Consider this a chili oil FAQ. We’ll do our best to cover every question you might have here and update it with any new ones that come up.

WHAT IS CHILI OIL?

Chili oil is a type of condiment made from oil that has been infused with chili peppers.

It is commonly used in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine to add heat and flavor to dishes. To make chili oil, chili peppers are first dried and then crushed or ground into a powder.

The powder is then mixed with oil, usually vegetable or peanut oil, and allowed to steep for a period of time to infuse the oil with the flavor and heat of the chili peppers.

The resulting chili oil can range in spiciness depending on the type of chili peppers used and the amount of chili pepper powder used in the recipe. It is typically used as a condiment, drizzled over dishes or added to soups, sauces, and marinades.

Or if you’re adventurous, you could eat it on its own, by the spoonful.

DOES CHILI OIL NEED TO BE REFRIGERATED?

First thing is to check the bottle. If it says refrigerate after opening, be sure to do it!

Chili oil does not typically need to be refrigerated, as the high oil content and the presence of chili peppers, which are natural preservatives, help to inhibit the growth of bacteria.

However, if you have made your own chili oil or if you have purchased a jar of chili oil that has been opened, it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.

To store chili oil, transfer it to a clean, airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Chili oil can solidify in the refrigerator, so you may prefer to let it come to room temperature before using it.

Alternatively, you can store it in the pantry, but it is important to keep the container tightly sealed and to use a clean spoon or utensil to scoop out the desired amount of chili oil to avoid contamination.

If you notice any off odors or flavors, or if the oil appears to have separated or has developed an off color, it is best to discard it.

HOW LONG DOES CHILI OIL LAST?

The shelf life of chili oil depends on a number of factors, including how it is made and stored.

Homemade chili oil will typically last for several months when stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Commercially prepared chili oils may have a longer shelf life, as they are often made with preservatives to extend their shelf life.

However, it is still important to store them in a cool, dry place and to check the expiration date on the label.

If stored properly, chili oil should retain its flavor and potency for several months. However, over time, the oil may become rancid or the chili peppers may lose their flavor and heat.

If you notice any off odors or flavors, or if the oil appears to have separated or has developed an off color, it is best to discard it. To ensure the best quality and flavor, it is generally recommended to use chili oil within six months of opening the container.

Personally, we’ve kept chili oils for longer than a year. Some of them do become more spicy while others tend to lose some of its flavor. (example, the Momofuku Truffle Crunch no longer had a sweet and truffle oil flavor to it).

IS CHILI OIL GOOD FOR YOU?

Chili oil may offer some potential health benefits. However, it is important to consume chili oil in moderation, as it is high in calories and fat. (Each serving can be more than 100 calories!)

One potential benefit of chili oil is that it may help to boost the metabolism and promote weight loss.

Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which is a compound that has been shown to increase metabolism and fat oxidation.

However, more research is needed to confirm these effects and to determine the optimal dosage and frequency of chili pepper consumption for weight loss.

Chili oil may also have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce inflammation in the body.

Some studies have suggested that capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, may have anti-inflammatory effects and may be beneficial for conditions such as arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome.

It is important to note that while chili oil may offer some potential health benefits, it is high in calories and fat and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

It is also important to choose a high-quality chili oil that is made with clean, pure ingredients and to check the label for any added preservatives or additives.

WHAT TO USE CHILI OIL FOR

Chili oil is a versatile condiment that can be used to add heat and flavor to a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas for how you can use chili oil:

1. Drizzle it over noodles: Chili oil is a common condiment for noodles in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine. Try adding a spoonful of chili oil to a bowl of noodles and tossing it to coat the noodles evenly.
2. Use it as a marinade: Chili oil can be used as a marinade for meat, poultry, and seafood. Mix it with other ingredients such as soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic to create a flavorful and aromatic marinade.
3. Add it to soups and stews: Chili oil can be added to soups and stews to add depth of flavor and a spicy kick. Try adding a spoonful to your favorite soup or stew recipe.
4. Use it as a dipping sauce: Chili oil can be used as a dipping sauce for dumplings, spring rolls, and other appetizers.
5. Add it to dressings and sauces: Chili oil can be used to add flavor and heat to dressings and sauces. Try mixing it with other ingredients such as soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic to create a spicy dressing or sauce.
6. Use it as a topping: Chili oil can be used as a topping for dishes such as stir-fries, rice bowls, and grilled meats. Try drizzling it over the top of your favorite dishes for added flavor and heat.
7. Eat it ‘raw’: This is for the hardcore folks but you can eat it by the spoonful if you’re adventurous.

IS CHILI OIL FATTENING?

Chili oil is not inherently fattening, but it can contribute to weight gain if you consume too much of it. Chili oil is made by infusing oil with chili peppers, which can give it a spicy flavor. It is often used as a condiment or added to dishes to give them a spicy kick.

In some cases, chili oil also has sweet elements to it. For example, Oomame has crystalized ginger pieces in it and is calorie dense.

Like all oils, chili oil is high in calories and fat. One tablespoon of chili oil contains about 120 calories and up to 14 grams of fat. While small amounts of chili oil can add flavor and variety to your diet, consuming too much of it can contribute to weight gain if you exceed your daily caloric needs.

It’s important to keep in mind that chili oil is just one part of a healthy diet, and it should be consumed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients.

IS CHILI OIL VEGAN?

Chili oil is generally considered to be vegan. It is made by infusing oil with chili peppers, which are a type of fruit. Chili oil does not contain any animal products, and it can be enjoyed by vegans as part of a plant-based diet.

However, it’s important to note that some chili oils may contain additives or other ingredients that are not suitable for vegans. For example, some chili oils may contain animal-derived ingredients such as chicken broth or fish sauce.

If you follow a vegan diet, it’s a good idea to check the label of the chili oil you are using to make sure it does not contain any non-vegan ingredients.