Introduction
Chillies have spread from regional kitchens to global pantries. Yet most cooks treat them as a one-note ingredient: heat.
The reality is richer. Chillies add aroma, depth, and visual sheen long before heat registers. When sourced thoughtfully and processed well, a quality chilli oil becomes your most versatile kitchen ally.
Here are ten surprising ways to use chillies that go beyond the obvious.
Top 10 Unusual Uses of Chillies You Maybe Didn't Know
1. Infuse Your Oils for Layered Heat
Cold-pressed sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil gains character when infused with chillies. The result is a tool that adds aroma and texture to nearly any plate.
Boombay's Five Chilli Oil combines five Indian chillies (Kashmiri, Byadgi, Guntur, Mathania, Boriya) with cold-pressed sesame. A teaspoon on eggs, soup, or stir-fries transforms the plate without overwhelming it.
The magic is control. You decide the intensity with each drizzle.
2. Add Crunch to Salads and Sandwiches
Chilli oil brings both heat and texture to raw greens. Toss a salad with leaves, shredded veg, and a drizzle of chilli oil. Each leaf coats evenly. The salad holds its crunch longer than it would with vinegar-based dressing.
Mix chilli oil into mayo or hummus for sandwich spreads and wraps.
Pairing idea: Roasted Sesame Dressing mixed with Timur Chilli Crisp delivers toasty warmth plus citrusy heat.
3. Swirl Into Soups and Ramen
A bowl of broth transforms with a swirl of chilli oil. Pour hot soup into a bowl and finish with a drizzle. Watch the fragrance rise with the steam.
Works especially well with miso-based soups, tom yum, or simple chicken broth. The chilli adds a nose of spice without burning mid-spoon.
4. Toss with Popcorn or Chips
Drizzle chilli oil over warm popcorn and toss. Add salt, parmesan, or nutritional yeast. The oil clings to each kernel and transforms a simple snack into something restaurant-quality in seconds.
The same logic applies to crispy roasted chickpeas or fried chips. The oil adheres. The aromatics shine.
5. Mix Into Mayo or Dips
Chilli oil turns neutral spreads into party-ready dips. Mix into mayo and you have a spicy, creamy base for everything from crudites to toast.
Swirl into white bean dip, tahini, or yogurt. The combinations multiply.
6. Use in Marinades for Tofu, Veggies, or Paneer
A marinade needs fat and aromatics. Mix chilli oil with soy sauce, vinegar and a touch of salt if needed. Coat cubes of tofu, paneer, or thick vegetable slices. Let sit for 20 minutes. Grill or pan-fry.
The oil prevents sticking, carries flavor deep, and crisps the surface beautifully.
7. Finish Pizzas and Flatbreads
A hot pizza straight from the oven is the perfect canvas for chilli oil. Drizzle it over the top. The heat warms the oil and opens its aromatics.
Works on focaccia, naan, sourdough flatbread, or shop-bought pizza. It's the difference between ordinary and elevated.
8. Drizzle Over Desserts for Contrast
Chilli and chocolate are old friends. A small drizzle of chilli oil over dark chocolate mousse, brownie, or churro adds a warm flush that makes sweetness more vivid. Works equally well on citrus sorbet or fruit-based desserts.
Heat and sweetness confuse each other on the tongue. The result feels sophisticated and playful.
9. Add to Cocktails
Mix a teaspoon of chilli oil into the spirit, then shake with lime, agave, and ice. A drink that tingles without being overwhelming. Works in margaritas, mezcal cocktails, or vodka-based drinks.
10. Top Off Rice Bowls and Noodles
The easiest win. A bowl of simple rice or noodles looks restaurant-level the moment you add a deep rich red layer of chilli oil. A teaspoon on fried rice, or cold noodles transforms it from a weeknight meal into restaurant order.
Why Boombay's Five Chilli Oil Stands Out
Five Chilli Oil is built on simple principles of real ingredients, real flavour, nothing artificial.
- Five Hand-Picked Indian Chillies. Each brings its own note. Together they balance heat, aroma, and depth.
- Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil Base. Cold-pressed sesame oil base. It preserves the sesame’s toasty character and adds the goodness of healthy fats.
- No Fillers or Shortcuts. No artificial heat boosters. No thickeners. No preservatives.
- Designed to Finish. A teaspoon goes a long way. Add a boom of flavour, not a mask.
Use it on stir-fries, eggs, soups, salads, rice bowls, pizza, or popcorn. It's a workhorse.
Get Started with Boombay.
Shop Five Chilli Oil or explore Timur Chilli Crisp for crunch and citrusy heat.
For recipes and inspiration, visit Boombay Recipes.
FAQs
What are some unique uses of chilli oil?
Beyond stir-fries and noodles: soups, pizza, desserts, cocktails, marinades, popcorn, mayo, salads, and rice bowls. Think of it as an aroma and sheen builder, not just heat.
Can chilli oil be used in desserts?
Yes. A small drizzle on dark chocolate, brownies, or citrus sorbet adds warmth and depth to sweetness.
How do you store chilli oil?
Always refrigerate after opening. Natural chilli oils can turn rancid if left outside. Shake well before use, as real ingredients tend to settle.
Is chilli oil different from hot sauce?
Yes. Hot sauce is vinegar-based and cooked. Chilli oil is oil-based and can be used to cook with as well as finish dishes. Both have their place but work differently.
