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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 NPG Sichuan Chili Oil

While this NPG Sichuan Chili Oil doesn't say "chili crisp" on the label, it certainly seems to qualify as one. NPG does, in fact make a product they call Sichuan Chili Crisp, but it is labeled as being milder than this one. Normally $11.99, we paid $8.48 on sale.

NPG Sichuan Chili Oil jar
NPG Sichuan Chili Oil sample
Main Flavor Elements
  • Sichuan chili
  • Complex aromatics
  • To a lesser extent, peanut and sesame
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Soybean
  • Solids to oil ratio: Very high
  • Flavor Enhancer: MSG
  • Potential allergens: Soy, sesame
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderately high
  • Texture: Thick and chewy
  • Saltiness: Moderate (205mg. per 15gm.)

This one is super thick and chewy. According to the label, it shouldn't be. There seems to be nothing in the first few ingredients on the list to support how coarse and plentiful are the chili-like solids here. However, further research reveals that pixian broad bean paste, a condiment unto its own, is made with a fair amount of chili pepper. So, what we're getting texturally must be the the skins of those beans and the chilis used to make it.

Peanut and sesame seed are listed, but they aren't visually apparent, nor easily identifiable on the palate. Only under close inspection are they revealed.

The application of Sichuan pepper is even-handed. The numbing effect it's known for isn't flagrant, and its spice works well with other, aromatic components. Together, there is a fragrant, floral, fruity heat that makes this one quite special. Did we just use the word flagrant in one sentence and the word fragrant in the next? Yes. Yes, we did.

At this point, we're going to backtrack a bit. Based on the lack of onion, shallot or actual soybean, we're going to rethink considering this one a chili crisp, and let the chili oil designation stand. But that doesn't mean we didn't like it.

Note to salsa macha lovers. If you like the La Anita Salsa Macha - Morita Pepper, you definitely need to try this one.

Ingredients

Soybean oil, pixian broad bean paste, soy sauce, vinegar, peanut, ginger, garlic, sesame seed, sichuan pepper, sichuan chili, salt, sugar, MSG, spices

More Information

Brand: NPG / Natural Plus Green
Style: Chili crisp
Price paid: $8.48 / 7oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website: www.naturalplusgreen.com
Social media: