Have you ever looked at a jar of Chilli oil and thought it was just for a specific dish, like dumplings or stir-fried noodles?
Chilli oil isn't just about adding heat; it’s about adding flavor.
A well-made Chilli oil is rich with aromatic spices and a deep savory essence that can completely change a dish. It’s the secret ingredient that makes simple food extraordinary.
This guide will show you how to use Chilli oil in 10 creative and simple ways, making it a go-to tool for your everyday cooking.
Because our chilli oil is all about adding a little spark to the food you already love.
1. Use Chilli Oil on Your Breakfast Eggs
Your morning eggs, whether they're scrambled, fried, or in a simple omelet are a perfect canvas for flavor. You might think they're fine as they are, but a tiny drizzle of Chilli oil can wake them up in an unexpected way.
The subtle heat and rich, infused flavor cut through the richness of the egg, creating a balanced and exciting start to your day. You'll find yourself wondering why you ever ate them plain.
For an extra kick, try it with a simple mustard egg curry, also known as dimer shorshe, or on a simple egg and cherry tomato salad for a quick and wholesome meal.
2. Upgrade Your Avocado Toast with Chilli Oil
Avocado toast has become a breakfast staple, and you might think it can't be improved. But Chilli oil is the key to taking it to the next level. The creamy, mild flavor of the avocado needs a counterpoint. The nutty and savory notes of a good Chilli oil pair beautifully with the avocado, while the bits of Chilli flakes add a satisfying texture.
It provides a kick that wakes up your palate, making your morning ritual feel less routine and more like a treat. Try it on a piece of sesame avocado toast for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Use Chilli Oil for Your Salads
If you're tired of the same old salad dressings, a spoonful of Chilli oil can elevate any salad, especially those with a crisp, simple base. It’s a game-changer for salads that need a little something extra. For a quick, flavorful dressing, simply whisk Chilli oil with a touch of vinegar, soy sauce, or lime juice.
It will add a complex, savory element to your greens, making your salads more exciting and satisfying. This simple technique works wonders on an Indonesian-style vegan gado gado or a vibrant som tam salad.
4. Spice Up Your Soups with Chilli Oil
Soup is the ultimate comfort food, but sometimes it can feel a bit one-dimensional. The next time you’re enjoying a bowl, stir in a spoonful of Chilli oil just before serving. The heat and flavor will cut through the richness of a hearty vegetable soup or a creamy tomato soup.
It adds a spicy depth that makes each spoonful more interesting. It can even be a fantastic addition to a miso ramen bowl or a simple thukpa.
5. Chilli Oil for Dumplings and Momos
This is perhaps the most well-known use for Chilli oil, but there's a trick to making it even better. Instead of a quick dip, drizzle a generous amount of Chilli oil over your dumplings or momos, making sure every surface is coated.
The oil clings to the wrappers, carrying the flavor and heat into every single bite. If you're looking for a quick and delicious recipe, try it with our garlic Chilli momos or a simple Indian frankie recipe.
6. Enhance Your Stir-Fries with Chilli Oil
Stir-fries are all about quick, high-heat cooking and a balance of flavors. Chilli oil is the perfect addition. You can use it as your cooking oil to infuse the entire dish with a subtle, savory heat right from the start. Or, add it at the end as a finishing touch to give your stir-fry a final kick of flavor.
It works wonders in a simple vegetable stir-fry or a classic schezwan chicken fried rice. The oil adds a glossy finish and a depth of flavor that a plain cooking oil just can’t replicate.
7. Transform Your Noodles with Chilli Oil
You've likely already tried this, but there’s a difference between adding a dash of Chilli oil and making it the star of the show. Instead of just a sprinkle, use a generous amount to coat your noodles.
For a quick and delicious hack, try making a simple sauce with Chilli oil, soy sauce, and a touch of vinegar. This will cling to every strand of noodle, ensuring a flavor explosion with every bite. It’s the perfect addition to a simple bowl of chow mein or for a healthier version of Maggie.
8. Use Chilli Oil to Give Your Dal a Tadka
Tadka is a fundamental technique in Indian cooking, and Chilli oil can be a modern twist on this classic. Instead of a traditional ghee or mustard oil tadka, try using Chilli oil for a unique and flavorful finish. The aromatic spices in the oil complement the earthy flavors of lentils, adding a surprising but welcome twist.
Our dal tadka with Chilli oil recipe is a great place to start. It’s a simple way to introduce a new layer of flavor to a dish that is often overlooked.
9. Quickly Elevate Your Snacks with Chilli Oil
Snacks are all about quick, simple satisfaction. Chilli oil can take a mundane snack and make it extraordinary. Sprinkle it on popcorn for a spicy, savory kick. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables or roasted makhana to add a rich, deep flavor.
The oil clings to the surfaces, ensuring every bite is flavorful. It’s a great way to add a bit of excitement to your snack time without needing to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
10. Marinate Your Protein for a Flavorful Kick
Looking for a simple way to add flavor to your protein? Chilli oil makes a fantastic marinade for chicken, fish, or tofu. The oil helps to tenderize the protein while infusing it with layers of flavor. For a quick marinade, simply combine Chilli oil with a few complementary ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
This simple combination works for everything from a simple grilled fish to a spicy chicken marinade for the grill. For an easy-to-make dinner, try marinating chicken pieces in Chilli oil and grilling them for a quick, weeknight meal.
FAQs
How do you use Chilli oil in cooking?
You can use Chilli oil as a finishing oil, a marinade base, a stir-fry oil, or as a flavor-boosting condiment. It adds a layer of rich, savory flavor and a kick of heat to any dish. It’s perfect for elevating simple ingredients and adding a new dimension to your meals.
What is the most common use of Chilli oil?
The most common use is as a condiment for noodles, rice dishes, and dumplings. However, its versatility allows it to be used in a wide range of recipes, from simple breakfasts to elaborate main courses.
Do you refrigerate Chilli oil?
Yes, it is generally recommended to store Chilli oil in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life and maintain its flavor. This helps prevent the oil from going rancid.
Can you use Chilli oil for frying?
Yes, you can use Chilli oil for light frying or sautéing. The oil is already infused with flavor, so it’s perfect for adding a subtle heat to dishes right from the start.
Can I use Chilli oil as a dressing?
Yes, Chilli oil makes a fantastic dressing. You can use it as is, or combine it with other ingredients like vinegar, soy sauce, or lime juice for a more complex dressing for your salads.
Is Chilli oil healthy?
Chilli oil can be part of a balanced diet when used in moderation. What makes Boombay’s Five Chilli Oil different is that it’s made with cold-pressed sesame oil, not refined oil. Cold-pressed oils retain more natural antioxidants and nutrients, making them a better choice for everyday cooking. Most chilli oils use refined oils that are stripped of these benefits — ours doesn’t.
Is Chilli oil a sauce?
Chilli oil is not a traditional sauce, but a condiment or an infused oil. Unlike a sauce which typically has a thicker consistency, Chilli oil is primarily oil with an infusion of Chilli and other aromatics. It’s a simple distinction, but a helpful one to know.
