and seasonings. The infused oil gently cooks the chilli mixture while extracting maximum flavour from the garlic and spices.

It pairs perfectly with:

1. Noodles

2. Momos

3. Dumplings

4. Fried Rice

5. Stir-fries

6. Eggs

7. Sandwiches

Main Ingredients of Chilli Oil:

Kutti Mirch (Crushed Red Chilli) – 3 tbsp
Bird's Eye Chillies – 8–10
Garlic Cloves – 10–12
Salt – 1 tsp
MSG – ½ tsp
Soy Sauce – 1 tbsp
Neutral Cooking Oil – 1 cup
Lemongrass – 1 stalk
Spring Onion Greens – ¼ cup

What Is So Special About Chilli Oil?

Unlike store-bought chilli oils, this homemade version uses fresh bird's eye chillies and garlic for a vibrant flavour and heat. Infusing the oil with lemongrass and spring onion greens adds a subtle freshness and aroma that makes the chilli oil incredibly versatile.

Quick and Easy Chilli Oil:

This chilli oil comes together in just a few minutes using simple pantry ingredients. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be used to instantly enhance a variety of dishes.

How to Make Chilli Oil

Step 1: Prepare the Chilli Mixture

1. Add the kutti mirch, bird's eye chillies, garlic, and salt to a chopper.

2. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely chopped.

3. Transfer it to a heatproof bowl.

4. Add the MSG and soy sauce.

5. Mix well.

Step 2: Infuse the Oil

1. Heat the cooking oil over medium heat.

2. Add the lemongrass and spring onion greens.

3. Cook until the aromatics become fragrant.

4. Remove and discard the lemongrass and spring onion greens.

Step 3: Finish the Chilli Oil

1. Carefully pour the hot infused oil over the prepared chilli mixture.

2. Stir well to combine.

3. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a clean jar.

Expert Tips

1. Do not overheat the oil, as it can burn the garlic and make the chilli oil bitter.

2. Use fresh bird's eye chillies for the best flavour and heat.

3. Store the chilli oil in a clean, airtight glass jar.

4. Always use a dry spoon while serving to increase shelf life.

5. Allow the chilli oil to cool completely before refrigerating.

Recipe Card

Chilli Oil

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Category

Condiment

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Calories

90

Make this easy homemade chilli oil with fresh bird's eye chillies, garlic, soy sauce, and aromatic lemongrass-infused oil. Perfect for noodles, dumplings, fried rice, and more.

Author:

Samridh

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp kutti mirch (crushed red chilli)

• 8–10 bird's eye chillies

• 10–12 garlic cloves

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp MSG

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 cup neutral cooking oil

• 1 stalk lemongrass

• ¼ cup spring onion greens

Directions

1. Blend the kutti mirch, bird's eye chillies, garlic, and salt until coarsely chopped.

2. Transfer to a bowl and mix in the MSG and soy sauce.

3. Heat the oil and infuse it with lemongrass and spring onion greens.

4. Remove the aromatics.

5. Pour the hot oil over the chilli mixture.

6. Stir well, cool completely, and store in an airtight jar.

Recipe Note

Adjust the number of bird's eye chillies according to your preferred spice level. Always allow the oil to cool completely before storing, and use a clean, dry spoon to keep the chilli oil fresh for longer.