3-Ingredient Chili Garlic Oil – Salt-Free

This Chili Garlic Oil is a simple yet flavorful addition to many dishes, perfect for anyone looking to spice up their meals. With just three ingredients—vegetable oil, garlic, and dried red chili peppers—you can create a versatile and aromatic oil that adds a spicy kick to stir-fries, noodles, grilled vegetables, or even as a topping for soups. What makes this recipe even better is that it’s salt-free, allowing you to control the seasoning in your dishes while still enjoying the depth of flavor that chili garlic oil brings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 10 cloves garlic, minced
• 4-6 dried red chili peppers

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over low heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and dried red chili peppers to the saucepan.
3. Let the mixture cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic turns golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will make the oil bitter.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the chili garlic oil cool.
5. Transfer the cooled chili garlic oil into a glass jar or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 (1 tablespoon per serving)

Variations

• Spicier Version: For a hotter oil, increase the number of dried chili peppers or use a combination of different types of dried peppers (such as Thai bird’s eye chilies) to achieve the desired heat level.
• Herb Infusion: Add herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the oil for extra flavor complexity while cooking the garlic.
• Substitute Oil: You can swap vegetable oil with other oils, such as peanut oil or avocado oil, for a different flavor profile.
• Garlic Adjustments: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the garlic cloves by half, or add more for an even stronger garlic taste.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This chili garlic oil can be stored in an airtight glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Reheating: There is no need to reheat the oil before use. Simply use it straight from the fridge, or let it come to room temperature if you prefer a milder flavor.

10 FAQs

1. How spicy is this chili garlic oil?
   The level of heat can vary depending on the type of chili peppers used and how many are added. Start with 4-6 dried chilies for a mild to moderate heat level.
2. Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?
   Fresh garlic will work, but minced garlic is preferred for this recipe as it releases more flavor and infuses the oil more effectively.
3. Can I use this chili garlic oil for frying?
   Yes, you can use this oil for frying, but it’s better suited for low to medium heat cooking due to the delicate nature of the garlic.
4. What other dishes can I use chili garlic oil in?
   Chili garlic oil is perfect for drizzling over noodles, stir-fries, pizza, grilled vegetables, dumplings, or even scrambled eggs.
5. Can I freeze chili garlic oil?
   It’s not recommended to freeze chili garlic oil, as the texture of the garlic may change once thawed. It’s best stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
6. Can I use a different type of oil?
   Yes, you can experiment with different oils like olive oil, sesame oil, or peanut oil, which will give the chili garlic oil a different flavor base.
7. Can I make this oil in advance?
   Absolutely! This chili garlic oil can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge. It often tastes better after a day or two of resting, as the flavors meld together.
8. Is this chili garlic oil good for vegan dishes?
   Yes, this oil is vegan-friendly and can be used in any plant-based or vegan recipes that could benefit from a bit of spice.
9. Can I add other ingredients to the oil?
   Yes! Some people like to add a splash of soy sauce, a little sugar, or a dash of vinegar to balance the flavors, but this recipe sticks to the basics for simplicity.
10. What’s the best way to use this oil?
    This oil is excellent as a condiment or cooking oil. It’s perfect for drizzling over Asian-inspired dishes like ramen, stir-fries, or fried rice, but it can also be used for grilling meats, vegetables, or even dipping bread.

Conclusion

3-Ingredient Chili Garlic Oil is a quick and easy way to add an irresistible spicy, garlicky kick to your favorite dishes. Whether you’re using it as a cooking oil, a finishing drizzle, or a dipping sauce, this flavorful condiment will bring new life to your meals. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a versatile oil that will elevate everything from noodles to grilled vegetables, all without the need for added salt. Best of all, it’s easy to store and will last for weeks, ready to spice up your dishes whenever you need it.

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