Ingredients

• 250 ml vegetable oil (f.eks. rapeseed oil or peanut oil)
• 1 tbsp chili flakes
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1 tsp ginger, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 star anise (optional)
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by preparing your ingredients. Slice the garlic and finely chop the ginger.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, and let them gently simmer until golden and fragrant. This takes about 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. When the garlic and ginger are ready, lower the heat and add the chili flakes, soy sauce, sugar and salt. Stir the ingredients together so all the flavors meld.
4. If you want a more complex flavor, you can add the star anise and cinnamon stick at this point. Let the oil simmer over low heat for another 5 minutes.
5. Turn off the heat and let the chili oil cool. Remove the star anise and cinnamon stick if used.
6. Pour your finished chili oil into a sterilized glass bottle or jar. Store it in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

Uses for chili oil

Chili oil is a perfect accompaniment to many dishes, from steamed vegetables to noodles and rice dishes. Try it also as a flavoring in marinades or dressings for extra depth of flavor. You can adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your preference for a milder or stronger oil. Experiment with your chili oil recipe to find the perfect balance that suits your taste.