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Published on Leave a comment on Pono Hawaiian Island Chili Crunch – Spicy

This Pono Hawaiian Island Chili Crunch - Spicy came from Amazon. We hadn't before encountered a product in our search that potentially promised a Hawaiian take on chili crisp. Let's take a look.

Pono Hawaiian Island Chili Crunch - Spicy jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Sesame
  • Shallot
  • Garlic
  • Chili
  • Sugar
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Rice bran
  • Solids to oil ratio: Medium
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: Sesame, wheat flour
  • Storage: Store in a cool dry place
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderate
  • Texture: Crispy crunchy
  • Saltiness: Low (105mg. per 15gm.)

Shallots and sesame take the lead here. The rice bran oil base makes for an interesting foundation. The solids-to-oil ratio isn't high enough to keep the sesame seeds in the mix, so they do float to the top, requiring a concerted stirring to distribute them evenly. The shallot pieces are large and provide the majority of a satisfying crunch. The chili lays back, even in this "spicy" version, and balances well with the rest of the flavors. There's just enough sugar to be noticed without muting the chili.

Pono Hawaiian calls this a chili crunch, which we've come to assume means somewhere in the realm of chili crisp and salsa macha, but technically neither. For categorization purposes, we'll put this one in with others we consider "new wave". We're not sure if it really evokes an island sensibility, but we liked it nonetheless.

As we've found with a number of infused chili oil products, online information often contradicts labeling when it comes to ingredients. Even more annoying is when manufacturers' own websites fail to adequately disclose specifically what's in their product. In this case, the vendor (Amazon) website claims this product contains sesame oil, Himalayan sea salt and yeast extract. The ingredient list below, taken directly from the label, does not. The label also warns against wheat flour as an allergen, but none is obviously apparent in the listing. Perhaps the product is made in a facility that also processes wheat.

Extra points for no MSG, no preservatives, gluten free and vegan/vegetarian friendly.

Ingredients

Rice bran oil, shallots, garlic, chili powder, sea salt, white sesame, coconut flower sugar, shiitake mushroom powder

More Information

Brand: Pono Hawaiian Foods
Style: New Wave
Price paid: $8.99 / 6oz.
Country of Origin: USA
Manufacturer website:
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Published on Leave a comment on Simply Asia Chili Crunch

This Simply Asia Chili Crunch came from Amazon where, as part of the Big Spring Sale, it was marked down to $7.74, allegedly 20% off. Ironically, it was spotted as a new item at a local Walmart before the Amazon order arrived on our doorstep.

Simply Asia Chili Crunch jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Onion
  • Chili
  • Shallot
  • Sugar
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Rapeseed
  • Solids to oil ratio: Moderately high
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: Soy
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderate
  • Texture: Coarse, flaky crunch
  • Saltiness: Low (0mg. per 14gm.)

Simply Asia calls it "chili crunch", a term that received a whole bunch of publicity when a competitor acquired the trademark for it, then started sending out cease and desist letters to anyone else using what had long been considered a generic term. That competitor has since reconsidered the wisdom of that move.

The initial appearance is of a typical chili crisp. Abundant chili flakes and shallot for the solids are reasonably coarse, providing a satisfactory textural experience. Soybeans are way down the ingredient list, and we had to go fishing to find some. They are crunchy, not fermented. The solid-to-oil ratio here is moderately high, but still with enough oil you really need to stir it up before spooning some out.

The overall flavor profile is well-balanced. Onion-y umami, moderately spicy chili, a subtle hit of Sichuan pepper, and a hint of sweetness to round it all out. Saltiness is low, and we can't fathom how a product listing salt as even a minor ingredient can claim 0mg. sodium, but that's what the label and website both say.

We liked this one for its accessible flavor, and look forward to having it be available as a regular item at the local Wally World.

Ingredients

Rapeseed oil, onion, spices (including chili pepper, sichuan pepper), shallot, soybeans, salt & sugar.

More Information

Brand: Simply Asia Foods, LLC / Simply Asia
Style: Chili crisp
Price Paid: $7.74 / 7.05oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website: www.simplyasia.com
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Published on Leave a comment on Maya Kaimal Chili Crisp

This Maya Kaimal Chili Crisp came from Whole Foods where it was on sale and at an extra discount for Amazon Prime members. That brought the normal (and somewhat steep) price of $13.99 down to $9.79. We had originally ordered it through Amazon, but it was unfortunately lost in transit. More unfortunate, it would have only been $8.67 that way.

Maya Kaimal Chili Crisp jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Shallot
  • Garlic
  • Specified spices
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Sunflower
  • Solids to oil ratio: Medium
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: Sesame, soy(from oil used to fry shallots)
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Low
  • Texture: Moderate crunchiness
  • Saltiness: Low (80mg. per 13gm.)

This Maya Kaimal Chili Crisp is one of the few if not the only chili crisps we've found made in the tarka style. Tarka describes the Indian method of blooming spices like mustard seed and curry leaves with sizzling hot oil, much like the infusion of chili flakes in a chili oil. Maya Kaimal then adds fried shallots, garlic and chili flakes. The result here is a flavor profile including aromatics not typically found in other Asian chili crisps, combined with a subtle level of chili heat.

The texture here is a bit of a contrast. There are larger than usual fried shallots and a moderate amount of sesame seeds. But there is also a good percentage of things we typically characterize as "muddy". Bear in mind we're tasting these products by themselves, so the experience when applied to food will, or should be, different.

We liked that the flavors of the aromatics were forward enough to be able to pick them out over the shallot and chili. We also appreciated the conservative application of sesame seeds, which helped to keep things more in balance. Together, they made this different style infused oil a memorable one.

Ingredients

Sunflower oil, shallots (shallots, highly-refined soybean oil), garlic, Aleppo-style chili flake, red chili flake, sesame seed, brown mustard seed, cane sugar, sea salt, curry leaves, turmeric, star anise.

More Information

Brand: Maya Kaimal Foods, LLC
Style: Tarka
Country of Origin: USA
Manufacturer website:
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Published on Leave a comment on Roland Foods Spicy Chili Onion Crisp

This Roland Foods Spicy Chili Onion Crisp came from a local supermarket. It was the only such product they stocked, I'm sure only because Roland is pretty much a supermarket brand. That and the store in question is more of an old-school family-run operation which caters to an older clientele. You see hardly any trendy stuff in the international sections there.

Roland Foods Spicy Chili Onion Crisp jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Onion
  • Chili
  • Garlic
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Sunflower, sesame
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: Sesame
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderate
  • Texture: Crispy crunch
  • Saltiness: Low (125mg. per 18gm.)

We were pleasantly surprised by this one. It's onion-forward, but the chili pepper and garlic play well into the mix. The aromatics aren't as obvious, unless you're really looking for them, but they round out the overall flavor profile nicely. The salt level is low, and, for those who appreciate it, there's no MSG.

We thought the texture was really good. The mixture is thick with medium-weight solids that provide a satisfying crunch.

We categorize it as a crunchy oil, but in reality, it has a lot in common with a Japanese taberu rayu. If it were more garlic-forward and a little saltier, a blind taste test might mistake it for one.

Compare to Trader Joe's Crunchy Chili Onion, similar in style and price.

Ingredients

Sunflower oil, dehydrated onion, garlic and red bell pepper, chili pepper, sesame oil, salt, spices (star anise, sichuan pepper, cinnamon, cloves, fennel)

More Information

Brand: Roland Foods, LLC
Style: Crunchy oil
Price paid: $5.99 / 7oz.
Country of Origin: USA
Manufacturer website:
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Published on Leave a comment on Momoya Chili Oil with Fried Garlic

Momoya Chili Oil with Fried Garlic is from Japan and made in the taberu rayu style. It's often sold without additional labeling in English, so getting an idea of what it's about up front can be somewhat difficult. The head of garlic and the chili pepper on the label give a clue, but there's a lot more than meets the eye here.

Momoya Chili Oil with Fried Garlic jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Garlic
  • Sugar
  • Sesame
  • Onion
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Rapeseed, sesame
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: No Yes
  • Potential allergens: Wheat, sesame, soybean
  • Storage: Store away from direct sunlight. Refrigerate after opening.
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Low
  • Texture: Crunchy
  • Saltiness: Low (256mg. per 16gm.)

It's not too salty, if both our calculations and what our tastebuds are telling us are correct. The translation of the nutritional information isn't in the standard format.

One look at the ingredients, and you'll see there's a lot going on in there. So much, in fact, it's difficult to isolate the individual components from a sample tasting. Suffice it to say, however, they have a synergy that works quite well.

We appreciated the high solids to oil ratio, and the satisfying level of crunchiness. And we definitely liked how, similar to the S&B, it has a peanut-y character without actually containing any peanuts. Definitely going to switch out peanut sauce for this one, the next time we have spring rolls.

A little pricey at around $8 for 3.88 oz, but we think worth it.

Update: The latest jar we obtained now has ingredients listed in English. We had previously used Google Lens to translate the Japanese on the jar itself. While many ingredients are the same, just worded differently, two glaring differences stood out. One, the addition of MSG, and two, the deletion of a seasoning and an antioxidant.

Ingredients

Edible rapeseed oil, fried garlic, edible sesame oil, chili pepper, fried onions, MSG, sugar, salt, chili miso paste (contains soybeans), paprika, ground sesame, onion powder, powdered soy sauce (contains wheat), powdered chili miso paste, seasoning (amino acid), antioxidant (vitamin E).

More Information

Brand: Momoya
Style: Taberu rayu
Price paid: $7.77 / 3.88oz.
Country of Origin: Japan
Manufacturer website: www.momoya.co.jp
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Published on Leave a comment on Momofuku Chili Crunch – Original

Momofuku Chili Crunch by Chef David Chang is one of what many consider a "new wave" product in the genre. It possesses elements of both chili crisps and salsas machas, along with some sensibilities all its own. A little pricey at $13 for 5.5oz, we found this Original version on sale on Amazon for just over $9.

Momofuku Chili Crunch by David Chang jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Puya chili
  • Coconut sugar
  • Onion, garlic
  • Japones and arbol chilis
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Grapeseed
  • Solids to oil ratio: Moderate
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: Sesame
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Medium
  • Texture: Fine crunch
  • Saltiness: Low (25mg. per 3.3gm.)

The main chili flavor (and heat) here is courtesy of puya chili, slightly hotter than jalapeno, but fruitier and more complex. The sweetness of coconut sugar offsets the heat somewhat. Onion and garlic bring the allium. Arbol and japones chilis round out the pepper flavor. Umami comes courtesy of mushroom powder, yeast extract and seaweed. There's a lot going on in here.

The texture has a mild crunch mostly from the garlic, we assume, but perhaps some from undissolved coconut sugar as well. Similar to the Fly By Jing, there is a muddy texture to some of the solids, whether that's from ground peppers or the umami components is hard to say. Suffice it to say, however, that despite it being called a "chili crunch", we've had crunchier.

All in all, the varied ingredients play well with each other, giving a good balance of heat, spice, sweet, and umami. We would have liked a bit more pronounced texture, though.

Chef Chang offers four more varieties of his chili crunch, including Extra Spicy, Garlic (Mild), Black Truffle and Hot Honey.

Ingredients

Grapeseed oil, puya chilis, coconut sugar, onions, garlic, sesame seeds, japones chilis, chilis de arbol, mushroom powder, salt, shallots, spices, yeast extract, seaweed

More Information

Brand: Momofuku
Style: New Wave
Country of Origin: USA
Price paid: $9 / 5.5oz.
Manufacturer website:
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Published on Leave a comment on Cholula Chili Crisp Sauce

This Cholula Chili Crisp Sauce is a strange one. It's from Mexico, so it should really be called a salsa macha, no? Shouldn't it? We think so.

Cholula Chili Crisp Sauce jar
Cholula Chili Crisp Sauce sample
Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili
  • Garlic
  • Seed nuts
  • Salt
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Sunflower
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: sesame, sunflower
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderate
  • Texture: Nutty crunch
  • Saltiness: Moderate (320mg. per 16gm.)

This one came from Amazon because, unfathomably, we couldn't find it locally. This one is a crunch fest, with sesame seeds, pepitas and sunflower seeds. The chilis take somewhat of a backseat here, but provide enough flavor and heat to be noticed. We particularly liked the inclusion of morita pepper, which we thought made La Anita Salsa Macha - Morita Pepper such a stand-out in its category.

Garlic, onion and unnamed spices round out the seasonings, along with salt, listed as only a moderate 320mg. sodium per tablespoon.

Be aware, however, that salt doesn't dissolve in oil. When you get towards the bottom of the jar, it may seem saltier than when first opened. Because it probably is. The preponderance of nuts and seeds means there is less softer vegetal material to potentially take up the salt, so it will largely settle to the bottom unless intentional measures are taken to mix the contents well before each use. This is especially important with a large jar such as this one, which contains many servings.

At $10 for 8 oz, in the world of this type of condiment, we find it a reasonably good value. Watch for an occasional price drop, though. We got second jar during the Big Spring Sale for a low $6.71.

Ingredients

High oleic sunflower oil, chili peppers (ancho, morita and arbol), garlic, sesame seed, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, salt, onion, spices and natural flavor.

More Information

Brand: McCormick / Cholula
Style: Chili crisp? (Salsa macha)
Price paid: $9.99 / 8oz.
Country of Origin: Mexico
Manufacturer website: www.cholula.com
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Published on Leave a comment on Homiah Sambal Chili Crunch – Vegan

Homiah Sambal Chili Crunch - Vegan is one of two products from Homiah, the other "Original" contains shrimp and garlic. This version eliminates those two in favor of a healthy amount of nori seaweed. Normally a bit pricy at $11, we got this one while on sale at Amazon for $8.67.

Homiah Sambal Chili Crunch jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Nori seaweed
  • Onion
  • Coconut sugar
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Sunflower
  • Solids to oil ratio: Very high
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: N/S
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Low
  • Texture: Sandy crunch
  • Saltiness: Very Low (35mg. per 5 gm.)

The ingredients list chili, but it's hardly evident, failing to even outshine the nori or the sugar. The label touts "50% less oil" and indeed it appears to barely have any, belying the fact that sunflower oil is first on the list. Even at room temperature, the product is a shaggy amalgam of its ingredients loosely held together by very little oil.

Rather than crunchy, we'd characterize the texture more as coarsely gritty, but not in a bad way. The nori and sugar make for an interesting combination, but we found ourselves wishing for a little more from the onion and chili. Yeast extract apparently replaces MSG as a flavor enhancer, but not enough to call attention to itself.

All in all, an interesting flavor profile, but not chili enough to be considered a chili crisp nor oily enough to be a crunchy oil. If, however, you want non-GMO, gluten free, soy free, vegan, low sodium and keto friendly, this one's got you covered.

Ingredients

Sunflower oil(high oleic), onion, chili, nori seaweed, salt, unrefined coconut sugar, yeast extract.

More Information

Brand: Homiah
Style: Southeast Asian crunchy condiment
Price paid, $8.67 / 6oz.
Country of Origin: Malaysia (dist. by Homiah, Inc, Brooklyn NY)
Manufacturer website:
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Published on Leave a comment on JHC Ground Chili with Fried Garlic

This JHC Ground Chili with Fried Garlic was found at that same cross-town Asian market. Looking through the jar, it appears to be a chili crisp-type product. Upon opening and trying it, we found it's not crispy at all. But it has qualities we liked, and so we've decided to include it here. Let's call it chili crisp adjacent.

JHC Ground Chili with Fried Garlic jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili
  • Garlic
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Soybean
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: MSG
  • Potential allergens: Soy, shrimp (produced in a facility that uses peanut, sesame, fish and crustacean shellfish)
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening, use within 30 days.
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: High
  • Texture: Soft, a coarse paste
  • Saltiness: Low (110mg per 15gm.)

If you like it hot, this one's for you. As we said, this product of Thailand is chili crisp adjacent. There's a texture to it, albeit a soft one. The oil and solids do separate somewhat, so a little stir before use is in order. We called it a coarse paste, but it's not homogenous enough to really be one. Maybe more like "pulp in oil".

The lemongrass is subtle, but it's there, adding a certain something to the heat. We can only guess the shrimp is included for a bonito flake-ish umami, but it's hard to detect over the heat and garlic.

The heat lingers long in the mouth, with a slight sichuan peppercorn-like numbing on the lips. Similarly, it also induces the scalp perspiration that hot chilies are known for. Be careful with this one, it can sneak up on you. You've been warned!

Ingredients

Soybean oil, garlic, chili, shallot, water, lemongrass, MSG, sugar, salt, dried shrimp, paprika color.

More Information

Brand: JHC / Jack Hua Co. Ltd.
Style: Ground chili with fried garlic
Price paid: $3.49 / 7oz.
Country of Origin: Thailand
Manufacturer website: j-limited.com
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Published on Leave a comment on Lao Gan Ma Chili Oil with Fermented Soybeans

Yet another variation in the LGM range of chili-infused oil products, this Lao Gan Ma Chili Oil with Fermented Soybeans was obtained at a large Asian market. We had hoped to find a larger selection of chili crisps there, coming away mostly disappointed, but picked up this jar while there. We're excited to try this take on flavor.

Lao Gan Ma Chili Oil with Fermented Soybeans jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili
  • Fermented soybean
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Soybean
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: MSG
  • Potential allergens: Soy
  • Storage: Keep refrigerated
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderate
  • Texture: Softly chewy
  • Saltiness: Moderate (600mg. per 30gm.)

This time, fermented soybean is the flavor and texture driver. The solids are softly chewy, just below al dente. We're ambivalent as to whether to categorize it as chili oil or chili crisp.

The fermented soybean flavor is tangy, fragrant and floral all at the same time, and provides a different kind of umami. The chili contributes just a modicum of heat, and is well-balanced against the soybean.

Added sugar brings an interesting complement to both the spice of the chili and the flavor of the soybean. We assume it also slightly offsets the heat of the chili.

Chili oil or chili crisp, call it whichever. We'd call it another winner from Lao Gan Ma.

Ingredients

Soybean oil, fermented soybeans, chili, MSG, sugar, sulfur dioxide, sodium sulfite.

More Information

Brand: Lao Gan Ma
Style: Chili Oil
Price Paid: $6.39 / 9.88oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website: www.laoganmausa.com
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