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Tag: canola oil

Published on Leave a comment on Szechuan Flavor Hot Chili Sauce

This Szechuan Flavor Hot Chili Sauce came from a local Asian market we frequent. We were happy to find this smaller jar to try, as we weren't sure we'd like it enough to commit to the larger 24oz. container for $8.99.

Szechuan Flavor Hot Chili Sauce jar
Szechuan Flavor Hot Chili Sauce label
Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili
  • Sichuan peppercorn
  • Sesame seeds
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Rapeseed/canola
  • Solids to oil ratio: Medium ~40%
  • Flavor Enhancer: N/S
  • Potential allergens: Sesame
  • Storage: Keep in cool, dry place
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderate Sichuan spice
  • Texture: Chili flakes, sesame and pepper seeds.
  • Saltiness: None (0mg. per 28gm.)

This one is similar to the Szechuan Flavor Crispy Chili Oil, with the exception that it lacks peanut and soybean. Doing an A/B comparison, they are quite similar in spice and heat, but this one struck us as being a little hotter, with a bit more mala numbing. Perhaps the peanut and soybean in the other serve to mitigate those sensations somewhat. We also got a sense of some tanginess we didn't in the other. Possibly something in the unnamed "spices" is responsible.

We suppose this version from Szechuan Flavor might be preferable when the peanut and soybean aren't desired, but then we're never ones to shy away from some good crunch. That and the lack of salt make this a good candidate for possible use as a seasoned cooking oil. Just a drizzle in a hot pan to fry an egg in sounds like an enticing idea.

As with the Crispy Chili Oil version, this one could easily be a daily driver, supplying a warm Sichuan spice and heat without being the salt bomb so many can be. If we had any complaint, it's that we wished the solids-to-oil ratio was more in the 60/40 range, so that the second half of the jar doesn't end up mostly oil.

Ingredients

Canola oil, chili powder, sesame, Sichuan pepper, spices.

More Information

Brand: Szechuan Flavor
Style: Chili oil
Price paid: $3.99 / 7.05oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website:
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Published on Leave a comment on Fuyun Xianglawang Spicy King

This Fuyun Xianglawang Spicy King came from a local Asian market where, it's either a new item, or we never noticed it before in over a dozen trips there. Our chili oil label learning curve had advanced enough that we recognized the same Chinese verbiage as on the Chuannan Spicy King Chili Oil. We were eager to compare the two.

Fuyun Xianglawang Spicy King jar
Fuyun Xianglawang Spicy King label

Translating the characters we get: 香 "xiāng, fragrant", 辣 "là, spicy", 王 "wáng, king".

Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili
  • Sesame
  • Broad bean
  • Mystery spices
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Rapeseed
  • Solids to oil ratio: Very high
  • Flavor Enhancer: MSG
  • Potential allergens: Sesame
  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry place
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: High
  • Texture: Jammy solids
  • Saltiness: Relatively low (160mg. per 15gm.)

The copious solids here are fine and softly jammy compared to the Chuannan. We'd seen this one described somewhere as "chili paste", the add-on nutritional label calls it that, and now we know why. This is partially attributable to the broad bean paste not found in that other product.

The chili heat here is sneaky, first manifesting as a round warmness that increases exponentially within seconds for a lingering finish.

The unnamed "spices", together with the broad bean paste, we assume, gives an aromatic character that's actually able to cut through the chili heat. We suspect that "spices" includes possibly star anise, cassia bark. That added complexity makes for an interesting combination.

The Chuannan, by comparison, has far less chili heat, is sweeter, and includes peanut, soybean and onion. Its texture is also closer to a chili crisp. "Spicy King", we therefore assume, is more marketing jargon than an actual, codified flavor profile or combination of specific ingredients. Still, we liked this one for what it is, even if its bold chili heat may not please every palate.

No crispy allium in this one, so it goes in the chili oil category.

We again have to call out the (minor) discrepancy between the add-on label and the translation of the jar label, which reads: "Chili peppers, vegetable oil, Pixian chili bean paste, sesame seeds, salt, MSG, and spices".

Ingredients

Per add-on label: Chili, Canola oil, sesame, salt, MSG, broad bean paste, spice.

More Information

Brand: Wuhan Rong Fa Seasoning Food Co, Ltd.
Style: Chili oil
Price Paid: $4.19 / 8.38oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website:
Social media:

Published on Leave a comment on La Villana Chile de Arbol Salsa Macha

This La Villana Chile de Arbol Salsa Macha was found at a local independent supermarket. It was priced right at the threshold of what we're willing to pay for an unknown, so we went ahead and got it.

La Villana Chile de Arbol Salsa Macha jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Chile de arbol
  • Sesame
  • Garlic
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Canola
  • Solids to oil ratio: Moderate (~60%)
  • Flavor Enhancer: N/S
  • Potential allergens: Sesame
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Scorching
  • Texture: Soupy, with soft, medium solids
  • Saltiness: Low (75mg. per 10gm.)

