If you love the bold flavor of chili crisp drizzled over dumplings, eggs, noodles, or roasted vegetables, learning how to make homemade garlic chili crisp will completely change your cooking.
This garlic chili crisp recipe is deeply savory, slightly smoky, and packed with crispy garlic, crunchy chili flakes, and warm spices infused in hot oil. The result is a rich, fragrant condiment that’s even better than store-bought versions.
And the best part? It takes less than 15 minutes to make and keeps for weeks in the refrigerator.
Once you make your own homemade chili crisp, you’ll want to drizzle it on absolutely everything.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chili Crisp
• Packed with crispy golden garlic
• Deep savory umami flavor
• Customizable heat level
• Ready in 15 minutes
• Stores for weeks in the fridge
• Incredible on eggs, noodles, rice, and vegetables
This condiment is inspired by the famous Chinese chili crisp oil, but with extra garlic and balanced spices that make it perfect for everyday cooking.
What Is Chili Crisp?
Chili crisp is a flavored chili oil that includes crunchy aromatics like garlic, shallots, and spices suspended in oil.
Unlike regular chili oil, chili crisp has texture and deep flavor from toasted ingredients.
The oil becomes infused with aromatics and spices, creating a rich condiment that adds:
• heat
• crunch
• umami
• smokiness
Popular brands like Lao Gan Ma made chili crisp famous, but homemade versions taste fresher, richer, and more customizable.
Ingredients for Garlic Chili Crisp
You only need a few pantry staples.
Aromatics
• 1 head garlic, finely sliced
• 1 small shallot, thinly sliced (optional but recommended)
Oil
• 1 cup neutral oil (avocado, peanut, or vegetable oil)
Chili Base
• 3 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) – optional for color and mild heat
Flavor Boosters
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• ½ tsp salt
Optional spices
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• 1 bay leaf
These spices add subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the chili flavor.
How to Make Garlic Chili Crisp
Step 1: Prepare the chili base
In a heatproof bowl combine:
• chili flakes
• sesame seeds
• salt
• sugar
Set aside.
Step 2: Fry the garlic and shallots
Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the sliced garlic and shallots and cook slowly until golden and crispy, about 3–5 minutes.
Remove the garlic and shallots with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels.
Step 3: Infuse the oil
Add the optional spices (cinnamon, star anise, bay leaf) to the hot oil and simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Remove and discard the spices.
Step 4: Pour the hot oil
Carefully pour the hot oil over the chili flake mixture.
It will sizzle and bloom the spices, releasing incredible aroma.
Step 5: Finish the chili crisp
Stir in:
• soy sauce
• crispy garlic and shallots
Let cool completely before storing.
How to Store Chili Crisp
Transfer the chili crisp to a clean glass jar and store in the refrigerator.
It will keep for 2–3 weeks.
The oil may solidify slightly when chilled—just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using.
Some Asian Inspired Recipes You’ll Love
Tips for the Best Chili Crisp
Use fresh garlic
Fresh garlic gives the best crisp texture and flavor.
Control the heat
Use fewer chili flakes for mild chili crisp or add extra for a spicier version.
Don’t burn the garlic
Cook it slowly until golden—not dark brown.
Use high-quality oil
Neutral oils like avocado, peanut, or grapeseed work best.
Flavor Variations
Once you master this base recipe, try these variations:
Honey Chili Crisp
Add 1 tablespoon honey for sweet heat.
Peanut Chili Crisp
Stir in crushed roasted peanuts for extra crunch.
Lemongrass Chili Crisp
Infuse the oil with smashed lemongrass.
Sichuan Pepper Chili Crisp
Add crushed Sichuan peppercorns for numbing spice.
Homemade Garlic Chili Crisp (Better Than Store-Bought Chili Oil)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 CUP 1x
Description
This homemade garlic chili crisp is packed with crispy golden garlic, chili flakes, and aromatic infused oil. Ready in just 15 minutes, this bold and crunchy condiment is perfect for drizzling over eggs, noodles, dumplings, rice bowls, and roasted vegetables. Better than store-bought and incredibly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
1 head garlic, thinly sliced
1 small shallot, thinly sliced
1 cup neutral oil
3 tbsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp gochugaru (optional)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp sesame seeds
½ tsp salt
Optional spices
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
1 bay leaf
Instructions
-
Combine chili flakes, sesame seeds, salt, and sugar in a heatproof bowl.
-
Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
-
Fry garlic and shallots until golden and crispy. Remove and drain.
-
Add optional spices to oil and simmer for 1–2 minutes. Remove spices.
-
Carefully pour hot oil over chili mixture.
-
Stir in soy sauce and crispy garlic and shallots.
-
Let cool completely and store in a jar.
- Prep Time: 5 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 10 MINUTES
- Category: CONDIMENT
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: ASIAN INSPIRED
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chili crisp very spicy?
It depends on the chili flakes you use. Most homemade chili crisp has moderate heat with lots of flavor rather than intense spice.
Can I use olive oil?
Olive oil works but may add a strong flavor. Neutral oils give the best results.
Why pour hot oil over the chili flakes?
The hot oil blooms the spices, releasing their aroma and creating deeper flavor.
How long does chili crisp last?
Stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, homemade chili crisp lasts 2–3 weeks.
Final Thoughts
Making your own garlic chili crisp at home is one of the easiest ways to elevate everyday meals.
With crispy garlic, bold chili flavor, and rich infused oil, this homemade condiment adds instant depth to everything from noodles to roasted vegetables.
Once you taste it, you’ll understand why chili crisp has become one of the most loved condiments in modern cooking.
And the best part? You can customize the flavor and heat exactly how you like it.
