Here are the most popular chili oil brands, from traditional favorites to Algae Cooking Club’s unique seed-oil-free options, and find your perfect match!
Key Takeaways:
Chili oil isn’t just a condiment. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves bold, flavorful dishes. Chili oil brings the heat and depth that transform everyday meals into extraordinary bites, like drizzling over crispy fried rice, adding a zing to roasted vegetables, or infusing a rich depth of flavor into a bowl of ramen.
From mild and smoky to fiercely hot, the best chili oil options cater to every palate. Ready to discover which ones deserve a spot in your pantry? Let’s dive into the top brands that have earned their fiery reputation.
We selected these chili oils for their exceptional heat and the complex, bold flavors they add to your dishes. Tip: When experimenting with chili oils, start by using just a small drizzle or spoonful to gauge the heat and flavor intensity.
Crafted with Chef Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park, this standout brand of chili oil is a perfect way to add vibrant heat and depth to your dishes. Made with Omega-9-rich algae oil, it’s light, buttery, and free of seed oils to ensure the purest flavor.
The spices — like Gochugaru chili, Sichuan peppercorn, cinnamon, and star anise — are steeped slowly in algae oil to create an aromatic blend with a rich, bold taste.
Use it generously to spice up eggs, drizzle on pizza, season soups, or elevate stir-fries (like classic beef and broccoli) and vinaigrettes. However you use it, this chili oil transforms ordinary dishes into something extraordinary.
Get it here: Algae Cooking Club
Also created in collaboration with Chef Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park, this Shiitake Mushroom Oil is your key to rich, savory umami. Infused over eight hours with six unique spices, it brings deep, earthy flavors of shiitake mushroom, red miso, wakame, black garlic, and a subtle kick of urfa chili — all in one bottle.
Made with high oleic, Omega-9-rich algae oil, it’s pure, light, and free of seed oils.
Use it to fold into rice, season broths, upgrade grilled vegetables, or even enhance instant ramen and bolognese. This oil transforms simple dishes into flavor-packed meals, inspired by the techniques of a world-class kitchen.
Get it here: Algae Cooking Club
Lao Gan Ma is a beloved name in Asian condiments, and their Spicy Chili Crisp is a true classic. Packed with bold, salty, and roasted flavors, it also carries a hint of fermented richness. Plus, they add peanuts — yes, peanuts! — for a satisfying crunch.
This chili crisp is perfect for adding complexity to your dishes, whether drizzling it on noodles, stirring it into fried rice, or spicing up a stir-fry. Just use it sparingly — it’s super salty and intense. But hey, that’s what water is for. Dive in and enjoy!
Get it here: LAOGANMA
Get ready for bold, unforgettable flavor! Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp brings a salty kick with just the right amount of heat. Infused with Sichuan peppercorns, this chili crisp offers a numbing tingle that makes every bite exciting.
Use it to add flair to an omelet, grilled chicken, or any dish that needs a flavor boost. Made with all-natural, sugar-free ingredients, it’s a delicious choice that’s sure to impress!
Get it here: Fly By Jing
With a balanced mix of chili flakes and oil, with sesame seeds, spices, and peanuts — Szechuan Flavor adds extra texture. The sesame seeds tend to float, so be sure to stir well before using.
Enjoy this chili oil by drizzling it over dumplings, tossing it with noodles, or adding a spoonful to fried rice for a fiery kick. It’s also fantastic as a dipping sauce base or stirred into soups and broths for an extra layer of bold flavor.
Get it here: Weee!
This chili oil stands out with its big chunks of chili and shallots, giving it a heartier texture than most. The unexpected addition of cumin is very strong, and while it might appeal to some, it can overpower the overall taste.
If you enjoy cumin’s distinct flavor, this could be your new favorite. Plus, you can choose between original and extra hot varieties to match your spice tolerance. But it might not hit the mark for those craving a more traditional chili oil experience. A unique option worth trying—your neighbors might even thank you for sharing!
Get it here: Hot Crispy Oil
Don’t let the “mild” label fool you — this chili crisp brings the heat! The spice has a sneaky, delayed kick that might surprise you, but once the burn fades, the flavor shines.
It’s oil-heavy with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and the texture is spot-on, mixing crunchy and soft bits. The secret ingredient? Mushroom powder, which adds a subtle earthiness to the flavor. If you’re up for a little surprise heat, this chili crisp is a delicious and well-rounded choice!
Get it here: Mr. Bing Chili Crisp
These popular chili oil brands offer a wide range of flavors and heat levels to suit every palate. From the bold numbing sensation of Fly By Jing’s Sichuan Chili Crisp to the hearty, cumin-forward profile of Hot Crispy Oil, there’s something for everyone.
However, for those who prefer an all-natural, seed-oil-free option, the Algae Cooking Club’s Gochugaru Chili Oil and Shiitake Mushroom Oil are exceptional choices. Crafted with care and creativity, these unique oils are perfect for adventurous taste enthusiasts, health enthusiasts, or anyone who values quality, healthy ingredients.
Tiffany Joy Yamut is a registered nurse with a focus on health and wellness. With over 10 years of writing experience, she combines her expertise in diet and nutrition coaching to help others adopt healthier lifestyles through balanced eating habits. A foodie at heart, Tiffany believes that food is essential to feeling your best.
