Dinner

Garlic Chili Oil Recipe

Name: Garlic Chili Oil Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 14 cloves garlic, sliced very thin; 2 large shallots, sliced thin; 2 cinnamon sticks; 4 star anise pods; 1 tbsp ginger paste; 1 tsp fennel seed; ½ tsp toasted sesame seeds; ¾ tsp kosher salt; 2 tbsp crushed red pepper; 1 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp tamari

Bylilan Sage December 6, 2025December 6, 2025

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Introduction

This Garlic Chili Oil is a flavorful and aromatic condiment that adds a spicy kick to any dish. Made with crispy garlic, fragrant spices, and a touch of tamari, it’s perfect for drizzling over noodles, rice, or vegetables.

A beige scalloped bowl filled with a dark reddish-brown oily sauce containing whole spices like star anise, cinnamon sticks, and seeds. The sauce has a shiny texture, with the spices partially submerged. There is a silver spoon resting on the left edge of the bowl, slightly covered in the sauce. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

14 cloves garlic (sliced very thin)
2 large shallots (sliced thin)
2 cinnamon sticks
4 star anise pods
1 cup olive oil
1 tbsp ginger paste
2 tbsp crushed red pepper
2 tbsp tamari
½ tsp toasted sesame seeds
1 tsp fennel seed
¾ tsp kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1: Place garlic, shallots, cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and olive oil into a medium sauté pan. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the garlic and shallots turn golden brown.
Step 2: Remove the pan from heat. Add ginger paste, crushed red pepper, tamari, toasted sesame seeds, fennel seed, and kosher salt. Mix well, then allow the oil to cool slightly before serving. Remove the cinnamon sticks and star anise pods before storing or using.

Tips & Variations

Use neutral oil like vegetable or canola if you prefer a less pronounced flavor than olive oil.
Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to make the oil milder or spicier according to your taste.
For a smoky note, try adding a small dried chipotle pepper during the cooking process.
Store in a clean glass jar for best preservation and flavor maintenance.

Storage

Store the garlic chili oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Before each use, bring it to room temperature or warm gently to liquefy the oil. Stir well before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with thin noodles twisted together, topped with dark red chili flakes and small green herb leaves scattered throughout. There are black sesame seeds sprinkled over the noodles, adding texture, and a pair of brown chopsticks resting on the edge of the bowl, partially wrapped in some noodles. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with loose green herbs nearby, small glass bowls with green and black seeds, and a yellow plate with dark spices and cinnamon sticks. A white cloth with a subtle pattern is folded to the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chili instead of crushed red pepper?

Yes, fresh chili can be used, but be mindful of the heat level. Finely chop the chili and infuse it into the oil gently to avoid overpowering the flavors.

Is this chili oil safe to store at room temperature?

Since this recipe contains fresh garlic and shallots, it is safest to store it in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. Always use clean utensils when handling the oil.