This Samar Spice Chili Crisp was encountered while browsing Amazon. It appeared to be on sale, so we took a chance. $8 for an 8 oz. jar of a good chili crisp is a bargain by today's standards. Let's see how it is.
Main Flavor Elements
- Smoked(?) chili
- Garlic
- Onion
- Sesame
Snapshot
- Base oil(s): Rapeseed (canola)
- Solids to oil ratio: Medium
- Flavor Enhancer: Natural (matsutake powder)
- Potential allergens: Sesame, peanut
- Storage: N/S (Refrigeration recommended)
Our Impressions
- Heat level: Moderate
- Texture: Velvety crunch
- Saltiness: Low (32mg. per 5gm.)
Apparently from China. The label does not specify, only listing the name of the manufacturer, which is headquartered there. It came packed in its own carton with a thank you note and a nifty, folding metal serving spoon. Nice touches.
The jar is plastic and the lid has a tamper-evident ring. Unfortunately, the ring wanted to only partially separate from the lid, so we made use of the spoon to pry it the rest of the way off.
Inside the lid there is a flexible seal ring which, while well-intentioned, allows oil and sesame seeds to get between it and the outer wall of the lid. We anticipate this will cause some drip down the outside at some point.
The solids-to-oil ratio when the contents are settled is about 60/40. The mix of medium and fine solids was a bit compacted at the bottom, so we had to really scrape down into the bottom edges to get a good re-mix before tasting. And we found, going back for a second tasting minutes later, the ingredients had already started to solidify. So, be sure to stir well at each and every serving.
There's a lot going on in here, with well over a dozen non-oil ingredients. We're assuming the goal is both complexity and the achievement of umami without flavor-enhancing chemical additives.
There is a mild heat from the chili, but the Sichuan peppercorn is minimal enough to not produce any of the numbing effect for which it is known. The label touts smokiness, but we weren't really getting much in the way of it.
With so many ingredients fighting for attention, none really stand out individually. Having said that, it still works. There's an overall, spicy, nutty, aromatic, savoriness we found undeniably appealing.
We wondered what matsutake powder was, and found that it is a premium, aromatic seasoning made from ground, dried matsutake mushrooms (Tricholoma matsutake), known for their distinct pine-scented, earthy, and slightly spicy flavor. It is highly valued in Asian cuisine as a natural, savory umami enhancer.
We don't know if we picked up on that particular flavor note, even upon repeated tastings, but with so much else going on in there, it's hard to say.
Overall, we liked this one without any reservations to speak of. Other than the jar closure, and a best by date we thought was closer than it ought to have been, the contents were quite satisfying.
Ingredients
Non-GMO rapeseed oil, chili peppers, peanuts, garlic,sugar, onions, green onions, sesame, smoked chili powder, star anise, cassia bark, cloves, sichuan peppercorns, fennel seeds, salt, matsutake powder
More Information
Brand: Shenchu (Shandong) Food Technology Co., Ltd. / Samar Spice
Style: Chili crisp
Price paid: $7.99 / 8oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website:
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