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.
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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