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Published on Leave a comment on Verve Culture Thai Chili Crisp

This Verve Culture Thai Chili Crisp came from our local World Market. We found it while there looking for something else, and based upon past visits, assume it's a newer item. We had not seen it before. At $9.99, it was within our budget for trying an unknown.

Verve Culture Thai Chili Crisp jar
Verve Culture Thai Chili Crisp label
Main Flavor Elements
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Sesame
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Rice bran, sesame
  • Solids to oil ratio: Moderately high
  • Flavor Enhancer: N/S
  • Potential allergens: Sesame, soy
  • Storage: Keep in cool, dry place, refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Low
  • Texture: Crunchy onion and garlic
  • Saltiness: Low (105mg. per 10gm.)

After perusing the label, we were slightly bemused when we removed the plastic film seal. It was black plastic rather than clear, and it obscured the long arrows marked on the edge of the lid, between the words "OPEN", and pointing in a counter-clockwise direction. Following them, we were able to successfully open the jar without incident.

The aroma is subtle, just a hint of allium, primarily garlic. The solids, in the form of fried onion and garlic, are pleasantly crunchy, irregular in shape, and generally a bit larger than in others of this type. The solids-to-oil ratio could stand to be a little higher, as-is it's a bit soupy, so stir well each and every serving.

We found the level of toastiness of the solids just right, not overdone, and avoiding the bitter aftertaste sometimes associated with over-frying. There is a minimal amount of sesame seeds, mostly floating on top of the oil. We're guessing the addition of sesame oil is there to boost the sesame flavor the small amount of seeds cannot provide alone.

We're also becoming a big fan of rice bran oil as a base. Its clean and neutral flavor and its general lightness in body we find appealing.

Not much heat to speak of here. Kind of surprising for a product hailing from Thailand. The chili is actually last on the list, apparently only an infusion of the oil, as there are no chili flakes visible. The label assigns itself a heat rating of 2 out of 3 flames, but we'd call it more like a 0.5 out of 3.

Overall, we liked this one. It lacks the downsides associated with over-fried alliums, and contains no artificial flavor enhancers. If you like crunchy onion and garlic fried just right, this one may be the ticket.

This is another that calls itself a chili crisp, but without material chili representation. We're placing it on our crunchy oil shelf.

Ingredients

Onion, rice bran oil, sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, salt, sesame seeds, chili.

More Information

Brand: Verve Culture
Style: Crunchy oil
Price paid: $9.99 / 5.8oz.
Country of Origin: Thailand
Manufacturer website:
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Published on Leave a comment on Momoya Chili Oil with Fried Garlic

Momoya Chili Oil with Fried Garlic is from Japan and made in the taberu rayu style. It's often sold without additional labeling in English, so getting an idea of what it's about up front can be somewhat difficult. The head of garlic and the chili pepper on the label give a clue, but there's a lot more than meets the eye here. We got this one from Amazon.

Momoya Chili Oil with Fried Garlic jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Garlic
  • Sugar
  • Sesame
  • Onion
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Rapeseed, sesame
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: No Yes
  • Potential allergens: Wheat, sesame, soybean
  • Storage: Store away from direct sunlight. Refrigerate after opening.
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Low
  • Texture: Crunchy
  • Saltiness: Low (256mg. per 16gm.)

It's not too salty, if both our calculations and what our tastebuds are telling us are correct. The translation of the nutritional information isn't in the standard format.

One look at the ingredients, and you'll see there's a lot going on in there. So much, in fact, it's difficult to isolate the individual components from a sample tasting. Suffice it to say, however, they have a synergy that works quite well.

We appreciated the high solids to oil ratio, and the satisfying level of crunchiness. And we definitely liked how, similar to the S&B, it has a peanut-y character without actually containing any peanuts. Definitely going to switch out peanut sauce for this one, the next time we have spring rolls.

A little pricey at around $8 for 3.88 oz, but we think worth it.

Update: The latest jar we obtained now has ingredients listed in English. We had previously used Google Lens to translate the Japanese on the jar itself. While many ingredients are the same, just worded differently, two glaring differences stood out. One, the addition of MSG, and two, the deletion of a seasoning and an antioxidant.

Ingredients

Edible rapeseed oil, fried garlic, edible sesame oil, chili pepper, fried onions, MSG, sugar, salt, chili miso paste (contains soybeans), paprika, ground sesame, onion powder, powdered soy sauce (contains wheat), powdered chili miso paste, seasoning (amino acid), antioxidant (vitamin E).

More Information

Brand: Momoya
Style: Taberu rayu
Price paid: $7.77 / 3.88oz.
Country of Origin: Japan
Manufacturer website: https://www.momoya.co.jp
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Published on Leave a comment on Momofuku Chili Crunch – Original

Momofuku Chili Crunch by Chef David Chang is one of what many consider a "new wave" product in the genre. It possesses elements of both chili crisps and salsas machas, along with some sensibilities all its own. A little pricey at $13 for 5.5oz, we found this Original version on sale at Amazon for just over $9.

Momofuku Chili Crunch by David Chang jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Puya chili
  • Coconut sugar
  • Onion, garlic
  • Japones and arbol chilis
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Grapeseed
  • Solids to oil ratio: Moderate
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: Sesame
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Medium
  • Texture: Fine crunch
  • Saltiness: Low (25mg. per 3.3gm.)

The main chili flavor (and heat) here is courtesy of puya chili, slightly hotter than jalapeno, but fruitier and more complex. The sweetness of coconut sugar offsets the heat somewhat. Onion and garlic bring the allium. Arbol and japones chilis round out the pepper flavor. Umami comes courtesy of mushroom powder, yeast extract and seaweed. There's a lot going on in here.

The texture has a mild crunch mostly from the garlic, we assume, but perhaps some from undissolved coconut sugar as well. Similar to the Fly By Jing, there is a muddy texture to some of the solids, whether that's from ground peppers or the umami components is hard to say. Suffice it to say, however, that despite it being called a "chili crunch", we've had crunchier.

All in all, the varied ingredients play well with each other, giving a good balance of heat, spice, sweet, and umami. We would have liked a bit more pronounced texture, though.

Chef Chang offers four more varieties of his chili crunch, including Extra Spicy, Garlic (Mild), Black Truffle and Hot Honey.

Ingredients

Grapeseed oil, puya chilis, coconut sugar, onions, garlic, sesame seeds, japones chilis, chilis de arbol, mushroom powder, salt, shallots, spices, yeast extract, seaweed

More Information

Brand: Momofuku
Style: New Wave
Country of Origin: USA
Price paid: $9 / 5.5oz.
Manufacturer website: https://shop.momofuku.com/collections/chili-crunch
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Published on Leave a comment on JHC Ground Chili with Fried Garlic

This JHC Ground Chili with Fried Garlic was found at that same cross-town Asian market. We were browsing several other sections of the store to see what other products similar to chili crisp were available. Looking through the jar, it appears to be a chili crisp-type product. Upon opening and trying it, we found it's not crispy at all. But it has qualities we liked, and so we've decided to include it here. For now, let's call it chili crisp adjacent.

JHC Ground Chili with Fried Garlic jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili
  • Garlic
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Soybean
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: MSG
  • Potential allergens: Soy, shrimp (produced in a facility that uses peanut, sesame, fish and crustacean shellfish)
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening, use within 30 days.
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: High
  • Texture: Soft, a coarse paste
  • Saltiness: Low (110mg per 15gm.)

If you like it hot, this one's for you. As we said, this product of Thailand is chili crisp adjacent. It's actually what should be called Nam Prik Pao, a classic Thai chili condiment. There's a texture to it, albeit a soft one. The oil and solids do separate somewhat, so a little stir before use is in order. We called it a coarse paste, but it's not homogenous enough to really be one. Maybe more like "pulp in oil".

The lemongrass is subtle, but it's there, adding a certain something to the heat. We can only guess the shrimp is included for a bonito flake-ish umami, but it's hard to detect over the heat and garlic.

The heat lingers long in the mouth, with a slight sichuan peppercorn-like numbing on the lips. Similarly, it also induces the scalp perspiration that hot chilies are known for. Be careful with this one, it can sneak up on you. You've been warned!

Ingredients

Soybean oil, garlic, chili, shallot, water, lemongrass, MSG, sugar, salt, dried shrimp, paprika color.

More Information

Brand: JHC / Jack Hua Co. Ltd.
Style: Ground chili with fried garlic
Price paid: $3.49 / 7oz.
Country of Origin: Thailand
Manufacturer website: https://j-limited.com
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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
Chuan Nan Sichuan Chili Oil Crisp label

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 油 "yóu, oil", 辣 "là, spicy hot" and 子 "zǐ, seeds or fruit, i.e the peppers", or together, effectively "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, essentially. For an in-depth exploration of the subject, see Decoding Chinese Chili Crisp Labels.

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 la zi 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: http://www.cnnzfood.com/
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Published on Leave a comment on S&B Crunchy Garlic with Chili Oil – Mild

S&B Crunchy Garlic with Chili Oil is from Japan. While similar in many ways to traditional Chinese chili crisps, it has its own sensibility that is distinctively Japanese.

S&B Crunchy Garlic with Chili Oil label
S&B Crunchy Garlic with Chili Oil - Mild sample
Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili pepper
  • Fried garlic
  • Sesame oil
  • Monosodium glutamate
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Soy sauce powder
  • Chili paste
  • Fried onion
  • Almond
  • Ground sesame seeds
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Corn, sesame
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: MSG IMP,GMP
  • Potential allergens: Soy, wheat
  • Storage: "Consume soon after opening"
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Mild
  • Texture: Satisfyingly crunchy
  • Saltiness: Moderately high (540 mg. per 30 gm.)

As with many taberu rayu, the crunch is the thing, and this one's got it. As expected, the main flavor here is garlic, and there are plenty of crunchy fried slivers in the mix.

The crunch to oil ratio is quite high, similar to that of the Lao Gan Ma chili crisp. Refrigerated, it almost turns into a solid.

What we enjoyed about it most was the combination of ingredients giving it a peanut-y character, even though there are no peanuts in it. We also found this to be true of the Momoya Chili Oil with Fried Garlic, which we very much liked. Both are similar, although the S&B has a tad more chili flavor.

As the label notes, heat-wise it is mild. A "spicy" version also exists for those who want a little more heat.

Ingredients

Corn oil, Chili pepper, Fried garlic, Sesame oil, Monosodium glutamate, Onion powder, Salt, Sugar, Soy sauce powder (Soy sauce [Soybeans, Wheat, Salt], Dextrin, Salt), Chili paste (Chili pepper, Salt, Rice), Fried onion, Almond, Ground sesame seeds, Disodium guanylate, Disodium inosinate, Mixed tocopherols.

Revised Formula

A "new formula" of the S&B Mild version removes the almond in favor of extra onion and an adjustment of the ratios of some of the other ingredients. It has the same UPC code, so it is a replacement, not a new variant. It will also be about 11% lower in sodium. Fortunately, it doesn't appear to detract from the satisfying level of crunch. Jars with "best by" dates of November 11, 2026 and after will contain the new formulation.

Available on Amazon.

More Information

Brand: S&B Foods, Inc.
Style: Taberu rayu
Price paid: $7.49 / 3.88oz.
Country of Origin: Japan
Manufacturer website: https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/lp/us/umamitopping/
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