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What is Chili Crisp?

Chili crisp is a delightful condiment that's been stealing the spotlight in kitchens everywhere! Imagine a savory blend of crispy fried garlic, shallots, and chili peppers, all simmered to perfection in oil with a mix of spices. It's crunchy, spicy, and deeply flavorful, offering a wonderful texture and a kick of heat that can elevate any dish.

Originally from China, chili crisp has found a special place in food lovers’ hearts around the globe. You can drizzle it over pizza, pasta, rice, stir it into soups, or even spoon it onto your morning eggs. The best part? It’s versatile enough to add zing to nearly any dish that could use a touch of spice and crisp texture. Once you give it a try, you might just wonder how you ever got by without it!

The origin of Chili Crisp and its brief history

The chili crisp story begins in the culinary-rich landscapes of China, where this spicy, umami-packed topping first made its mark.

Chili crisp originated from the Guizhou province and was concocted out of necessity and innovation. This region is renowned for its bold and spicy flavors, a characteristic staple in the local cuisine. The locals, particularly looking for ways to add a kick to their meals, started experimenting with frying spices, chili peppers, and various other ingredients in oil. The result? A crispy, fiery condiment that added not just heat but also crunch to any dish it graced.

It was a chef named Tao Huabi from Lao Gan Ma, a famous food company in China, who saw the potential of this local creation and decided to commercialize it in the 1990s. Her version of chili crisp, known for its distinctive flavor profile, quickly became a pantry staple in China, and eventually gained popularity worldwide.

The Best Chili Crisp - The Delallo Difference

At Delallo, we understand that the secret to a great chili crisp lies in the quality of its ingredients and the care with which it's crafted. That's why we take pride in selecting only the finest, all-natural ingredients to create a chili crisp that stands out from the rest. We use a unique blend of crispy garlic, shallots, chili peppers and honey. This combination doesn't just spice up your dishes; it adds a satisfying crunch that makes DeLallo Chili Crisp a perfect topping for everything from scrambled eggs to a gourmet finishing touch on your favorite pasta.

Ways to use Chili Crisp and recipes

On Top of Eggs - Give your morning a kickstart by drizzling some chili crisp on your scrambled, fried, or poached eggs. It adds a nice crunch and a burst of flavor that wakes up your taste buds!

Pizza Drizzle - Pizza night? Upgrade your slice by adding a few drizzles of chili crisp on top. It pairs wonderfully with gooey cheese and just about any topping!

Boost Your Pasta - Mix chili crisp into your pasta sauces or simply drizzle over the top for a crispy, spicy finish.

Stir into Soups and Stews - Mix chili crisp into your pasta sauces or simply drizzle over the top for a crispy, spicy finish.

Enhance Veggies - Toss roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or cauliflower in chili crisp before baking to add a new dimension to their flavor profile.

Game Changer for Chicken - Adding a kick of flavor that will elevate your chicken dishes to new heights. Whether you're drizzling it over roasted chicken, mixing it into your stir-fry, or using it as a zesty topping for grilled chicken, chili crisp offers a perfect blend of heat and crunch.

Spice Up Salmon - Chili crisp adds a fantastic crunch and a pop of flavor to your fish dishes. Whether you’re baking, grilling, or pan-searing your salmon, a spoonful of chili crisp added towards the end of cooking can transform your meal into an exciting flavor adventure.

Boost Up Your Burger - Mix some chili crisp into your burger meat or simply spoon it on top of your cooked patty. Whether it's beef, chicken, or a veggie burger, this addition will not disappoint.

Top Your Tacos - Add a spoonful of chili crisp right on top, and watch your taco go from delicious to mind-blowingly awesome. The delightful crunch and the slow-burning heat will take taco night to the next level.

Zest Up Avocados - Spice up your avocado toast by drizzling some chili crisp on top. With its delightful crunch and fiery flavor, pairs wonderfully with the creamy, smooth texture of avocado.

Perfect for Popcorn - Toss your popcorn with a bit of chili crisp for a movie night snack that packs a punch. The savory, spicy kick will make it hard to resist the popcorn bowl.

Chili Crisp: FAQ

What types of chilies are in Chili Crisp?

The types of chilies used in chili crisp can vary depending on the brand or recipe, but typically, it includes a mix of mild to moderately hot chilies. We use a combination of chili peppers, Sichuan peppers and dried Calabrian chili peppers. Chili peppers have a wide range of flavors, from sweet and smoky to tart and grassy, depending on the variety, ripeness, and preparation. Sichuan peppers have a citrus-like flavor and induce a tingling numbness in the mouth. Calabrian Chili Peppers are spicy and tangy and add a bright, vinegary bite.

What is the "crisp" in Chili Crisp?

The "crisp" in chili crisp actually comes from fried garlic, onions, and sometimes even shallots. These ingredients are thinly sliced and fried until they're golden and crunchy, then mixed into a flavorful oil along with chili flakes, Sichuan peppercorns, and various spices. This delightful combination not only gives chili crisp its signature crunchy texture but also adds a deep, savory flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.

What does Chili Crisp taste like?

Chili crisp is like a flavor explosion in a jar! It's crunchy, spicy, and packed with umami. You'll get a nice kick from the chili peppers, balanced out by savory garlic and onion notes. There's also often a delightful hint of smokiness and a subtle sweetness from honey that rounds everything out. It's not just heat – there's a lot of depth and complexity that makes it super addictive. Perfect for drizzling over pretty much anything that needs a punch of bold flavor!

Is Chili Crisp very hot?

Chili crisp does have a kick to it, but it's not just about the heat—it's packed with flavor too! Whether you're a fan of mild warmth or a lover of fiery bites, chili crisp offers a nice balance that brings both spice and a delightful crunch to your meals. It’s definitely worth giving a try to spice up your dishes.

Do I refrigerate Chili Crisp after opening?

After you open your chili crisp, it’s usually best to refrigerate it to help maintain its quality and flavor for longer. Just make sure the lid is on tight, and you'll be all set for some spicy deliciousness anytime you want.

What is the difference between Chili Crisp and Chili Crunch?

• Chili Crisp is a beloved spicy condiment that typically features a base of oil infused with fried garlic, onions, and a variety of chili peppers. It’s renowned for its deep, layered flavor profile which includes savory, sweet, and umami notes alongside its heat. The "crisp" in its name comes from the crispy bits of garlic and onion, which not only provide an intense flavor but also a delightful texture that contrasts with the silky oil.
• Chili Crunch is a condiment similar to chili crisp, and the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably. However, chili crunch tends to focus more on the texture aspect. It usually contains larger, more pronounced chunks of ingredients like garlic, onions, and peppers, which are fried to a crunchier finish. The oil base is still there, but the emphasis is more on the crunchy texture rather than just the infused oil.
• While both chili crisp and chili crunch offer that irresistible combination of heat and flavor, chili crisp leans towards a more oily, slightly softer texture with crisped ingredients, and chili crunch highlights a bolder, crunchier bite. You can use them to top off noodles, eggs, veggies, or just about anything that needs a spicy lift.

What is the difference between Chili Crisp and Chili Oil?

• Chili Oil is essentially a blend of oil infused with chili peppers and other spices, which gives it a smooth, liquid texture. It's perfect for drizzling over dishes to add a quick hit of heat and flavor. Because it's primarily oil, it doesn't add any crunch or additional texture to your meals.
• Chili Crisp, on the other hand, includes bits of crispy, fried garlic, onion, and sometimes other ingredients like peanuts or soybeans, along with the chili peppers. These bits are suspended in oil, offering not just heat and a rich flavor, but also a delightful crunch that makes it a favorite for adding texture as well as spice to dishes.
• So, if you're looking for just a smooth spice, go for chili oil. But if you're after something that adds a spicy crunch, chili crisp is the way to go. Both are fantastic ways to spice up your cooking.

Where can I buy Delallo Chili Crisp?

Order DeLallo Chili Crisp online or find it at most major supermarkets across the country.