Sichuan Chili Oil

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups peanut oil
• 1/2 cup Sichuan chili flakes
• 2 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns
• 2 star anise pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 bay leaves
• 3 slices fresh ginger
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tsp salt

Method

1. Put the chili flakes, sesame seeds and salt in a heatproof metal or glass bowl.
2. Warm the oil with the peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, ginger and garlic over low heat for 20 minutes, keeping it around 250°F so the aromatics bubble gently without browning too fast.
3. Strain out the aromatics once the garlic is golden.
4. Pour about a third of the hot oil over the chili flakes, let the sizzle settle, then pour in the rest.
5. Stir, cool completely and spoon into a clean jar.

Notes