This Sunlee Fried Chili in Oil came from a local Asian market. We were browsing other aisles of the store, and found this one in the Vietnamese section.
Main Flavor Elements
- Hot chili pepper
- Garlic
- Onion
Snapshot
- Base oil(s): Palm
- Solids to oil ratio: Super high
- Flavor Enhancer: N/S
- Potential allergens: N/S
- Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place
Our Impressions
- Heat level: Blazing hot
- Texture: Thick, coarse paste
- Saltiness: Zero (0mg. per 15gm.)
We weren't sure what we were getting into with this one. A local chef was busy filling his basket with a nearby product, and we struck up a conversation about chili oil and chili crisps. He recommended this one. At only $5 for a large 14oz. jar, we took a chance.
What struck us initially was how thick this was for a "chili oil". So thick, in fact, it's difficult to get it off the spoon. It wants to stick like glue or, well, close to it. No wonder that the chili pepper is the first ingredient on the list.
The jar is also labeled Dầu Ớt Chiên, a Vietnamese term meaning "fried chili oil", which sounds innocuous enough until you taste it. The first sampling was almost painful, it's that hot. So hot, in fact, the garlic and onion flavors are totally overwhelmed by it. But if it's heat you want, it's heat you got with this one.
We thought, "maybe tasting it alone is not the way to go here", and mixed a scant teaspoon into some beef with greens and rice. Things went well, for a minute or so, but the heat cut through, lingering, persisting and putting us into a full-on face and scalp sweat.
We can only recommend this one to the most ardent of chili heat lovers. Wish us luck in figuring out what to do with the remaining 13.5oz.
Ingredients
Dried red chili, palm oil, garlic, onion.
More Information
Brand: Sunlee
Style: Fried chili in oil
Price Paid: $5.00 / 14oz.
Country of Origin: Thailand
Manufacturer website: https://www.sunleeusa.com/product/d571sl14-sunlee-fried-chili-in-oil-24x14-oz-400-g/
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