These are common ingredients found in local cuisine. You can find these ingredients readily available in your local supermarket.

CHILI OIL

This hot, reddish orange oil is made by infusing the heat and flavor of whole dried red chilies or crushed red pepper flakes into oil. It is used as a flavoring agent in cooking and as a table condiment for those who like to add a spicy bite to any food. Be careful; this stuff is hot and dangerous! Start off with one or two drops, then taste the food before adding more.

Add chili oil anytime you want to add a fiery hotness to your food. Add a few drops to stir-fries just before serving or make a dim sum dipping sauce by mixing chili oil with soy sauce.

To make homemade chili oil, heat a cup of oil until hot and add several tablespoons of crushed red pepper flakes. Shut off the heat, let the oil stand until cool, and then transfer the contents to a jar with a tight fitting lid. Store the chili oil in a cool, dry place for up to several months.

Copyright © Yan Can Cook Group, 2005