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Chili oil is a kind of fiery elixir condiment in Asian cuisine. It not only adds a punch of heat and flavor to dishes but also boasts an array of nutritional benefits. Using chili oil to add a touch of vibrant red gloss to the dish is also a smart move.
In this article, we’ll introduce the numerous benefits of chili oil and how it can enhance your meals as a condiment. Additionally, we’ll guide you through selecting the best brand and where to find it. Prepare yourself for an enlightening journey into the world of chili oil.
What is Chili Oil?
Chili oil is a blend of oil, usually soybean, sesame, or olive, infused with chili peppers. But it’s the capsaicin in the chilies that’s the star, offering both the heat and the health benefits.
Many people are curious about the differences between chili oil, peppercorn oil, and green Sichuan peppercorn oil. We can distinguish them based on their taste. Chili oil has a spicy flavor while peppercorn oil and green Sichuan peppercorn oil have a numbing sensation and carry a little bit of grass smell.
5 Main Health Benefits of Chili Oil
Chili oil not only enhances the flavor of dishes but also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals such as protein, vitamin A/C/D/E/K, iron, and capsaicin. Moreover, the capsaicin in chili oil can increase the speed of calorie burning and promote metabolism. Here we list five main benefits of consuming chili oil:
● Boosts Metabolism
Capsaicin isn’t just responsible for the heat; it’s also a metabolic booster. By increasing the body’s temperature, capsaicin stimulates fat burning, aiding in weight loss and energy expenditure. It’s a natural thermogenic, meaning it can help your body burn more calories even at rest.
● Enhances Digestive Health
Chili oil can kickstart your digestive system, improving the efficiency of the digestion process. Its spicy nature stimulates saliva and gastric juices, breaking down food more effectively and preventing common digestive issues.
● Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The anti-inflammatory effects of capsaicin can be a boon for those suffering from chronic inflammation or pain. Regular consumption of chili oil, in moderation, may help reduce inflammation and alleviate conditions like arthritis.
● Heart Health and Cholesterol
Incorporating chili oil into your diet could lead to healthier blood vessels and a lower risk of heart disease. Capsaicin aids in reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while improving blood flow, safeguarding your heart’s health.
● Immune System Boost
The antioxidants in chili oil are powerful allies for your immune system. They fight off free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and bolstering your body’s defenses against illnesses.
While chili oil offers numerous benefits, it’s wise to approach it with caution. Overconsumption can lead to digestive discomfort for some, highlighting the importance of moderation.
How to Use Chili Oil as A Condiment?
Chili oil is pretty widely used around the world. It can be used to enhance the flavor of food and as a natural food coloring for dishes. For example, we could mix chili oil with chopped garlic, cilantro, green onion, soy sauce, and sesame to make a dipping sauce.
Or, add chili oil to a spicy hot pot to make the soup base taste stronger. We can also use it with S.J. Chili Poach Sauce to cook a flavorful Poached Beef in Hot Chili Oil. And more, chili oil definitely is a wonderful partner with most spicy stir-fried dishes such as spicy chicken wings and water-boiled fish filet in chili oil.
So obviously, chili oil is one of the secret condiments in the chef’s pocket. Let’s provide two popular Chinese food recipes with chili oil below.
● Spicy Wonton
Traditional homemade, small-bite food among every Chinese household. Silky little dumplings filled with pork or shrimp drowned in SIANG JI red chili oil, soy sauce and other spices.
Main Ingredient: Wonton 4 pieces
Sauce: S.J. Red Chili Oil 10ml, S.J. Spicy Hot Pot Sauce 5ml, Soy Sauce 10ml
Other Ingredient: Chopped Garlic 3g, Sugar 5g, Chopped Green Onion 5g
See the complete recipe for Spicy Wonton.
● Poached Beef in Hot Chili Oil
Classic Sichuan Style food. Tender and juicy beef slices cooked with raw chili peppers and other aromatic spices then finished with hot boiled chili oil.
Main Ingredient: Sliced Beef 150g, Bean Sprout 100g
Sauce: S.J. Chili Poach Sauce 80g, Water 250ml
Marinade: Soy Sauce 30ml, Egg White 1/2 unit, Corn Starch 3g
Other Ingredients: Chopped Celery 10g, Sliced Green Onion 5g, Sauteed Garlic 2g, White Sesame 2g, S.J. Chili Powder Flake 5g, Cilantro 3g
Optional Ingredient: S.J. Red Chili Oil 50ml
See the complete recipe for Poached Beef in Hot Chili Oil.
Frequently Asked Questions on Chili Oil
Q1. How much chili oil is safe to consume daily?
Up to a teaspoon of chili oil is considered safe for daily consumption for most individuals. It’s essential to adjust according to personal tolerance and to avoid excessive intake to prevent digestive discomfort.
Q2. Can chili oil be used in all types of cooking?
Chili oil is versatile, suitable for flavoring and finishing dishes, but not recommended for high-heat cooking like frying. Its best use is as a condiment in low-temperature preparations to maintain its flavor integrity.
Q3. Are there any side effects of using chili oil topically?
Topical use of chili oil can cause irritation, including redness and a burning sensation, particularly on sensitive skin. Always conduct a patch test and consider diluting with a carrier oil to minimize potential adverse effects.
Q4. How does chili oil compare with other spicy condiments health-wise?
Chili oil offers similar health benefits to other spicy condiments, including metabolism boost and anti-inflammatory properties, due to its capsaicin content. It stands out by often being more natural and free from added sugars and preservatives.
Q5. Can chili oil go bad, and how can you tell?
Chili oil can spoil, indicated by an off-smell, color change, or mold growth. Proper storage in a cool, dark place and using clean utensils can extend its shelf life, but it’s important to monitor homemade and commercial varieties for signs of spoilage.
Where to Buy Authentic Chili Oil?
Here are several ways to get it. You can stop by Ranch 99 Supermarket, Marina Food Supermarket (in North California), Amazon, and local Asian supermarkets.
The easier way is to place your order on the SIANG JI ASIA because they have wonderful customer service, quick shipping, and a wide list of Asian sauces. From Red Chili Oil, Sichuan Peppercorn Oil, Green Sichuan Peppercorn Oil, Chili Bean Sauce, and more, a lot of condiments and sauces can be found here. That’s why many Asian restaurants are using S.J.’s products in America and Asia.
High quality, quick shipping, and great prices are the goals of their business. No matter a single or large order, they’ll give you the best recommendation. Just a sample phone call or visit the S.J. website.
Learn more about other Chinese condiments and recipes:
What is Doubanjiang Chili Bean Paste? Insider’s Buyer Guide
How to Make Stinky Tofu: The Ultimate Guide to Authentic Flavors