Buying Chili Oil: Our Recommendations

Standing in the Asian sauce aisle, feeling overwhelmed by the endless jars of chili oil? You're not alone. The selection is vast: from smooth, aromatic oils to jars packed with crispy bits. Whether you want to elevate your instant noodles, add a kick to your dumplings, or find an authentic flavour for your stir-fry, the right chili oil makes all the difference.

This article is designed to be a practical guide. We'll help you understand the different types and make a choice that suits your taste and the dishes you love to cook.

What to Look for When Choosing Chili Oil?

Before you pick a jar, it's helpful to consider a few things. The type of oil, its origin, and the ingredients determine the flavour and its best use cases.

Texture: Smooth Oil or Crispy Chili Crisp?

One of the biggest differentiators is texture. Are you looking for a pure, liquid spicy oil for drizzling, or a condiment with a satisfying crunch?

• Smooth Chili Oil: This is often a filtered oil, infused with the essence of chili peppers. The focus is on aroma and pure heat. These oils are ideal for mixing into soups, sauces, or as a finishing touch over a dish.
• Chili Crisp: This is more than just oil. It's a mixture of oil with crispy bits of chili, often complemented by roasted garlic, shallots, peanuts, or fermented soybeans. Chili crisp adds not only flavour and heat but also an addictive crunchy texture.

Flavour Profile and Origin: From Chinese to Japanese

The region of origin says a lot about the flavour profile.

• Chinese Chili Oil: This category is extremely diverse. Varieties like those from Lao Gan Ma are known for their deep, savoury umami flavour, often with ingredients like Sichuan pepper for a tingling effect. Others, like Chiu Chow-style oil, emphasize the flavour of garlic.
• Japanese Chili Oil (Layu):Japanese chili oil, also known as S&B Layu, is typically simpler. The base is often sesame oil, which provides a nutty aroma. The heat is present, but the focus is on the refined aroma that pairs well with ramen, gyoza, and rice dishes.

Application: Perfect for Noodles, Dumplings, or as a Dipping Sauce?

Consider what you'll primarily use the oil for. A versatile chili crisp is fantastic as a topping on a fried egg or a bowl of rice. An aromatic, smooth oil is the perfect chili oil for noodles in a broth. An oil with plenty of garlic and salt, in turn, makes an excellent base for a dumpling dipping sauce.

Popular Chili Oil Choices

Based on product specifications and versatility, we've highlighted some popular options for you.

S&B Japanese Chili Oil (Layu), 33 mL

Why It Stands Out This Japanese chili oil, or Layu, is a classic. Its base of sesame oil and corn oil, combined with chili extract, creates a bright, aromatic, and spicy oil without any solids. It's a pure flavour enhancer that elevates your dish without overpowering it.

Key Features

• Made with sesame oil for a distinctive nutty aroma.
• Smooth, filtered texture, ideal for mixing and drizzling.
• Convenient 33 ml glass bottle with a dispenser cap.
• Adds a beautiful red hue to dishes thanks to paprika extract.

Who It's For For lovers of Japanese cuisine seeking a refined, aromatic heat. Perfect for flavouring ramen, gyoza, soups, or as part of a dipping sauce.

Lao Gan Ma Brand Peanut Chilli Oil 275g

Why It Stands OutLao Gan Ma is an icon in the world of Asian hot sauce. This peanut variety is a classic chili crisp. It's a rich, savoury mix of crispy chili flakes and roasted peanuts in a fragrant oil. The flavour is complex, salty, and full of umami.

Key Features

• Contains 15% peanuts and 22% chili flakes for a crunchy texture.
• Deep, savoury flavour that instantly makes dishes more interesting.
• Highly versatile: delicious on noodles, rice, eggs, vegetables, and even pizza.
• A large 275g jar for long-lasting use.

Who It's For For anyone looking for texture and a complex, addictive flavour. If you love a crunchy bite and want a condiment you can put on literally anything, this is an excellent choice.

LEE KUM KEE Chiu Chow Chilli Oil 335g

Why It Stands Out This chili oil from the renowned brand Lee Kum Kee is inspired by the cuisine of Chiu Chow (Chaozhou) and is known for its robust garlic flavour. It's a savoury oil, filled with bits of dried garlic and chili peppers, which creates a rich and layered taste.

Key Features

• Contains 6% dried garlic for a pronounced, aromatic flavour.
• Made with salted chili peppers for extra depth and umami.
• Suitable as a flavouring during cooking (e.g., stir-frying) and as a dipping sauce.
• Large 335g jar, ideal for regular use.

Who It's For For cooks who love a distinct garlic flavour in their Chinese chili oil. It's an excellent base for stir-fries and a flavourful dipping sauce for dumplings and dim sum.

Haven't Found What You're Looking For?

The world of chili oil is vast and diverse. Perhaps you're looking for a version with fermented black beans, an extra-spicy variety, or a milder oil. Every cuisine and every dish may call for a slightly different flavour.

Browse our full assortment and discover even more options.

Discover more in our Chili in Oil category

Frequently Asked Questions About Chili Oil

What is the difference between chili oil and chili crisp? Chili oil is typically a smooth, flavoured oil where the solid particles have been filtered out. The focus is on the pure flavour and heat of the peppers. Chili crisp is a condiment where the crispy bits (chili, garlic, peanuts) are intentionally left in the oil. It adds a distinct texture to a dish in addition to flavour.

How do you store opened chili oil? Most chili oils can be stored in a cool, dark place like a kitchen cupboard after opening. For varieties with many fresh ingredients, like the Lee Kum Kee Chiu Chow oil with garlic, it is often recommended to refrigerate after opening to maintain freshness. Always read the storage advice on the packaging.

Is Lao Gan Ma very spicy? Spiciness is perceived differently by everyone, but Lao Gan Ma is known more for its complex, savoury, and salty flavour than for extreme heat. The spiciness is noticeable, but for most people, it's well-balanced with the other flavours. It's the combination of texture, umami, and a mild kick that makes it so popular.