Chilli Oil

Name: Chilli Oil
Total time: 300 s
Yield: Yields 1/2 a cup
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1/2 c vegetable oil; 2 Tbsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp soy sauce; 2 tsp garlic powder (optional); 1/4 tsp sugar

Bianca Mwale @bianca_eatsy

Zomba, Malawi

I learnt how to make chili oil in just one day (out of neccesity), and now this quick homemade version is my go-to flavor booster. It is rich, aromatic, warm, and perfectly spicy. I recently used it in a cooking competition to finish off my dumpling soup, and the judges loved how the bold kick of chili balanced the delicate, creamy coconut broth and the gelatinous beef filling in my dumplings. I love that it is simple, yet seriously elevated my dish, and I would confidently say it can do the same for any dish. #june2026

Bianca Mwale @bianca_eatsy

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Ingredients

5 minutes

Yields 1/2 a cup

1/2 cvegetable oil
2 Tbspcrushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/2 tspsalt
1/2 tspsoy sauce
2 tspgarlic powder (optional)
1/4 tspsugar

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Steps

5 minutes

1

In a small pan, heat the oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking (about 2-3 minutes)
2

Bloom the chili flakes by pouring the hot oil over them in a heatproof bowl. Oil should be hot enough to cause sizzling and release flavors
3

Stir in the salt, soy sauce, garlic powder, and sugar.
4

Let it sit for a minute to blend the flavors. Once cooled, drizzle over dumplings, noodles, or soup

Coconut-Infused Beef Dumpling Soup