Information about this Liu Po Spicy Red Oil is tough to nail down. It came from a local Asian market. The label is entirely in Chinese, so an English label with nutritional information is attached. That label lists the importer, but nothing as to brand name or the official name of the product. Google Lens was of some help revealing the lid says "Sixth Po", but it was a real chore to track down the brand name "Liu Po", often alternately stated as "Liupo".
To make matters worse, there has been a revision of the logo, and we're not really sure if the even more-cartoonish logo image seen elsewhere is newer or older than this one. We suspect this might be older, as the best by date is only 8 months away.
Main Flavor Elements
- Garlic
- Onion
- Green onion
- Sichuan pepper
Snapshot
- Base oil(s): Rapeseed (canola)
- Solids to oil ratio: Moderately low
- Flavor Enhancer: MSG IMP,GMP
- Potential allergens: Sesame, soy
- Storage: N/S "Consume as soon as possible after opening" (We recommend refrigerating)
Our Impressions
- Heat level: Moderately high
- Texture: Mixed medium and fine solids
- Saltiness: Medium (160mg. per 10gm.)
It was hard to get a feel of the texture of this one when purchased. The label obscures quite a bit of the contents. We could see sesame seeds afloat at the top of the oil, and what appeared to be about 30% solids by volume. The stock photo of the jar makes it look chunkier than it actually is. We define this one as more of a chili oil than a chili crisp.
Once we got the jar open, we found the solids to be a combo of flakes and finer bits that really required a good stirring to get them all somewhat homogenous before serving. This means really digging down with a spoon, stirring and dispensing the desired amount quickly, and re-stirring each time more is wanted in order to maintain the ratio of ingredients throughout the consumption of the jar.
One online vendor we found calls this "Spicy Red Oil for Salads", and we'd have to agree its taste and texture would be great on cold dishes likes salads, and even on cold noodles. It has a nice balance of umami and a level of Sichuan heat that doesn't overwhelm.
Google Lens translates the original Chinese label as "Chili Oil for Mixed Vegetables". Its translation of the ingredients also contradicts that of the applied, English label. We'll defer to the applied label in this case.
Ingredients
Rapeseed oil, chili, salt, water, MSG, garlic, ginger, pepper, green onion, onion, pepper oil, spices, roasted sesame, yeast extract, brewing soy sauce, brewing vinegar, sugar, Disodium 5'-ribonucleotide, FD&C red #40, edible essence, citric acid.
More Information
Brand: Liu Po
Style: Chili Oil
Price paid: $4.49 / 7.8oz.
Country of Origin: China, importer Apollo Food International, Inc. Brooklyn, NY
Manufacturer website:
Social media: