We found this Lolo Mulong's Crispy Garlic in Chili Oil - Hot Spicy at one of our local Asian markets. We're always glad to see new items to try there. There is also a "mild spicy" version, but they don't appear to stock it.
Main Flavor Elements
- Garlic
- Chili pepper
Snapshot
- Base oil(s): Vegetable
- Solids to oil ratio: High
- Flavor Enhancer: None
- Potential allergens: N/S
- Storage: Not specified
Our Impressions
- Heat level: Moderately high
- Texture: Super crunchy
- Saltiness: Extremely low (0mg. per 5gm.)
Surprisingly few ingredients here. Just garlic, chili, oil. That's it. No added salt or sugar. Zero flavor enhancer or preservatives. Were were either going to love it or hate it.
Unfortunately, online information on this one is sparse. Several sources indicate Filipino origins or popularity, and some vendors categorize it as a Filipino product, which the label does not bear out. We're also curious as to what oil is used, the label only describing it as "vegetable". We assume if it was soy, there would be an allergen warning. It does carry the California Prop 65 warning, though, which we assume relates to the chili and potential acrylamides from the fried garlic.
On to the tasting. The label recommends stirring before using, which we usually do anyway. The only solids appear to be the garlic, and it is quite crunchy. Think Grape Nuts cereal level crunch. The garlic flavor is intense, as expected, with only a little residual bitterness.
The chili appears limited to an infusion, and the heat is not as intense as some online reviews led us to believe it might be. Either that or we've grown complacent about our tolerance of chili heat. It does linger on the palate, however.
We thought a little sugar or salt might have tempered the residual bitterness of the fried garlic. But, on the whole, we thought it was OK without them.
So, did we love it or hate it? Maybe somewhere in between, call it a "strong like". If you're a crunchy garlic fiend, you'll probably like it, too.
Ingredients
Garlic, chili pepper, vegetable oil.
More Information
Brand: Lolo Mulong's
Style: Crispy garlic in chili oil
Price Paid: $8.99 / 9oz.
Country of Origin: USA
Manufacturer website:
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