Easy Microwave Chili Oil
How to Easily Make Chili Oil Using a Microwave
While store-bought chili oil is convenient, making your own at home ensures freshness and peace of mind. Today, I’ll share an incredibly simple recipe for chili oil that you can whip up in minutes using just ingredients from your fridge and a microwave. Make your own flavorful chili oil with good quality oil and chili powder. This method infuses flavor without needing a separate straining process, but my reusable tea bag was a bit small, so some ingredients overflowed, requiring me to strain it through a sieve.
Ingredients- Canola oil, 1 bottle (250ml)
- Red pepper flakes, 5 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp
- Minced ginger, 1 Tbsp
- Green onion, 1 stalk
- Reusable tea bag (empty), 1
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Chili oil isn’t just about chili flakes! Adding aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, and green onion can create a deeper, richer flavor. Prepare your aromatics to enhance the taste.
Step 2
Any type of cooking oil can be used, but oils with higher smoke points and cleaner flavors like canola oil, grapeseed oil, or vegetable oil are recommended over strongly flavored ones like olive oil, sesame oil, or perilla oil. Feel free to use whatever oil you have on hand. I’m using canola oil.
Step 3
Place the minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes into a clean reusable tea bag. If you don’t have a tea bag, a cheesecloth or a small sieve can also work.
Step 4
Pour the prepared oil into a microwave-safe container. Submerge the tea bag filled with chili flakes and aromatics into the oil. Ensure the oil fully covers the tea bag.
Step 5
Wash the green onion and make sure it’s completely dry. Cut it into 2-3 cm pieces and add it to the oil. The onion’s fragrance will infuse into the oil.
Step 6
Cover the opening of the container with plastic wrap. This prevents moisture from escaping during microwaving and also stops oil from splattering.
Step 7
Using a chopstick or toothpick, poke 3-4 small holes in the plastic wrap. These steam vents are essential for safety.
Step 8
Microwave on high for 3 minutes. This initial cooking gently infuses the flavors from the ingredients into the oil.
Step 9
After 3 minutes, you might notice the chili flakes haven’t fully released their color into the oil yet. The flavor infusion is still in progress.
Step 10
Let the microwave rest for about 1 minute, then microwave for another 3 minutes. Heating in two stages allows the flavors and aromas to meld more thoroughly.
Step 11
Once the total 6 minutes of microwaving is complete, you’ll see a much richer and more beautiful chili oil color. The fragrant aroma is already making your mouth water!
Step 12
Let the oil cool down slightly as it will be very hot. Your homemade aromatic chili oil is now ready! It will add a wonderful depth of flavor to your dishes.
Step 13
My reusable tea bag was too small, and some of the oil and chili flakes overflowed. If you use a larger tea bag, you can simply remove the bag itself for a clean result. If yours overflows like mine did, strain the chili oil through a sieve to get a clear oil.
Step 14
Your clear and vibrant red chili oil is complete! It has a wonderfully spicy and fragrant aroma. Use this in fried rice, tteokbokki, or various stir-fries to elevate their taste.
Step 15
Sterilize your storage container in boiling water and ensure it is completely dry before filling. Proper hygiene will help keep your chili oil fresh for longer. Carefully pour the finished chili oil into the container.
