Chile Crisp

A flavorful homemade condiment featuring crispy shallots and garlic infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon and star anise, all combined with chili flakes and ginger for a spicy, crunchy topping that can elevate any dish.

4 servings
45 min

Ingredients

  • 4 whole small shallots, thinly sliced
  • 2 heads heads of garlic, separated into cloves, thinly sliced
  • 2 pieces cinnamon sticks
  • 6 pods star anise pods
  • cups vegetable oil
  • 1 piece ginger
  • ¼ cup crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp sugar

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Bring shallots, garlic, cinnamon, star anise, and oil to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, reducing heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer and swirling pan occasionally, until shallots and garlic are browned and crisp, 20-25 minutes. (Take your time-you want to drive all the moisture out of the shallots and garlic before they brown.)

    25 min

  2. 2.

    Mix ginger, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and sugar in a medium bowl to combine. Strain shallot mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into ginger mixture. Let shallots and garlic cool in sieve (this will allow them to crisp further), then stir into sauce.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    Do Ahead: Chile crisp can be made 1 month ahead. Cover and chill.

    5 min