# Let's talk about chili crisp (condiment with chili flakes, garlic, etc. in oil) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [August 25, 2022, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341 "2022-08-25T17:29:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2022, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/41 "2022-08-30T22:38:51Z")
> [@wguy123](#): > > I know the MSG causes some of the tongue numbing/tingling, Huh, I’ve never known that to be the case. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2022, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/42 "2022-08-30T22:40:06Z")
You’re thinking of Sichuan peppercorns. Yes, the one I have has it labeled as “pepper powder.” I could swear this used to be listed as “prickly ash” on the label. (Once again, hence my questioning of the labels of this product upthread.) It is barely noticeable, but there is a salivating quality to it, though not the strong numbness of some Sichuan dishes, that I associate with it, as well as that kind of sour-ish flavor. I have a few jars of homemade chili oil I make (it’s not hard at all to make – it’s not the crispy stuff, though, but I use it in the same manner) that has a more assertive sichuan peppercorn flavor to it. Here’s a basic recipe for normal chile oil: [https://lowslowbbq.com/gary-wiviotts-chili-oil/](https://lowslowbbq.com/gary-wiviotts-chili-oil/) There’s many others on the net – many don’t use the fermented black beans this one does; many add spices like cinnamon and star anise, for example. As for MSG, yes, the Angry Grandma Spicy Chili Crisp has plenty of MSG, which is what makes it extra addictive! (And it is on the label, listed _before_ salt.) ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2022, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/43 "2022-08-30T22:46:09Z")
Maybe that is just my own impression thinking it is the MSG causing it rather than mislabeled products like this chili oil? > [@pulykamell](#): > > Here’s a basic recipe for normal chile oil: We have a lot of these ingredients, including so many dried peppers that we grow, that it might be worth some investigation. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2022, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/44 "2022-08-30T22:52:08Z")
> [@wguy123](#): > > Maybe that is just my own impression thinking it is the MSG causing it rather than mislabeled products like this chili oil? Yep, tingling and numbing are the hallmarks of Sichuan peppercorn varieties. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2022, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/45 "2022-09-16T15:37:11Z")
Story today in Washington Post (gift link): > **[There’s a wide world of chili crisp. These are our favorites.](https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2022/09/16/best-chili-crisp-crunch-condiment/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWJpZCI6IjYyMDc3NTgiLCJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNjYzMzQyNjAzLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNjY0NTUyMjAzLCJpYXQiOjE2NjMzNDI2MDMsImp0aSI6IjU1N2NkYTA3LTU1MzEtNDhkZi04M2IwLTYyNTA1ZmQwYjE1MCIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9mb29kLzIwMjIvMDkvMTYvYmVzdC1jaGlsaS1jcmlzcC1jcnVuY2gtY29uZGltZW50LyJ9.HA7nEFk8rnqSqjZ_FHcxwJQ7DNZ1RHZPQlHHbtRNYwA&itid=gfta)** > > Chili crisp is a spicy condiment with an ever-growing popularity. Here’s how to use it and some of our favorite brands. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2022, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/46 "2022-09-16T15:44:37Z")
I see they did enjoy the Momofuku that I liked to. I had no idea that the commercial Lan Gan Ma (Angry Grandma) chili crisp only began production in 1997. I first had it around 1999/2000 (in Hungary), so I was pretty early on this “trend.” ---
**Author:** ![DoctorJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctorj/32/2904_2.png) [@DoctorJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorJ)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2022, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/47 "2022-09-16T18:08:42Z")
Rice + chili crisp + soy sauce, especially the good stuff from [Bourbon Barrel Foods](https://bourbonbarrelfoods.com/): one of my favorite things. Makes mediocre Chinese food into something to look forward to. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2022, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/48 "2022-11-01T18:10:37Z")
FYI, the David Chang/Momofuku brand chili crisp is sold at Target, for those of you without access to a well-stocked Asian market nearby. ---
**Author:** ![superwombat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superwombat/32/16616_2.png) [@superwombat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/superwombat)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2022, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/49 "2022-11-01T18:19:29Z")
Regarding the nut content, I’ve tried it, and have had no adverse effects besides wanting to glop it onto all my meats and eggs. Good stuff! There are little crunchy soybean things in there that gave me pause, but were ultimately of no concern. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2022, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/50 "2022-11-01T18:22:20Z")
OK, I’ve tried a good half dozen varieties of chili crisp and I just don’t get it. It’s no big deal. Moderately tasty, sometimes. But transformative? Nah. Oh, well. Everybody is welcome to the jars I won’t be buying. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2022, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/51 "2022-11-01T18:49:12Z")
Oh, no shit! I’ll have to pick that up. I have the regular stuff, but I think I like the Momofuku a little better, as it’s got more oil in it. ETA: Ah, none for pickup at store around me here in Chicago. Only delivery. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2022, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/52 "2022-11-01T18:49:19Z")
I haven’t heard the term “chili crisp” but it sounds similar to the chili garlic sauce that I use all the time with many Asian foods, especially Singapore noodles. It certainly seems to contain much the same ingredients – chili flakes, garlic, and oil being the main ones. It’s made by Huy Fong, the California company famous for its sriracha sauce. Incidentally, this past June the company announced that they were pausing production because of a global shortage of chili peppers due to inclement weather conditions. Not sure if the situation has changed since then. [![](https://assets.shop.loblaws.ca/products/20103178/b2/en/front/20103178_front_a06_@2.png) ](https://assets.shop.loblaws.ca/products/20103178/b2/en/front/20103178_front_a06_@2.png) ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2022, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/53 "2022-11-01T18:51:15Z")
It’s really very little like that. It’s not fresh chilis, but dried ones and has a completely different flavor. It’s closer to a Sichuan chili oil type of thing, though not as oily, mostly flakes (but depends on the brand.) ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2022, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/54 "2022-11-01T18:54:20Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > OK, I’ve tried a good half dozen varieties of chili crisp and I just don’t get it. It’s no big deal. Moderately tasty, sometimes. But transformative? Nah. One of my favorite snacks is just a slice of bread, butter, and Angry Grandma chili crisp spread over it. Just divine. Or peanut butter & chili crisp sandwiches, maybe even with a pickle in it. Or just spooned straight from the jar. I’ll take your share, for sure. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2022, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/55 "2022-11-01T21:14:13Z")
It’s pretty tasty, but I wouldn’t say transformative either. Still, I’ve got a jar of the Momofuku kind that I got at Target (hence the 2 months later post), and it’s good stuff. Definitely a welcome addition to my condiment repertoire. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2022, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/56 "2022-11-01T21:16:20Z")
Yeah, it’s not this. When you open the jar (a smaller jar than your picture), you see oil, lots of oil–maybe half an inch of red-tinted oil. And below the surface of the oil is a sediment of chili flakes and other mysterious, unidentifiable things. Like this: [![](https://parade.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTkwNTgwOTA1NDE1NjE1NjEz/how-to-make-chili-crisp-from-scratch.jpg) ](https://parade.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTkwNTgwOTA1NDE1NjE1NjEz/how-to-make-chili-crisp-from-scratch.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2022, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/57 "2022-11-01T22:00:22Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > It’s really very little like that. It’s not fresh chilis, but dried ones and has a completely different flavor. It’s closer to a Sichuan chili oil type of thing, though not as oily, mostly flakes (but depends on the brand.) Thanks for that. Superficially it sounded similar to me. Also thanks to @ThelmaLou for showing me what chili crisp actually looks like. Reading about a possible shortage of Huy Fong chili garlic sauce shot me out of my chair and into the local supermarket where I scored two jars. They seemed to have an ample supply but Og knows what the future might bring, and the stuff virtually never expires. One cannot have Singapore noodles without chili garlic sauce! I forgot to look for chili crisp, but a quick perusal of the supermarket’s website suggests that they wouldn’t have had it, anyway. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2022, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/58 "2022-11-01T23:16:12Z")
Once again I must pimp for Yellowbird Blue Agave sriracha sauce. > **[Amazon.com : Blue Agave Sriracha Hot Sauce by Yellowbird - Jalapeno, Garlic and...](https://www.amazon.com/Yellowbird-Blue-Agave-Sriracha-2-Pack/dp/B01N0LUHS6)** > > Amazon.com : Blue Agave Sriracha Hot Sauce by Yellowbird - Jalapeno, Garlic and Agave Chili Pepper Sauce - Plant-Based, Gluten Free, Non-GMO Hot Pepper Sauce - Homegrown in Austin - 19.6 oz (2-pack) : Grocery & Gourmet Food ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2022, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/59 "2022-11-02T02:09:46Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > I forgot to look for chili crisp, but a quick perusal of the supermarket’s website suggests that they wouldn’t have had it, anyway. What were you searching on? It may be called something else, like “crispy chilli in oil”: [https://www.tntsupermarket.com/eng/76276601-laoganma-crispy-chilli-in-oil.html](https://www.tntsupermarket.com/eng/76276601-laoganma-crispy-chilli-in-oil.html) ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2022, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chili-crisp-condiment-with-chili-flakes-garlic-etc-in-oil/970341/60 "2022-11-02T02:17:51Z")
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