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Tag: chili crisp

Published on Leave a comment on Zhongba Sichuan Chili Crisp

This Zhongba Sichuan Chili Crisp came from Amazon. Our criteria for purchasing it included the intriguing ingredients and the interesting graphics of the label, whose only English language verbiage was, "Chuan Xiang You Lazi" or, best we can tell, "Sichuan style chili oil".

Zhongba Sichuan Chili Crisp jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili
  • Peanut
  • Sesame
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Rapeseed
  • Solids to oil ratio: Moderately high
  • Flavor Enhancer: MSG
  • Potential allergens: Peanut, soy, sesame
  • Storage: Keep in cool, dry place
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderate
  • Texture: Nutty crunch
  • Saltiness: Medium (468mg. per 30gm.)

The aroma is promising, subtly nutty. And no wonder, as it has peanuts, sesame, soybean and peas. The chili pepper heat and flavor are well-integrated with the rest of the ingredients, not overshadowing them. We thought we detected a note of some kind of chicken bouillon powder, but it does not appear among the ingredients. The sugar rounds out the flavor profile but doesn't make the overall impression one of sweetness. The MSG also seems judiciously-applied, letting the rest of the ingredients supply the majority of the umami. Were were puzzled by the absence of Sichuan pepper, but in all honesty, didn't miss it in this case.

This one was a pleasant surprise, for both its texture and flavor. We'd get it again.

We had a hard time nailing down the ingredients list. We went back and forth over one item. The Amazon listing said it contains fermented soybean, even going so far as to call it by its Chinese name, "douchi". But we didn't detect the character of it at all. Instead, we relied on a Google Lens translation of the label, that merely said "soybeans", which seemed more accurate to us. But then we went back into the jar for a forensic examination. Turns out there are indeed fermented soybeans in there, but they're smaller, crunchier and saltier than those we've experienced in the past, the Lao Gan Ma Chili Oil with Fermented Soybeans being our frame of reference.

Ingredients

Rapeseed oil, chili pepper, peas, peanuts, fermented soybeans (douchi), edible salt, white sugar, sesame seeds, monosodium glutamate, spices, paprika, food flavoring.

More Information

Brand: Sichuan Qingxiangyuan Seasoning Co, Ltd.
Style: Chili crisp
Price Paid: $9.99 / 6.35oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website:
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Published on Leave a comment on Samar Spice Chili Crisp

This Samar Spice Chili Crisp was encountered while browsing Amazon. It appeared to be on sale, so we took a chance. $8 for an 8 oz. jar of a good chili crisp is a bargain by today's standards. Let's see how it is.

Samar Spice Chili Crisp jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Smoked(?) chili
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Sesame
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Rapeseed (canola)
  • Solids to oil ratio: Medium
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural (matsutake powder)
  • Potential allergens: Sesame, peanut
  • Storage: N/S (Refrigeration recommended)
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderate
  • Texture: Velvety crunch
  • Saltiness: Low (32mg. per 5gm.)
Samar Spice Chili Crisp and folding spoon

Apparently from China. The label does not specify, only listing the name of the manufacturer, which is headquartered there. It came packed in its own carton with a thank you note and a nifty, folding metal serving spoon. Nice touches.

The jar is plastic and the lid has a tamper-evident ring. Unfortunately, the ring wanted to only partially separate from the lid, so we made use of the spoon to pry it the rest of the way off.

Inside the lid there is a flexible seal ring which, while well-intentioned, allows oil and sesame seeds to get between it and the outer wall of the lid. We anticipate this will cause some drip down the outside at some point.

The solids-to-oil ratio when the contents are settled is about 60/40. The mix of medium and fine solids was a bit compacted at the bottom, so we had to really scrape down into the bottom edges to get a good re-mix before tasting. And we found, going back for a second tasting minutes later, the ingredients had already started to solidify. So, be sure to stir well at each and every serving.

There's a lot going on in here, with well over a dozen non-oil ingredients. We're assuming the goal is both complexity and the achievement of umami without flavor-enhancing chemical additives.

There is a mild heat from the chili, but the Sichuan peppercorn is minimal enough to not produce any of the numbing effect for which it is known. The label touts smokiness, but we weren't really getting much in the way of it.

With so many ingredients fighting for attention, none really stand out individually. Having said that, it still works. There's an overall, spicy, nutty, aromatic, savoriness we found undeniably appealing.

We wondered what matsutake powder was, and found that it is a premium, aromatic seasoning made from ground, dried matsutake mushrooms (Tricholoma matsutake), known for their distinct pine-scented, earthy, and slightly spicy flavor. It is highly valued in Asian cuisine as a natural, savory umami enhancer.

We don't know if we picked up on that particular flavor note, even upon repeated tastings, but with so much else going on in there, it's hard to say.

Overall, we liked this one without any reservations to speak of. Other than the jar closure, and a best by date we thought was closer than it ought to have been, the contents were quite satisfying.

Ingredients

Non-GMO rapeseed oil, chili peppers, peanuts, garlic,sugar, onions, green onions, sesame, smoked chili powder, star anise, cassia bark, cloves, sichuan peppercorns, fennel seeds, salt, matsutake powder

More Information

Brand: Shenchu (Shandong) Food Technology Co., Ltd. / Samar Spice
Style: Chili crisp
Price paid: $7.99 / 8oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website:
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Published on Leave a comment on MW Polar Crunchy Black Garlic Chili Crisp

This MW Polar Crunchy Black Garlic Chili Crisp came from Amazon. We were familiar with the MW Polar brand mainly from its tinned fish products. Our satisfaction with them led us to hope we'd like this chili crisp product as well. Did we know what black garlic was? No, but it made it sound all the more intriguing. Let's see if we were right.

MW Polar Crunchy Black Garlic Chili Crisp jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Sugar
  • Soy sauce
  • Citric acidity
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Soybean
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: Yeast extract
  • Potential allergens: Soy, wheat, sesame
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderate
  • Texture: Thick and al dente
  • Saltiness: Moderate (310mg. per 15gm.)

The $10.99 price we paid has been steady since its introduction on Amazon about three months ago. We now see the waters are being tested with it being priced at a little over $12.

The initial aroma upon opening the jar was promising. Digging in to stir it up revealed how thick and chunky it is. A very high solids to oil ratio, which we like. There's a fine, crispy crunch to it, reminiscent in some ways of one or more Japanese taberu rayu we've had in the past. But the texture is also pleasantly al dente. As expected, it is very garlic forward, also a plus. The rest of the ingredients are well-balanced, and we liked the subtle hint of vinegary tang provided by the citric acid.

There's just a fascinating complexity to the flavor profile that we couldn't stop tasting. The garlic's not in-your-face, the onion doesn't dominate, the sugar isn't too sweet, the chili doesn't blank your palate, and the soy sauce adds umami without shouting, "Hey, it's me, soy sauce!"

Overall, we were pleasantly surprised by how much there was to like about this one. The only questions left are, "Can we find it cheaper?" and, "Do we get two more jars or three?" Don't pass this one up.

Ingredients

Soybean oil, garlic, black garlic, onion, sugar, chili, sesame oil, salt, soy sauce (water, soybeans, salt, wheat, sugar, yeast extract), yeast extract, citric acid, paprika extract.

Here's what we found out about black garlic:

Black garlic is regular garlic that has been aged in a warm, humid environment, causing it to turn black with a sweet, savory, and tangy flavor, and a soft, chewy texture, similar to balsamic or molasses. This fermentation process, known as the Maillard reaction, removes the pungent bite of raw garlic, making it rich in antioxidants and popular in cooking for sauces, marinades, and spreads. 

Flavor and texture
  • Taste: Sweet, tangy, and savory with notes of balsamic, molasses, and caramel, lacking the sharp bite of raw garlic. 
  • Texture: Soft, chewy, and jelly-like, often compared to fudge. 
How it's made
  • Fresh garlic is aged at high temperatures (around 140°F/60°C) and humidity for several weeks. 
  • This slow process causes the cloves to turn black and develop their unique flavor and texture. 
Culinary uses
  • Can be used whole, minced, or pureed.
  • Adds depth to sauces, marinades, vinaigrettes, and pasta dishes.
  • Can be spread on bread like butter.
  • Can be ground into a powder for seasoning. 
Potential benefits

Rich in antioxidants, May help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and May help lower blood pressure. 

Considerations
  • People on blood-thinning or blood pressure-lowering medications should use caution, as black garlic may enhance their effects. 
More Information

Brand: MW Polar
Style: Chili crisp
Price Paid: $10.99 / 7oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website: https://mwpolar.com/products/polar-crunchy-black-garlic-chili-crisp-7oz-multiple-pack-sizes
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Published on Leave a comment on Lee Kum Kee Chiu Chow Style Chili Crisp Oil

This Lee Kum Kee Chiu Chow Style Chili Crisp Oil came from a local Asian market. We originally thought this was the maker's de facto chili crisp, but we later became aware of a product they call Original Chili Crisp. Unfortunately, even though they sell a broad range of Lee Kum Kee product, the market doesn't stock it.

Lee Kum Kee Chiu Chow Style Chili Crisp Oil jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili
  • Garlic
  • Soy sauce
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Soybean
  • Solids to oil ratio: Moderate
  • Flavor Enhancer: IMP,GMP
  • Potential allergens: Soy, sesame, wheat
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Medium
  • Texture: Coarse paste
  • Saltiness: Moderately high (410mg. per 15gm.)

As chili crisps go, this style, or at least this particular one, isn't very crunchy. The texture of the solids is a coarse paste, or as we have seen some characterize it, a confit. The first thing that hits you is how salty it is, courtesy of (besides salt, obviously) the salted chili peppers and the soy sauce. Once you get past that, the heat of the chili, the soft garlic and the soy sauce begin to reveal themselves. There's only a little bit of sugar, and it doesn't seem to add anything, as far as we could tell.

There is no actual MSG listed, but there are some MSG-adjacent ingredients in its place.

All things considered, we liked the flavor profile, and assume the salt will be mitigated by actually consuming it with food. We really missed the crisp, though, and would have preferred it to have had some actual crunch.

We also tried to nail down just exactly what is meant by "Chiu Chow style", but couldn't come up with a definitive answer. Apparently, garlic and chili spice are key, as are umami additions which sometimes include dried shrimp or fish.

Ingredients

Soybean oil, water, dehydrated garlic, dried chili peppers, salted chili peppers (chili peppers, salt), soy sauce (water, salt, soybeans, wheat flour), salt, sesame oil, sugar, disodium 5'-inosinate and disodium 5'-guanylate as flavor enhancers.

More Information

Brand: Lee Kum Kee
Style: Chili crisp
Price paid: $5.69 / 7.2oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website:
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Published on Leave a comment on Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp – China

This Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp - China is a separate version you may or may not find in local stores. Definitely not the one sold by Walmart. That version is soybean oil-based and has a somewhat different flavor profile from this one, a rapeseed oil-based formula sold in the Chinese market. It can be distinguished from the former by its lack of English labeling, which is only included by way of an added adhesive label. We got this one at a local Asian market that carries both.

Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp - China jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili
  • Onion
  • Fermented soybean
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Rapeseed
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: MSG
  • Potential allergens: Soy
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Low to medium
  • Texture: Flaky fried chili
  • Saltiness: Moderate (405mg. per 30gm.)

We weren't sure what to expect from this version formulated for sale in China. We assumed it would be pretty much the same as the US export version most likely to be found here. Perhaps the substitution of soybean oil in the US version would add some flavor element that a neutral oil such as rapeseed would not.

What we did find were more in the way of differences in texture and contributions to overall flavor by other ingredients. Basically, we found a little less onion, a little more heat, and a more apparent contribution from the soybeans. We assume the latter are fermented even though the label is non-specific. They are not the crunchy variety, so we'll stick by our assumption.

The texture also differs. The solids lean more to the flaky fried chilis and al dente fermented soybean. The diminishment of onion flavor seems directly related to a loss of most of the onion crunch as well.

One other notable difference stuck out: no added preservatives in this version.

The flavor may seem a little "off" if you're used to the US export version. They may seem muted by comparison. Surprising, as the expectation was the US version might be geared toward more of a generic, Western mass market sensibility. We thought, however, after a few separate tastings, that this version is just fine, albeit different from the more onion-forward US version to which we've become accustomed.

The question we were left with was, is the version that most in the US are familiar with not really the most authentic after all? And is this Chinese version truly the OG that Tao Huabi originally concocted? Even without those answers, we found there's much to like in both.

Ingredients

Rapeseed oil, chili, onion, soybean, MSG, edible salt, sugar, pepper

More Information

Brand: Lao Gan Ma
Style: Chli crisp
Price Paid: $4.59 / 7.41oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website:
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Published on Leave a comment on NPG Sichuan Chili Crisp

We bought this NPG Sichuan Chili Crisp after trying the NPG Sichuan Chili Oil. That one was about as close to being a chili crisp without actually being one as we could imagine. We hoped we would like this one as well.

NPG Sichuan Chili Crisp jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Sichuan chili
  • Fermented black bean
  • Peanut and sesame
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Soybean
  • Solids to oil ratio: Extemely high
  • Flavor Enhancer: MSG
  • Potential allergens: Soy, sesame, peanut
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderate
  • Texture: Thick and crunchy
  • Saltiness: Moderately low (137mg. per 15gm.)

This one is super thick and crunchy. At first, we thought the peas and peanuts were just floating on the top, but, no, it's too thick. It's like the solids are just coated in oil, rather than immersed in it. The fragrant aroma of fermented black bean is apparent when opening the jar.

New to us is the inclusion of crispy, crunchy peas. The peanuts are mostly unbroken halves. The fermented black beans are dense and chewy. The sesame seeds are not plentiful, but you can taste them through the pepper.

The application of Sichuan pepper is once again even-handed. It supplies a moderate, lingering heat on the palate, not overwhelming the flavors of the copious solids. The sugar adds a bit of roundness that plays well with the heat and enhances the nuttiness of the sesame and peanuts. While not explicitly listed, we thought we detected star anise among the unnamed "spices".

Sodium is a low 137mg. per tablespoon, so not really that salty at all. Any higher, we thought, would have taken away from the complexity of everything else.

Normally $9.99, we got this one for $7.99 on sale. If you're interested in trying something different from the typical shallot/garlic/chile, this is one to consider. We're going to enjoy working our way through this jar.

Ingredients

 Soybean oil, soybean, pea, peanut, fermented black bean, sesame seed, Sichuan pepper, Sichuan chili, salt, sugar, MSG, spices

More Information

Brand: NPG / Natural Plus Green
Style: Chili crisp
Price paid: $7.99 / 7oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website: www.naturalplusgreen.com
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Published on Leave a comment on Fusion Select Chili Crisp Oil – Mild

This Fusion Select Chili Crisp Oil - Mild came from Amazon. We hadn't seen it anywhere locally, and it sounded good. $10 for a 6 oz. jar seemed within reason, so we went for it.

Fusion Select Chili Crisp Oil - Mild jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Chili
  • Soybean
  • Sugar
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Soybean
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: MSG
  • Potential allergens: Soy
  • Storage: Keep in cool dry place
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Medium
  • Texture: Crunchy
  • Saltiness: Medium (280mg. per 30gm.)

Once again, the ingredients shown on the jar in the Amazon listing did not match that of the actual jar we received (see below). The UPC codes are the same. Notably, the soybean is no longer listed as fermented, and the product is now absent preservatives. The order of ingredients has also changed, meaning there is now more or less of an item depending upon where it falls in the listing. One wonders how brands maintain a following when recipes are changed without apparent notice. Neither the maker, nor the US distributor appear to have any dedicated web presence to which one might refer.

Moving on. Upon opening the jar, the first thing you notice is the many whole, crunchy soybeans which have managed to make their way to the top. No mean feat, as the texture here is quite chunky. A quick taste reveals layers of onion and garlic, complemented by a level of sweetness. Only after swallowing does the heat of the chili assert itself at the back of the throat.

This is another one that, to us, has a bit of an identity problem. It calls itself a chili crisp, but in many respects is more like a taberu rayu. Sans the soybeans, and with a crunchier garlic component, this could easily be mistaken for that other Japanese condiment.

Although this one is marked "mild", we haven't been able to find any other version anywhere. However, we deemed this one spicy enough to not be left wanting for more heat.

If you really like this one, it's available on Amazon in multiples of two or three at significant savings over buying a single jar at a time. We'd give it serious consideration.

Ingredients

Soybean oil, chili, soybean, garlic, onion, salt, sugar, MSG, pepper powder

Soybean oil, chili, onion, fermented soybean (soybean, water), MSG, salt, sugar, pepper powder, sulfur dioxide, sodium sulfite

More Information

Brand: Ace Solutions Holding, Inc / Fusion Select
Style: Chili crisp
Price paid: $9.99 / 6.18oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website:
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Published on Leave a comment on Simply Asia Chili Crunch

This Simply Asia Chili Crunch came from Amazon where, as part of the Big Spring Sale, it was marked down to $7.74, allegedly 20% off. Ironically, it was spotted as a new item at a local Walmart before the Amazon order arrived on our doorstep.

Simply Asia Chili Crunch jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Onion
  • Chili
  • Shallot
  • Sugar
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Rapeseed
  • Solids to oil ratio: Moderately high
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: Soy
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderate
  • Texture: Coarse, flaky crunch
  • Saltiness: Low (0mg. per 14gm.)

Simply Asia calls it "chili crunch", a term that received a whole bunch of publicity when a competitor acquired the trademark for it, then started sending out cease and desist letters to anyone else using what had long been considered a generic term. That competitor has since reconsidered the wisdom of that move.

The initial appearance is of a typical chili crisp. Abundant chili flakes and shallot for the solids are reasonably coarse, providing a satisfactory textural experience. Soybeans are way down the ingredient list, and we had to go fishing to find some. They are crunchy, not fermented. The solid-to-oil ratio here is moderately high, but still with enough oil you really need to stir it up before spooning some out.

The overall flavor profile is well-balanced. Onion-y umami, moderately spicy chili, a subtle hit of Sichuan pepper, and a hint of sweetness to round it all out. Saltiness is low, and we can't fathom how a product listing salt as even a minor ingredient can claim 0mg. sodium, but that's what the label and website both say.

We liked this one for its accessible flavor, and look forward to having it be available as a regular item at the local Wally World.

Ingredients

Rapeseed oil, onion, spices (including chili pepper, sichuan pepper), shallot, soybeans, salt & sugar.

More Information

Brand: Simply Asia Foods, LLC / Simply Asia
Style: Chili crisp
Price Paid: $7.74 / 7.05oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website: www.simplyasia.com
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Published on Leave a comment on Maya Kaimal Chili Crisp

This Maya Kaimal Chili Crisp came from Whole Foods where it was on sale and at an extra discount for Amazon Prime members. That brought the normal (and somewhat steep) price of $13.99 down to $9.79. We had originally ordered it through Amazon, but it was unfortunately lost in transit. More unfortunate, it would have only been $8.67 that way.

Maya Kaimal Chili Crisp jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Shallot
  • Garlic
  • Specified spices
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Sunflower
  • Solids to oil ratio: Medium
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: Sesame, soy(from oil used to fry shallots)
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Low
  • Texture: Moderate crunchiness
  • Saltiness: Low (80mg. per 13gm.)

This Maya Kaimal Chili Crisp is one of the few if not the only chili crisps we've found made in the tarka style. Tarka describes the Indian method of blooming spices like mustard seed and curry leaves with sizzling hot oil, much like the infusion of chili flakes in a chili oil. Maya Kaimal then adds fried shallots, garlic and chili flakes. The result here is a flavor profile including aromatics not typically found in other Asian chili crisps, combined with a subtle level of chili heat.

The texture here is a bit of a contrast. There are larger than usual fried shallots and a moderate amount of sesame seeds. But there is also a good percentage of things we typically characterize as "muddy". Bear in mind we're tasting these products by themselves, so the experience when applied to food will, or should be, different.

We liked that the flavors of the aromatics were forward enough to be able to pick them out over the shallot and chili. We also appreciated the conservative application of sesame seeds, which helped to keep things more in balance. Together, they made this different style infused oil a memorable one.

Ingredients

Sunflower oil, shallots (shallots, highly-refined soybean oil), garlic, Aleppo-style chili flake, red chili flake, sesame seed, brown mustard seed, cane sugar, sea salt, curry leaves, turmeric, star anise.

More Information

Brand: Maya Kaimal Foods, LLC
Style: Tarka
Country of Origin: USA
Manufacturer website:
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Published on Leave a comment on Cholula Chili Crisp Sauce

This Cholula Chili Crisp Sauce is a strange one. It's from Mexico, so it should really be called a salsa macha, no? Shouldn't it? We think so.

Cholula Chili Crisp Sauce jar
Cholula Chili Crisp Sauce sample
Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili
  • Garlic
  • Seed nuts
  • Salt
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Sunflower
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: sesame, sunflower
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderate
  • Texture: Nutty crunch
  • Saltiness: Moderate (320mg. per 16gm.)

This one came from Amazon because, unfathomably, we couldn't find it locally. This one is a crunch fest, with sesame seeds, pepitas and sunflower seeds. The chilis take somewhat of a backseat here, but provide enough flavor and heat to be noticed. We particularly liked the inclusion of morita pepper, which we thought made La Anita Salsa Macha - Morita Pepper such a stand-out in its category.

Garlic, onion and unnamed spices round out the seasonings, along with salt, listed as only a moderate 320mg. sodium per tablespoon.

Be aware, however, that salt doesn't dissolve in oil. When you get towards the bottom of the jar, it may seem saltier than when first opened. Because it probably is. The preponderance of nuts and seeds means there is less softer vegetal material to potentially take up the salt, so it will largely settle to the bottom unless intentional measures are taken to mix the contents well before each use. This is especially important with a large jar such as this one, which contains many servings.

At $10 for 8 oz, in the world of this type of condiment, we find it a reasonably good value. Watch for an occasional price drop, though. We got second jar during the Big Spring Sale for a low $6.71.

Ingredients

High oleic sunflower oil, chili peppers (ancho, morita and arbol), garlic, sesame seed, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, salt, onion, spices and natural flavor.

More Information

Brand: McCormick / Cholula
Style: Chili crisp? (Salsa macha)
Price paid: $9.99 / 8oz.
Country of Origin: Mexico
Manufacturer website: www.cholula.com
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