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Tag: Fly By Jing

Published on Leave a comment on Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp – Xtra Spicy

We received this FlyByJing Sichuan Chili Crisp - Xtra Spicy as part of a bundle containing a jar each of the four original FBJ chili crisps/sauces from Amazon. Our expectation was just a hotter version of the Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp – Original, but we found it to be more than that.

FlyByJing Sichuan Chili Crisp - Xtra Spicy jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili pepper
  • Sichuan pepper
  • Fermented soybean
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Rapeseed, soybean
  • Solids to oil ratio: Moderate (50-60%)
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: Soy, sesame
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: High
  • Texture: Al dente/fine solids
  • Saltiness: Medium (65mg. per 5g.)

We were impressed. This could easily have been just the Original version with some extra chili heat and Sichuan pepper mala numbing, but FBJ appears to have made it more than that. The texture is slightly more coarse, but still not anything approaching crisp or crunchy. The fermented soybean takes on a larger role, even though its position in the order of ingredients remains unchanged. Although the majority of the solids are still muddy, there seems to be more of them, with the shallot being more readily apparent.

If there's one word we could say to compare it to the original version, it would be "more". Everything in the original is here, flavor-wise, just dialed-up about 20%. So, to sum up, if the original version seems tame to you, try this one. It's more in keeping with the flavor sensibilities of traditional Asian market-style Sichuan chili oil condiments.

Ingredients

Non-GMO rapeseed oil, non-GMO soybean oil, dried chili pepper, fermented soybean (soybeans, water, salt, rice flour, spices), garlic, shallots, mushroom powder, ginger, sesame oil, salt, Sichuan pepper, seaweed powder, spices.

More Information

Brand: Fly By Jing
Style: Sichuan Chili crisp
Price paid: $8.75 / 6oz. (4 jar bundle)
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website: https://flybyjing.com/products/xtra-spicy-chili-crisp
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Published on Leave a comment on Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Sauce – Sweet + Spicy

This Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Sauce - Sweet + Spicy is available from a variety of sources including Amazon, and, occasionally, local supermarkets, where it appears to be deemed not spicy enough to offend sensitive palates. A recent store reset at a local Walmart slotted it in and then immediately put it on clearance, just as it did with our favorite salsa macha from La Anita.

Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Sauce - Sweet + Spicy jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Brown sugar
  • Chili pepper
  • Soy sauce
  • Black vinegar
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Soybean, sesame
  • Solids to oil ratio: Relatively high
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: Wheat, soy, sesame
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening for best result
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderate
  • Texture: Soupy, muddy
  • Saltiness: Medium (65mg. per 5g.)

Fly By Jing marketing apparently had a re-think and renamed this one from "Sweet & Spicy Zhong Sauce", but we doubt you'll find that labeling any more. The link on the company's website still reflects it having also been called "Zhong Dumpling Sauce".

Well, it certainly is sweet, compared to typical Sichuan chili oils. And it packs a little spicy heat, too. We tasted it on its own, and have to admit it did prompt a brief sneeze attack which quickly passed. The Chinese black vinegar provides a subtle acidic note as well as some sweetness of its own, courtesy of the sorghum it contains.

If you're paying close attention, you'll note this Fly By Jing variation isn't called a chili crisp, but rather (more accurately) a "chili sauce", even though it still shares a texture similar to their Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp – Original. Our preference would have been toward a little more crunchy allium.

The ratio of solids, if you can call them that, to oil is relatively high, but their texture is of a muddy sediment. Some might call that "velvety", but that's maybe being a little too precious about it.

Still, the flavor is unique among the dozens we've tried, and there's certainly a place for it among so-called "new wave" chili oil condiments. Don't be afraid to give it a try.

Ingredients

Non-GMO soybean oil, soy sauce (water, soybeans, wheat, salt), brown sugar, garlic, dried chili pepper, black vinegar (water, rice, wheat, sorghum, corn, buckwheat, salt, sugar), sesame oil, mushroom powder, spices.

More Information

Brand: Fly By Jing
Style: Sichuan chili sauce
Price paid: $6.00 - $9.99 / 6oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website: https://flybyjing.com/products/zhong-dumpling-sauce
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Published on Leave a comment on Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp – Original

Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp - Original is one of the spicier takes on the condiment. It is based on a blend of rapeseed (canola) and soybean oils. The "original" version packs a significant amount of heat due to the Sichuan peppercorn content, which can have a numbing effect on the lips and tongue. This effect is considered a positive. We got this one from Amazon.

Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp current label
Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp - Original sample
Main Flavor Elements
  • Dried Chili Pepper
  • Preserved Black Bean
  • Garlic
  • Sesame Oil
  • Salt
  • Shallots
  • Ginger
  • Mushroom Powder
  • Sichuan Pepper
  • Seaweed Powder
  • Spices
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Rapeseed, soybean
  • Solids to oil ratio: Medium
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: Sesame, soy
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Hot
  • Texture: Mildly crunchy
  • Saltiness: Moderate (390 mg. per 30 gm.)

Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp - Original is perhaps among the most visible brands of Sichuan chili crisps, due to its availability at even Walmart. A collaboration with the Fishwife brand of premium tinned seafoods also brought it higher awareness in that popular market segment.

The ratio of crunchy bits to oil is lower in the Fly By Jing. The solids are also much finer than others compared here. Some are even powdery fine, giving it a muddy consistency. As such, you'll really want to stir it up well, right before serving. Each and every time you spoon some out, in fact. The serving size is a spare one teaspoon. You'll likely use more than that. Maybe not two tablespoons, but certainly more than just a teaspoon.

The flavor profile is quite complex. In addition to the up-front Sichuan chili heat, the black bean, garlic, shallots, ginger and other unnamed spices provide a panorama of palate pleasers.

Ingredients

Non-GMO rapeseed oil, non-GMO soybean oil, dried chili pepper, fermented soybean (soybeans, water, salt, rice flour, spices), garlic, shallots, mushroom powder, ginger, sesame oil, salt, Sichuan pepper, seaweed powder, spices.

More Information
Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp - Original, old label

You may encounter an earlier version of the Original label, which, as of this writing, is still within "sell by" dating. It contains a considerable amount of verbiage about the creator, Jing "Jenny" Gao, her name and her life experience. The updated label has eliminated that and the ambiguity of the former, now stating "Original" clearly.

In addition to the Original, there are also Sweet & Spicy, Xtra Crunchy and Xtra Spicy versions. Original and Sweet & Spicy are considered "medium". The Xtra Crunchy is "mild", and the Xtra Spicy is "very spicy". Notably, but inconspicuously, MSG is absent in all versions, its umami role replaced by mushroom powder.

Available at Amazon.

Brand: Fly By Jing
Style: Chili crisp
Price paid: $9.39 / 6oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website: https://flybyjing.com/products/sichuan-chili-crisp
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