Chili Oil

If you’ve ever wanted to add a little bit of spice to your instant ramen, chili oil is the perfect condiment. You can pour in the whole bottle if you’re attempting a spicy challenge like me, or easily control the heat by the amount you add to your noodles.

But chili oil delivers more than just heat. It also adds flavor, richness from the fat, and savory depth.

Benefits of Chili Oil in Instant Ramen

• Instant Heat: It delivers a customizable kick of spice, allowing you to control the heat level to your preference.
• Aromatic Depth: Beyond just heat, good chili oil brings a savory and sometimes smoky aroma that deepens the ramen’s flavor.
• Texture: The crispy bits of chili flakes, garlic, or fried onions often found in chili oil add a wonderful textural contrast to soft noodles.
• Visual Appeal: The vibrant red color instantly makes your ramen look more appetizing and exciting.
• Versatility: It pairs well with almost any ramen flavor, from savory beef to tangy kimchi or creamy tonkotsu.

My Top 3 Picks

When it comes to chili oil, I definitely have my favorites that I always reach for:

1. My Friend James’s Chili Oil: This one holds a special place in my heart because it’s when I truly feel like the first time I had legit chili oil. My friend James makes an incredible one that’s perfectly balanced and always a go-to for me. (Note: This one’s a bit harder for you to get your hands on, but it’s pure gold!)
   • Order his chili oil here: JChang Kitchen Chili Oil
2. Lao Gan Ma Chili Crisp: You can find this iconic jar at pretty much any Asian grocery store, and for good reason. It’s packed with crispy bits of chili and onion, delivering a savory crunch and a good amount of heat.
   • Order it here: Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp
3. Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp: Another great option often available at Asian grocery stores and even regular grocery stores. This one offers a unique, complex flavor with the signature tingly sensation of Sichuan peppercorns, plus plenty of crispy chili bits.
   • Order it here: Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp

How to Enjoy Chili Oil in Instant Ramen

Adding chili oil is incredibly simple, and you can adjust it to your taste:

1. Directly into the Bowl: Once your ramen is cooked and in the serving bowl, simply spoon a desired amount of chili oil directly over the noodles and broth.
2. Stirred In: For a more integrated flavor, stir the chili oil into the broth and noodles just before serving.
3. Drizzle on Toppings: Drizzle a little chili oil over your protein or vegetable toppings for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

4. Marinating Proteins or Veggies: For a deeper flavor, you can use chili oil as part of a quick marinade for proteins like sliced chicken, tofu, or even vegetables before cooking them to add to your ramen. For example, I marinate chicken with it in our Leveled Up Shin Ramen recipe. It makes a big difference.

My Tips

• Start Small, Add More: Potency varies wildly. Begin with a small amount (like ½ teaspoon) and taste, then add more to your liking.
• Shake Before Use: The flavorful solids in chili oil often settle at the bottom, so give the jar a good shake before spooning it out.
• Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Both are great. Store-bought offers convenience, while homemade allows for customization of flavor and heat.