Crispy chilli oil - often also called chilli crisp - combines flavoured oil with crunchy chilli, onion, garlic or spice bits. Lao Gan Ma made this product category famous worldwide. Our Chilicrack is our answer. Multiple award winner, made with only the very best ingredients.
What is crispy chilli oil?
Unlike a clear chilli oil, chilli crisp is packed with firm, crunchy bits. That means it does three jobs at once: as a flavoured oil, a topping, and a texture element. Depending on the recipe, the flavours range from nutty and toasty to fruity, smoky or downright fiery. You simply eat the crunchy bits along with it.
What does Chilicrack taste like?
With ours, roasted flavour, chilli and crunchy texture take centre stage. The oil carries the flavour into the dish, while the firm bits give it bite. How hot it ends up tasting depends on how much you use and what you eat it with. It's rated heat level 4 on our scale.
What goes well with crispy chilli oil?
- noodles, rice and fried rice
- dumplings, gyoza and bowls
- fried eggs, scrambled eggs and savoury breakfast dishes
- grilled vegetables, pumpkin and potatoes
- pizza, sandwiches and burgers
- dips, mayonnaise and marinades
It's best to start with just a small spoonful and season to taste from there - that way you keep the heat and texture well under control. The oil is very intense, so be careful it doesn't steal the show from the rest of your meal. Or use it deliberately when your food is just average and needs something with a bit more punch.
Can you make chilli crisp yourself?
Yes! Our guide Making chilli oil yourself explains it in more detail. There are two main versions: the shelf-stable product and the fresh oil.
FAQs about chilli crisp
Is chilli crisp the same as chilli oil?
No. Chilli crisp also contains firm, crunchy bits. A pure chilli oil, by contrast, can be fully clear or filtered - similar to Italian olio piccante. That has nothing to do with crispy chilli oil.
Is Chilicrack a copy of Lao Gan Ma?
No. Both belong to the crispy chilli oil category, but they differ in origin, recipe and product character. There are now countless variations that go well beyond the original crispy chilli oil from Lao Gan Ma.
Does Chilicrack need to be refrigerated after opening?
Yes, both ours and other crispy chilli oils need to go in the fridge once opened. Use clean cutlery and seal the jar well again after each use.