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Category: New Wave

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:
Social media:

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:
Social media: