Explore the fiery and aromatic world of chili oil, a condiment that adds an extra layer of heat and flavor to a wide range of dishes. This versatile ingredient, also known as Hong You in Chinese cuisine, can be made with various types of chili peppers, each imparting its unique level of spiciness and flavor profile. From the Sichuanese classic of "Laoganma" chili oil, renowned for its numbing sensation, to the fragrant and spicy "Yu Xiang" chili oil, featuring a blend of chili peppers, garlic, and ginger, this article presents a collection of chili oil recipes that cater to different palates and preferences. Whether you're a fan of mild, medium, or searing heat, these recipes provide step-by-step instructions to create your own chili oil at home, allowing you to customize the spiciness and flavor to your liking. Get ready to elevate your culinary experience with the vibrant flavors of chili oil!
Let's cook with our recipes!
SICHUAN SPICY WONTONS
These Sichuan Spicy Wontons are the perfect appetizer or main course meal. The sauce features an amazing blend of flavors. Check out our homemade recipe.
Provided by Bill
Categories Appetizers and Snacks
Time 50m
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Next, add all of the wonton filling ingredients to a bowl (everything from the pork to the white pepper) and whip everything together by hand for 5 minutes or in a food processor for 1 minute. You want the pork to look a little bit like a paste.
- To make the wontons, take a wrapper, and add about a teaspoon of filling. Use your finger to coat the edges with water or egg wash (this helps the two sides seal together).
- Fold the wonton in half so you have a rectangle shape. Bring together the two outer corners so they overlap slightly, add another drop of water or egg wash, and press to seal.
- Keep assembling until all the filling is gone, which should make you about 18 wontons. Like all wonton recipes, you can double or triple the batch, eat some, then freeze the rest for another day. Place the wontons on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Boil a pot of water for the wontons. While the water is coming to a boil, make the sauce by mixing all of the ingredients together in a small mixing bowl. If you like spicy, add more of the chili peppers and not just the oil from your homemade chili oil. This recipe makes enough for 18 or 20 wontons.
- Give the boiling water a good stir and drop the wontons in, being careful not to crowd them. Continue stirring so they do not stick. Adjust the heat to achieve a low boil, and cook the wontons for about 2 minutes or until the wrappers begin to look translucent. I like mine a little bit al dente, so I take them out right at 2 minutes when they float to the top.
- Use a slotted spoon to drain the water and transfer the wontons to a serving bowl. Stir in 1/4 cup of the boiling water into your sauce, then pour the sauce over the wontons. Garnish with scallion if using and serve!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 308 kcal, Carbohydrate 16 g, Protein 8 g, Fat 23 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Cholesterol 22 mg, Sodium 801 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving
CHILI OIL (HONG YOU)
The best method of making chili oil for Sichuan cooking I have found - from the outstanding Fuchsia Dunlop book "Sichuan Cookery". I use it for dipping sauces etc; my hubby pours it over his pasta for breakfast! The more sediment you have, the hotter it is.
Provided by currybunny
Categories Szechuan
Time 20m
Yield 1 jar
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Put the chili flakes into a glass preserving jar.
- Heat the oil over high heat until smoking hot.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool for about 10 minutes to 120 - 130 degrees celcius. (I don't have a themometer, I just cool for 10 minutes).
- Pour onto the chilies, stir once or twice and leave to cool in a shady place. The oil and chilies will fizz and swirl around at first but the chilli flakes will settle as the oil cools. You can use the oil immediately, but the flavour and fragrance will improve after a couple of days.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 4501.6, Fat 490.4, SaturatedFat 82.9, Sodium 1749.3, Carbohydrate 53, Fiber 37.1, Sugar 7.7, Protein 14.4
SICHUANESE WONTONS IN CHILLI OIL SAUCE (HONG YOU CHAO SHOU)
Provided by Fuchsia Dunlop
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Crush the ginger with the flat of a cleaver or a rolling pin and put it in a cup with just enough cold water to cover. Place the pork, egg, Shaoxing wine and sesame oil in a bowl with 1 1/2 tsp of the ginger water and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well. Mix in the stock, 1 tbsp at a time. Finally, add the spring onion greens.
- Fill a small bowl with cold water. Take a wonton wrapper and lay it flat in one hand. Use a table knife or a small spatula to press about 1 tsp of the pork mixture into the center of the wrapper. Dip a finger into the cold water, run it around the edges of the wrapper and fold it diagonally in half. Press the edges tightly together and lay on a flour-dusted tray or large plate.
- Bring a large pan of water to a boil over a high heat. While you are waiting for the water to boil, prepare three or four serving bowls. In each bowl, place 1 tbsp sweet aromatic soy sauce (or 1 tbsp tamari soy sauce and 1/2 tsp sugar), 1 1/2 tbsp chilli oil with sediment and 1/2-1 heaped tsp of crushed garlic to taste.
- When the water has come to a boil, drop in the wontons. Stir gently to make sure they do not stick together. When the water returns to a rolling boil, pour in a small cup of cold water to calm it down. Repeat this one more time. When the water has come to a boil for the third time, the wontons should be cooked through (cut one open to make sure). Remove the wontons with a slotted spoon, drain well, and divide between the prepared serving bowls. Scatter each bowl with some of the spring onion greens. Serve immediately, stirring everything together before digging in.
Tips:
- Select the right chili peppers: For a classic Hong You, Sichuan dried chili peppers are the ideal choice. These peppers offer a moderate level of spiciness along with a slightly smoky and nutty flavor. For hotter oil, consider using bullet chili peppers or cayenne peppers.
- Roast the chili peppers: Roasting the chili peppers intensifies their flavor and aroma. You can roast them in a dry skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until fragrant.
- Use a neutral-flavored oil: A neutral oil, such as grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, or canola oil, is preferred for Hong You as it allows the chili flavor to shine through. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a strong flavor that can overpower the chili peppers.
- Infuse the oil slowly: To extract the maximum flavor from the chili peppers, infuse the oil slowly over low heat. This allows the oil to absorb the chili's flavor and aroma without burning.
- Add aromatics: To enhance the flavor of Hong You, consider adding aromatics like ginger, garlic, scallions, or Szechuan peppercorns during the infusion process. These ingredients will add depth and complexity to the oil.
- Store properly: Once prepared, store the Hong You in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, it can last for several months.
Conclusion:
Hong You is a versatile condiment that adds a spicy, savory, and aromatic touch to various dishes. Whether you're drizzling it over noodles, dumplings, or stir-fries, or using it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or wontons, Hong You is sure to elevate your culinary creations. With its bold flavor and customizable heat level, this chili oil is a must-have in any kitchen. Experiment with different types of chili peppers and aromatics to create your own unique version of this classic Chinese condiment.
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