5-Minute Homemade Quick Chili Crisp 

Chili crisp is an obsession. It's like hot sauce, but better. And once you eat it, you can't have eggs or rice or ramen without it. Dozens of brands have popped up in the last few years, and almost all of them are $15 for a 4 ounce jar. In order to afford our chili crisp habit - we set out to create a quick recipe of our own. 

What sets chili crisp apart from other condiments is its perfect balance of heat, sweetness and umami. The fiery heat of the chilies is tempered by the subtle sweetness of garlic and onions (and sugar if desired), while fragrant and savory spices lend depth and complexity to every spoonful.


Most recipes require you to simmer onions, shallots and peppers in oil for 30 minutes. We wanted to create something that could be quickly added to tonight's dinner and made from ingredients in our spice pantry. Our recipe makes a quick chili crisp; it uses dried spices which are infused in a hot oil. It takes five minutes to prepare, and can be adjusted to your desired heat level as well as can be made into a "chili crunch" with the addition of peanuts or almonds. Use the recipe below as a base and mix and match ingredients to get your desired flavor profile. 

Chili Crisp Seasoning Recipe

CHILI CRISP BASE:
  • 2 Tbsp gochugaru flakes (or a mix of chipotle, jalapeño or red pepper flakes)
  • 1 Tbsp dried onion flakes
  • 1 Tbsp dried minced garlic
  • 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (toasted, black or tan)
  • 1-2 tsp flaky salt

Optional UMAMI ADD-INS:
  • 1 tsp dulse flakes
  • 1/2 tsp mushroom powder
  • 1 tsp msg powder
  • 1 tsp miso powder

Optional FLAVOR ADD-INS:
  • 1-2 tsp sichuan peppercorns (crushed)
  • 1 tsp brown sugar for sweetness
  • 1/4 tsp orange peel for zing
  • 1 tsp fennel seed (crushed)
  • 1/4 tsp black cardamom powder for earthiness

Optional TEXTURE ADD-INS:
  • 1 T sliced & toasted almonds
  • 1 T crushed peanuts
  • 1/2 shallot lightly fried
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Chili Crisp Mix
$ 4.50$ 4.50

Quick Chili Crisp Tutorial 

Chili Crisp Directions: Put a shy 1/4 cup chili crisp seasoning in a heat proof bowl. Next, heat 1/4 cup neutral oil (canola, peanut or grapeseed work well) to a simmer in a small skillet. If you tilt the skillet, and the oil shimmers in a ripple — it's ready! Alternatively, stick the end of a wooden spoon in the oil and if the bubbles rise to the surface it's ready. Quickly pour the hot oil over the spices and stir. Store in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to a month. If you have time, first fry a shallot or two in the oil for 20 minutes until crispy and golden! 
 
Chili Crunch Directions: Add an extra 2 tablespoons peanuts or sliced almonds to the recipe above to add additional texture. 
 
Chili Oil Directions: Double the oil if you want to make an infused chili oil instead.

We've formatted this recipe for a small Gneiss Spice Chili Crisp refill. Double the recipe for a large refill or use the DIY seasoning to mix your own blend to your flavor preferences.  

Discover the Versatility of Chili Crisp: 25 Delicious Uses to Try Today!

  1. Drizzle it over a bowl of steaming hot ramen for an extra kick.
  2. Mix it into scrambled eggs or omelets for a spicy breakfast.
  3. Spread it on toast or bagels with cream cheese for a zesty snack.
  4. Toss it with roasted vegetables for a flavorful side dish.
  5. Stir it into vegetable soups or stews to add depth of flavor.
  6. Use it as a marinade or glaze for grilled meats or tofu.
  7. Mix it into mayo or sour cream for a spicy dip or sandwich spread.
  8. Spoon it over avocado toast for a spicy twist on a classic.
  9. Drizzle it over pizza or flatbread for a fiery finish.
  10. Stir it into cooked grains like rice or quinoa for a spicy grain bowl.
  11. Add it to homemade salad dressings for a punch of heat.
  12. Mix it into pasta sauces to add complexity.
  13. Use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, or nachos.
  14. Stir it into mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for a spicy side dish.
  15. Mix it with butter and toss it with popcorn for a spicy snack.
  16. Use it as a condiment forburgers or hot dogs.
  17. Stir it into hummus or guacamole for a spicy dip.
  18. Use it as a finishing touch fried rice or stir-fried noodles.
  19. Brush it onto grilled cheese sandwiches before cooking for a spicy twist on a classic comfort food.
  20. Use it as a garnish for deviled eggs for a spicy and visually appealing appetizer.
  21. Stir it into homemade meatball or meatloaf mixtures for a flavorful and spicy twist on traditional recipes.
  22. Spoon over ice cream for a fiery sweet dessert. 
  23. Mix it into melted chocolate for a spicy chocolate sauce to drizzle over brownies.
  24. Add a dollop to tomato soup for a spicy and comforting twist on a classic soup recipe.
  25. Or, just eat it with a spoon from the jar.

We hope these ideas inspire you to give chili crisp a try – the possibilities are endless with this complex condiment!