Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Start by gathering all the ingredients. Having everything ready makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic and Shallots
- Roughly chop your garlic and shallots. This doesn’t need to be perfect; we’re going for flavor!
Step 3: Heat Your Oil
- In a saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, reduce the heat to low. You don’t want to scorch your garlic.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Shallots
- Slowly add the chopped garlic and shallots to the oil. Cook them gently for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 5: Mix in Peppers and Seasonings
- Once your garlic and shallots are golden, it’s time to mix in the serrano peppers and red chili flakes. Let this mixture simmer for another minute. The aim here is to let the flavors meld without losing that fresh garlic taste.
Step 6: Add Soy Sauce and Paprika
- Stir in the soy sauce, smoked paprika (or your chosen seasoning), sugar, and peppercorns. Allow the mixture to cook for another minute.
Step 7: Cool and Store
- After everything is combined and cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Let the chili crisp cool down a bit before transferring it to a jar. This delightfully fiery condiment can be stored in your refrigerator for weeks— if it lasts that long!
Notes
- Experiment with Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of chili flakes to suit your heat preference.
- Consider Your Oil: Peanut oil gives a unique flavor, but you can use any neutral oil you enjoy.
- Watch the Heat: Keep the temperature low when frying the garlic. Burnt garlic can ruin the flavor.
- Storage Container: Use a glass jar to store your chili crisp; it keeps flavors intact better than plastic.
- Enjoy it Fresh: For the best flavor, use your chili crisp within a month.