Looking through the glass on the jar, the solids to oil ratio looks to be about 60/40. Other salsa macha we've tried have been quite a bit chunkier, a quality we prefer. The texture of the solids here wasn't as al dente as we would have hoped or liked. We would have also like to have seen some more nut/seed content, like the pepitas or sunflower seeds common to many salsa macha. We're almost tempted to add some.

We were also puzzled by the pepper being first on the list, before the canola oil, as it certainly wasn't the majority of the ingredients.

The chile heat on this one was a four out of five on its own label's scale, and was quite impressive. Our lips and tongue are still burning, and our brows sweating as we write this. We'd hate to think how hot a five would be.

The jar we purchased didn't look exactly like the one above, which we expect you will find if you go looking for it. Ours only said "salsa", and judging by the BB date, is an older version of the label. We were, however, able to confirm both label versions have the same UPC and ingredients.

Our assumption, since our jar had a BB date only two months away, was that it had been sitting on the shelf for quite some time due to an ill-considered placement away from the international foods aisle, and in a section otherwise dominated by bottled hot sauces.

Anyway, if you like or can stand some heat, give this one a shot. If you'd like a more toothsome example of a chile de arbol salsa macha, may we suggest the La Anita Salsa Macha – Arbol Pepper.

Ingredients

Arbol pepper, canola oil, sesame seed, salt, garlic.

More Information

Brand: INBC trading, LLC / La Villana
Style: Salsa macha
Price Paid: $9.39 / 8oz.
Country of Origin: Mexico
Manufacturer website: https://lavillana.mx/en/productos/
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Published on Leave a comment on Chef Shu Chili Oil Sauce

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. Yes, the label does say "Chili Oli Sauce". Let's see how it tastes.

Chef Shu Chili Oil Sauce jar

The characters to the left of the logo read:  油 "yóu, oil", 泼 "pō, poured" or together 油泼 "yóu pō = oil poured over ingredients (like chili), 辣 "là, spicy, hot", 子 "zǐ, seeds or fruit, i.e the peppers"

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 suspect 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:
Social media:

Published on Leave a comment on Fuyun Xiangbabao Crispy Peanut with Pea

When we saw this Fuyun Xiangbabao Crispy Peanut with Pea on the shelf at one of our local Asian markets, we knew we had to try it. Through the glass, you can see it's chock full of crunchy goodness.

Fuyun Xiangbabao Crispy Peanut with Pea jar

The label reads: 香 "xiāng, fragrant", 八 "bā, eight", 宝 "bǎo, treasures". "Eight Treasures" is not one single recipe, but rather a famous naming convention in Chinese cuisine. It refers to dishes made with eight key ingredients, symbolizing wealth, luck, and abundance. Because the number eight is considered incredibly lucky in Chinese culture, recipes often feature a medley of premium meats, seafood, vegetables, or grains. The product doesn't seem to be made up of eight ingredients, so we're assuming it means it goes well with recipes that do.

Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili
  • Peanut
  • Pea
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Canola
  • Solids to oil ratio: Super high
  • Flavor Enhancer: MSG
  • Potential allergens: Soy, peanut
  • Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Low
  • Texture: Major crunch
  • Saltiness: Low (160mg. per 15gm.)

How crunchy is it? Well, note that peanut is the first ingredient on the list, even before the oil. The aroma of the just-opened jar isn't too revealing. We gave a stir as best we could, but digging down through all the large solids proved difficult.

The chili heat is minimal, but balances well against the nutty ingredients. Its effect is more of a warm afterglow. You can see the oil is not particularly red. The salt is also relatively quite low, and we didn't think it would have served any purpose to make it saltier. We're not sure what comprises the last ingredient, "spice", but we suspect star anise may be a part of it.

The soybean component appears to be both crunchy whole soybeans along with a lesser amount of small fermented soybeans.

Our only disappointment was the dating on the jar we bought. As is typical of most Chinese products, the imprinted date is that of production, and the label will specify shelf life, usually 18 months to two years. We're glad we reached as far back on the shelf as we could to get a jar with the latest date in stock, but it still put us at only two weeks remaining. It's surprising this one isn't popular enough to turn over stock faster, at least not at this store.

Overall, we found this one quite addictive, and could probably just eaten the whole jar by itself if we didn't stop ourselves.

Ingredients

Peanut, canola oil, peas, chili, sesame seeds, soybeans, salt, MSG, spice.

More Information

Brand: Wuhan Rong Fa Seasoning Food Co, Ltd.
Style: Chili crunch
Price Paid: $4.49 / 8.38oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website:
Social media:

Published on Leave a comment on La Anita Salsa Macha – Arbol Pepper

We found this La Anita Salsa Macha - Arbol Pepper at Walmart. At just under $5 for an 8 oz. jar, it seemed like a bargain. But maybe more than we bargained for in terms of flavor.

Main Flavor Elements
  • Hot and spicy chile de arbol pepper
  • Garlic
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Canola
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: N/S
  • Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: High
  • Texture: Chewy
  • Saltiness: Medium (50mg. per 5g.)

As one of our first exposures to salsa macha, we were taken aback by the intensity of its heat and spice. We coughed, we sneezed, our eyes watered and our scalps perspired. It was like nothing we'd tasted before. And we were hooked. In moderation, of course.

This, and the companion La Anita Salsa Macha - Morita Pepper, are two of our favorite salsa macha (salsas machas?). Of the two, this one has more heat and a spicier kick. But even through the intense heat, there's an underlying sweetness that can only come from the peppers themselves.

If you like the heat of Sichuan chili crisps, this Mexican take is sure to please.

Updated Packaging
La Anita Chili Crisp Salsa Macha - Arbol Pepper new labeling

Beginning sometime in Q2 2026, La Anita has decided to jump on the chili crisp popularity train, now labeling product as "chili crisp salsa macha". We discovered this while visiting a new Latin American market, and were happy to find it there. We had previously obtained it at Walmart, but it appears it may be discontinued there.

Ingredients

Canola oil, dried chilies, garlic, salt, TBHQ as an antioxidant.

More Information

Brand: La Anita
Style: Salsa Macha
Price Paid: $4.97 / 8.1oz.
Country of Origin: Mexico
Manufacturer website: https://www.laanita.com/productos/salsa-macha-de-chile-de-arbol/
Social media:

Published on Leave a comment on Mr Bing Chili Crisp – Mild

We were able to obtain the smallest jar of this Mr Bing Chili Crisp - Mild for our testing. $6 for a little 4 oz. jar at World Market. We had to make two trips to find it because they don't stock it with their other chili crisps. Nope, it's way over in their "mini" section, stocked with other, travel size condiments. Oy!

Mr Bing Chili Crisp - Mild jar
Mr. Bing Chili Crisp - Mild label
Main Flavor Elements
  • Onion
  • Pepper
  • Sugar
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Canola
  • Solids to oil ratio: Medium to low
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: N/S
  • Storage: No refrigeration needed
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Mild
  • Texture: Slurry
  • Saltiness: Low (50mg. per 5gm.)

This one was hard to get an initial take on as the plastic jar is tinted dark brown. One could assume this is to retard degradation from light exposure. Once opened, the solids are mostly powdery and dark in color. An exception is a small amount of lighter colored granules we figured out must be the rice bran. The turbinado sugar is also coarse, and adds a bit of texture in addition to some sweetness.

The heat is mild, with the white pepper and Sichuan peppercorn only minimally represented in the overall flavor profile. A graphic "spice meter" on the label rates this mild version as one pepper out of five.

Ingredients

Non-GMO expeller pressed canola oil, onions, chili peppers, rice bran, garlic, turbinado sugar, salt, mushroom powder, spices (white pepper, Sichuan peppercorn)

More Information

Brand: BHG Foods LLC / Mr Bing
Style: Chili crisp
Country of Origin: USA
Manufacturer website:
Social media:

Published on Leave a comment on La Anita Salsa Macha – Morita Pepper

This La Anita Salsa Macha - Morita Pepper was found at Walmart. Only one of three stores in the vicinity carries this version as of this writing. All three stock the chile de arbol version, one of our top contenders for hottest and spiciest. This one is has a different pepper flavor profile and is a little easier on the palate, and it's become one of our favorites.

La Anita Salsa Macha - Morita Pepper jar
La Anita Salsa Macha - Morita Pepper spoonful
Main Flavor Elements
  • Smoky morita pepper
  • Garlic
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Canola
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: N/S
  • Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderate
  • Texture: Chewy dried peppers
  • Saltiness: Medium (50mg. per 5g.)

As much as we like the hotter La Anita Salsa Macha - Chile de Arbol Pepper version for its undeniable heat and spice, we also really like this morita pepper version with its dense, chewy, smoky solids. It's almost a "meaty" salsa macha. There's so much complex flavor from so few ingredients. We could eat it straight from the jar.

For those unfamiliar, the morita pepper is a small, dried and smoked red jalapeño with a fruity, smoky flavor and medium heat, often called "chipotle morita". It's smaller and spicier than the more common chipotle meco, with notes of plum, fig, and tea. The word morita translates directly from Spanish as "small mulberry".

Updated Packaging
La Anita Chili Crisp Salsa Macha - Morita Pepper new labeling

Beginning sometime in Q2 2026, La Anita has decided to jump on the chili crisp popularity train, now labeling product as "chili crisp salsa macha". We discovered this while visiting a new Latin American market, and were happy to find it there. We had previously obtained it at Walmart, but it appears it may be discontinued there.

Ingredients

Canola oil, dried chilies, garlic, salt, TBHQ as an antioxidant.

More Information

Brand: La Anita
Style: Salsa Macha
Price paid: $4.97 / 8.1oz.
Country of Origin: Mexico
Manufacturer website: https://www.laanita.com/productos/salsa-macha-de-chile-de-morita/
Social media: