In 1984, Chinese restaurateur Tao Huabi is said to have conceived the recipe for what would later become Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp. Initially, she sold it in her shop in Guizhou. Then, in 1997, she began the first commercial production of chili crisp under the Lao Gan Ma ("Old Godmother") brand. It quickly became popular and, eventually, a Chinese pantry staple.
If you go looking for it, note that some Asian markets carry the product with the Chinese labeling, or sometimes both. We found out there's actually a slight difference, explained here. So, you may have to look at the back of the jar for an applied English label to make sure what you're buying.
Main Flavor Elements
- Chili pepper
- Crunchy fried onion
- Fermented soybean
- MSG
- Salt
- Sugar
Snapshot
- Base oil(s): Soybean
- Solids to oil ratio: Very high
- Flavor Enhancer: MSG
- Potential allergens: Soy
- Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
- Heat level: Low to medium
- Texture: Crunchy
- Saltiness: Moderate (340 mg. per 30 gm.)
Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp is heavy on the crisp. It has a much higher ratio of crunchy components to oil than some or maybe even most others. It lacks the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorn, but that's not to say it's not hot. But, compared to some, it is relatively quite mild. Its flavor profile skews heavily toward the onion.
Most chili crisps direct you to stir the contents before serving because the crunchy parts settle to the bottom. This is less-so with Lao Gan Ma because it is more crunch than oil. The serving size listed is a hefty two tablespoons.
Lao Gan Ma also markets a similar product called Fried Chili in Oil. Basically, it removes the fermented soybeans and replaces the onion with peanuts for a different kind of crunch. We like it as well.
Ingredients
Soybean Oil, Chili, Onion, Fermented Soybean (Soybean, Water), Monosodium Glutamate, Salt, Sugar, Pepper Powder, Sulfur Dioxide, Sodium Sulfite.
More Information
Brand: Lao Gan Ma
Style: Chili crisp
Price paid: $4.49 / 7.41oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website: laoganmausa.com
Social media:
Available at Amazon.