This Chef Shu Chili Oil Sauce also came from that new Asian Market. It was another one new to us, and its ingredient list looked promising. Let's see how it tastes.
Main Flavor Elements
- Chili
- Sesame
- Peanut
Snapshot
- Base oil(s): Canola, sesame
- Solids to oil ratio: Moderately high
- Flavor Enhancer: MSG
- Potential allergens: Sesame, peanut, may contain wheat
- Storage: Keep away from direct sunlight, in a cool, dry place
Our Impressions
- Heat level: Moderate
- Texture: Sesame seeds and fine chili flake
- Saltiness: Low (25mg. per 15gm.)
This jar was made to travel. Rather than a plastic shrink seal around the lid, the entire jar is encased in one. Smart. We've all encountered a leaky jar of chili crisp a time or two.
There are a lot of sesame seeds here, and together with the warm, slow-burn chili heat, they dominate the flavor. There's enough oil to allow a good portion of them to float up to the surface, so mix well.
There's a bit of málà numbing from the Sichuan pepper, but the onion, ginger and garlic are mostly subdued in the mix. The peanut is coarsely ground, and, going by the order of ingredients, we thought there would be more of it. We didn't get any real sense of sweetness from the sugar. The paprika we assume is more for color.
No real complaint to be made here. $3.99 for a big 8oz. jar is a bargain for a more than serviceable chili oil. Despite its relatively high ratio of solids to oil, we're somewhat on the fence about characterizing it as a chili crisp.
Compare to Liu Po Spicy Red Oil.
Ingredients
Canola oil, chili, sesame, peanut, Sichuan pepper, MSG, salt, onion, ginger, sesame oil, spices, sugar, paprika oleoresin, paprika, artificial flavor .
More Information
Brand: Well Luck Co. / Chef Shu
Style: Chili oil
Price Paid: $3.99 / 8.1oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website:
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