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Tag: Chuan Nan

Published on Leave a comment on Chuannan Peanut Chili Oil

We had to wait quite a while for this Chuannan Peanut Chili Oil to come back in stock at one of our local Asian markets. We could have ordered it through Amazon, but there it varied from $10 to $13 a jar. A little patience netted us this jar for a reasonable $4.79. We liked both the Chuannan Chili Oil Crisp and the Chuannan Spicy Chili Oil , and had high hopes for this variation.

Chuan Nan Sichuan Peanut Chili Oil Sauce jar

Translating the label, the oval logo and top line both read Chuān Nán or "Southern Sichuan" (川 = Sichuan, 南 = South), and below, in large characters, essentially "great with rice" ( 下饭 ) and "fragrant" ( 香 ). The smaller line under that just means "spicy oil" or "chili oil". The name "Peanut Chili Oil" came from what to us looked like company marketing directed towards the US consumer. We also see that some online vendors nickname this one "Xialicious", apparently a take on the large character line下饭香 (xià fàn xiāng).

Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili
  • Peanut
  • Onion
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Rapeseed (canola)
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: MSG, IMP,GMP
  • Potential allergens: Soy, peanut, sesame
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderately high
  • Texture: Super chunky crunch
  • Saltiness: Moderately high (498mg. per 30gm.)

Compared to the other two, this one contains larger crunch elements, including crunchy peas and whole peanuts. The high solids ratio keeps everything mostly mixed on its own, a good thing since it's dense enough to make getting a spoon deep down into the jar difficult. It has substantial but not overpowering heat. Of the three Chuannan varieties, this might be our new favorite.

For comparison, see the NPG Sichuan Chili Crisp, which has similar ingredients, with a slightly milder heat, a little more sweetness and the fragrant umami of fermented soybean.

Ingredients

Rapeseed oil (non-GMO)(51.5%), peanuts, peas, chili peppers, onion, salt, sugar, MSG, disodium 5'-ribonucleotide, sesame seeds, Sichuan peppercorns, flavorings, spices.

More Information

Brand: Southern Sichuan / Chuannan
Style: Chili oil
Price paid: $4.79 / 9.3oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website:
Social media:

Published on Leave a comment on Chuannan Spicy King Chili Oil

This Chuannan Spicy King Chili Oil came from the same Asian market where we purchased the chili oil crisp version. Close attention must be paid as, at first glance, one might miss the differences in the Chinese characters on the label. Otherwise the jars look remarkably similar.

Chuannan Spicy King Chili Oil jar

Translating the label, the vertical ribbon says "Authentic Sichuan flavor". The oval logo and top line both read "Chuān Nán" or "Southern Sichuan", while the large characters read "Fragrant Spicy King". The line below that says "spicy oil" or "chili oil", which is also the main line on the Chuannan Chili Oil Crisp label. Not confusing at all. Some online vendors nickname this version "Spicy King". We'll call it that, too, as it literally says that.

Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili
  • Onion
  • Peanut
  • Sichuan peppercorn
  • Sesame
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): rapeseed (canola)
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: MSG, IMP,GMP
  • Potential allergens: soy, sesame, peanut
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Incendiary
  • Texture: Chewy pepper
  • Saltiness: Moderately high

This has sesame seeds, which the Chuannan Chili Oil Crisp lacks. The ratio of solids to oil is so high, however, that they don't all float to the top like some others. The heat level of each product is about the same, although this one might be a little hotter. The peanut is chopped very fine here, so its crunch is not as pronounced. The sweetness from the sugar is more forward in this version, as well.

We'd make the same assessment of this one as we did the other: it might not be an everyday or every situation go-to, but when you want the heat, it's got it.

Ingredients

Rapeseed oil (non-GMO)(60%), chili pepper, soybean, peanut, salt, sugar, onion, MSG, disodium 5'-ribonucleotide, sesame, Sichuan peppercorn, flavoring, spices

More Information

Brand: Sichuan Weihong Food Co, Ltd. / Chuannan
Style: Chili crisp
Price paid: $5.69 / 9.3oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website:
Social media:

Published on Leave a comment on Chuannan Chili Oil Crisp

This Chuannan Chili Oil Crisp was an impulse buy at a local Asian market. The label didn't disclose much, being there was nothing in English except for an adhesive label with nutritional information on the back. A web search was necessary just to find out the brand name. What we could see through the glass looked promising, so we took a chance, and were pleasantly surprised.

Chuan Nan Sichuan Chili Oil Crisp jar

Translating the label, the vertical ribbon says "Authentic Sichuan flavor". The oval logo and top line both read Chuān Nán or "Southern Sichuan", while the large characters read "Spicy oil" or "Chili oil" or literally "oil poured over chili peppers" (yóu làzǐ). The line below that appears to mean "For mixing with vegetables and noodles", a serving suggestion, we assume.

Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili
  • Soybeans
  • Peanut
  • Scallion
  • Sichuan peppercorn
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Rapeseed (canola)
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: MSG, IMP,GMP
  • Potential allergens: Soy, peanut
  • Storage: Keep in cool, dry place. Refrigerate after opening.
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Off the chart
  • Texture: Crunchy
  • Saltiness: Moderately high (492 mg. per 30 gm.)

If you like the heat of chili pepper and the numbing effect of Sichuan peppercorn, this Chuannan Chili Oil Crisp is for you. Made in the bold you lazi style, a mere teaspoon will make your eyes water and your pate perspire. You may even sneeze if you taste it by itself.

The major crunch comes from whole soybeans, while finer solids in the form of pepper, peanut and spring onion round out the texture and flavor. And, of course, there's that powerful and lingering Sichuan peppercorn.

A teaspoon or so mixed into a bowl of hot noodles on a cold day will warm you up and clear your sinuses at the same time.

While this one's intensity might not make it a daily driver, it's certainly worthy of shelf space in a chili crisp lover's arsenal.

Ingredients

Rapeseed oil (non-GMO) (63.8%), chili peppers, soybeans, peanuts, salt, scallions, white sugar, monosodium glutamate (MSG), disodium inosinate, flavorings, spices, and other seasonings.

More Information

Brand: SIchuan Weihong Food Co, Ltd. / Chuannan
Style: Southern Sichuan Chili Crisp
Price paid: $5 / 9.24oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website:
Social media: