If you have a love for spicy, fragrant condiments that instantly elevate any meal, then this Lemongrass Chili Oil Recipe will become your new kitchen obsession. Combining the bright citrus notes of fresh lemongrass with the fiery warmth of chili flakes, this homemade chili oil is bursting with flavor and aroma. It’s super simple to make, yet it adds a gourmet touch to everything from noodles to grilled meats. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why this vibrant, versatile condiment deserves a spot in your fridge and on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemongrass Chili Oil Recipe lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious balance of flavor, color, and texture that makes this oil truly irresistible.
- 1 cup neutral oil: Choose vegetable or canola oil for a clean base that lets the aromatics shine.
- 2 stalks lemongrass: Finely minced to release bright, citrusy notes that brighten the oil.
- 4 cloves garlic: Thinly sliced for a mellow yet pungent flavor punch.
- 2 shallots: Thinly sliced; they add a subtle sweetness and delicate texture.
- 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes: The heat source that brings warmth and color.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional): Use this for an extra layer of smoky heat.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Lemongrass Chili Oil Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil with Aromatics
Start by gently heating your neutral oil over medium heat in a small saucepan. Once warm, add the finely minced lemongrass, thinly sliced garlic, and shallots. Stir these fragrant aromatics frequently for about 5 to 7 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. This slow cooking process is crucial because it draws out the depth of flavor without burning the ingredients.
Step 2: Cool the Oil Slightly
After your aromatics have beautifully browned and filled your kitchen with amazing scents, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the oil to cool for 2 to 3 minutes. This slight cooling step prevents the spices from scorching in the next phase, ensuring your chili oil is perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Add Spices and Seasonings
Once the oil is just warm, stir in the red pepper flakes, optional chili powder for extra heat, salt, and sugar. These seasonings infuse the oil with layers of spice, savoriness, and a hint of sweetness that round out the flavor profile beautifully.
Step 4: Let the Flavors Infuse
To get the most out of your Lemongrass Chili Oil Recipe, let the mixture cool completely. This resting period allows all the aromatics and spices to deepen and meld together, resulting in a condiment that bursts with complexity and warmth in every drop.
Step 5: Store and Enjoy
Once cooled, transfer your chili oil to a clean jar and seal it tightly. Store it in the refrigerator where it will keep deliciously fresh for up to two weeks. Use it generously on your favorite dishes for an instant flavor boost!
How to Serve Lemongrass Chili Oil Recipe
Garnishes
This chili oil makes a dazzling garnish. Drizzle it over steaming bowls of noodles, sprinkle it on dumplings, or spoon a bit onto rice for added texture and a spicy punch. The flecks of golden garlic and red chili provide a vibrant, eye-catching finish to any dish.
Side Dishes
Lemongrass Chili Oil Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even simple stir-fried dishes. It adds a welcome depth of flavor that enlivens humble sides and turns them into something special.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the usual: swirl this oil into soups or mix it into dressings for salads. You can also use it as a dipping sauce mixed with a splash of soy sauce or vinegar for spring rolls. The combination of lemongrass and chili creates a unique flavor experience that’s both exotic and comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your homemade Lemongrass Chili Oil Recipe refrigerated in a sealed jar. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks, making it easy to enjoy a little spicy goodness anytime.
Freezing
Because this oil contains fresh aromatics, freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture and flavor negatively. Best to make small batches and enjoy them within the storage timeframe.
Reheating
If you want to use the oil warm, gently reheat it in a small pan over low heat. Avoid boiling or overheating to preserve the delicate balance of flavors and avoid burning the spices.
FAQs
Can I use other oils besides vegetable or canola?
Yes, you can experiment with oils like grapeseed or sunflower for a similar neutral flavor. Avoid olive oil as it has a strong taste that can overpower the lemongrass and chili.
Is it spicy, and can I adjust the heat level?
It has a medium heat level that’s beautifully balanced. For a milder take, simply reduce the red pepper flakes to 1 tablespoon or omit the chili powder altogether.
Should I strain out the solids after cooking?
That’s totally up to you! Leaving the garlic, shallots, and lemongrass in adds wonderful texture and bursts of flavor. If you prefer a smooth oil, strain them out before storing.
Can I make this Lemongrass Chili Oil Recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it perfect for many dietary preferences without any modifications.
How long does the chili oil last in the fridge?
Stored properly in a sealed jar, it will keep fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks, so try to consume it within that window for the best taste.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Lemongrass Chili Oil Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s simple to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and incredibly versatile. Whether you drizzle it, dip it, or mix it into your favorite dishes, this chili oil will become your secret weapon in the kitchen. Give it a try today—you won’t regret adding this vibrant condiment to your culinary repertoire!
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Lemongrass Chili Oil Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan,Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Lemongrass Chilli Oil is a fragrant and spicy condiment perfect for elevating noodles, rice, dumplings, or grilled meats. Made by gently infusing neutral oil with fresh lemongrass, garlic, shallots, and chili peppers, it delivers a bright, aromatic kick with a balanced heat and subtle sweetness. Easy to prepare on the stovetop and great for adding a flavorful punch to any dish, this homemade chili oil is a versatile staple in your Asian-inspired kitchen.
Ingredients
Oil and Aromatics
- 1 cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 2 stalks lemongrass, tough outer layers removed and finely minced
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Heat the oil and aromatics: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the neutral oil. Add the minced lemongrass, garlic, and shallots. Cook gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the ingredients turn golden brown and release a fragrant aroma. Take care not to burn them.
- Cool slightly: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the oil cool for 2 to 3 minutes to prevent overpowering the spices added next.
- Add the spices and seasonings: Stir in the red pepper flakes, chili powder (if using), salt, and sugar into the warm oil mixture, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Allow to infuse and cool completely: Let the mixture cool fully so the oil absorbs the spicy and aromatic notes, creating a rich, flavorful infusion.
- Store and serve: Transfer the cooled chili oil into a clean jar with a seal. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Use it as a topping for noodles, rice, dumplings, or grilled meats to add a spicy, fragrant boost.
Notes
- For a milder chili oil, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes to 1 tablespoon.
- You can strain out the solids for a smooth oil or leave them in for added texture and more flavor.
- Adding a splash of toasted sesame oil can give the chili oil a rich, nutty finish.
