From Chinese kitchens to global pantries, chili crisp has become a culinary force. This fiery oil, packed with crispy garlic, shallots and chili flakes, makes bland, everyday dishes new and exciting.
You can find it everywhere, from your grocery store to Instagram feeds. And it isn’t just for Chinese dishes. One jar has endless possibilities, from your morning eggs to pizza or a grilled cheese sandwich.
What is chili crisp?
Chili crisp is a spicy, crunchy Chinese condiment made with crispy bits of fried garlic, shallots and chili peppers suspended in oil. It was developed in 1984 by Tao Huabi in China’s Guizhou province, with the most famous version being Lao Gan Ma.
After building loyalty in China, chili crisp went global in the late 2010s. Small-batch market operations became mass production to meet skyrocketing demand. You can find countless variations today, from artisanal productions to mainstream grocery store brands.
From social media sensation to restaurant staple
Thanks to perfect timing, chili crisp made the leap from Chinese specialty to international fame. But how did it become so popular so quickly?
When social media buzz and chef endorsements met pandemic cooking fatigue, it created the perfect storm. Homebound cooks looking for kitchen excitement during lockdowns found that a jar could add excitement to bland meals without much effort.
Instagram appeal
Chili crisp is very photogenic with its bright red oil and distinctive crispy bits. Food influencers and home cooks regularly drizzle the condiment over everything from noodles to ice cream. The hashtag #chilicrisp has thousands of posts across platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Food creators on Instagram, like @kwokspots and @thekitchn, showed how easy it was to add chili crisp in recipes. Their reels featured it mixed into noodles, eggs and more, garnering millions of views.
Restaurant innovation
Professional chefs also embraced chili crisp. What began in trendy Asian fusion restaurants quickly spread across cuisines and dining styles.
Restaurants began to use house-made chili crisp in unexpected ways, such as on raw oysters or as a complement to delicate fish dishes. Beyond Asian restaurants, it can be found in Italian pasta, Mexican tacos and more, creating hard-to-categorize fusion dishes.
The chili crisp movement also gained popularity when famous chefs like Momofuko’s David Chang and James Beard winner Brandon Jew launched chili crisp lines. This gave the condiment even more visibility and mainstream grocery store presence.
The pandemic boost
Chili crisp’s popularity increased even more when COVID-19 made everyone a home cook. As cooking fatigue set in, a jar of chili crisp was an easy way to improve bland meals of rice and eggs.
The combination of visual appeal, chef endorsements and timing has turned chili crisp from a niche condiment to a staple. What began as a novelty gained a permanent place in American pantries.
“Chili crisp is my not-so-secret weapon — I add it to everything, but it really shines in this chicken salad sandwich. It brings the perfect punch of heat and crunch, taking a classic from good to unforgettable. Once you try it, plain mayo feels lonely.”
— Bella Bucchiotti, xoxoBella
How to use chili crisp
Chili crisp’s power is that it goes well with many different dishes. You can go far beyond noodles and rice, and these pairings showcase its remarkable range.
Breakfast transformations
Chili crisp adds spice to your breakfast routine. Even breakfast purists quickly change their minds after trying it with morning classics.
- Avocado toast: Drizzle chili crisp over avocado toast for a morning dish that combines creamy and crunchy textures.
- Egg dishes: Add a small spoonful to scrambled eggs, fried eggs or omelets. The rich yolk mellows the heat while absorbing the flavors.
- Breakfast bowls: Stir into yogurt with honey and granola or top your oatmeal with a teaspoon for unexpected warmth.
- Morning sandwiches: Mix with mayonnaise as a spread for breakfast sandwiches, especially those with sausage or bacon.
Protein pairings
Proteins and chili crisp are the perfect match. A spoonful turns your chicken, fish, steak or tofu from ordinary to memorable quickly.
- Seafood: Brush it lightly over grilled fish, particularly oily varieties like salmon or mackerel. For shellfish, try to add a small amount to raw oysters or mix into crab cakes.
- Poultry: Use it as a finish for roasted chicken or duck. Blend it with honey and soy sauce before cooking to make a marinade for chicken thighs.
- Beef: Spoon chili crisp over a rare steak after resting for a spicy contrast or mix into burger patties before grilling.
- Plant proteins: Spicy up plain tofu by drizzling chili crisp over silken varieties or toss it with crispy fried tofu cubes.
Vegetable companions
A little bit of chili crisp makes vegetables a star attraction. The contrast between fresh vegetable flavors and the condiment’s heat creates irresistible combinations.
- Roasted vegetables: Toss chili crisp with Brussels sprouts, cauliflower or sweet potatoes after roasting to maintain the crisp texture.
- Raw applications: Drizzle it over sliced cucumber or tomatoes with a sprinkle of salt for an instant side dish.
- Corn: Brush it onto corn on the cob instead of traditional butter for a spicy twist.
- Potatoes: Add chili crisp to mashed potatoes just before serving or use as a topping for baked potatoes instead of sour cream and chives.
Sweet pairings
The most surprising chili crisp applications come in sweet treats. The sweet and spicy combination creates memorable tastes and new ways of enjoying your favorite desserts.
- Ice cream: This is the classic unexpected pairing. Just a small amount of chili crisp on vanilla ice cream creates a sweet-heat balance.
- Fruit: Try it with pineapple, watermelon or mango for a sweet-spicy-savory combination.
- Chocolate: Dark chocolate with sea salt pairs remarkably well with a tiny dot of chili crisp for adventurous eaters.
- Caramel: Add a small amount of chili crisp to homemade caramel sauce for drizzling over desserts or dipping apple slices.
Summing up
Chili crisp has earned its spot in kitchens worldwide by doing one thing really well — making almost anything taste better with minimal effort. Whether you’re rescuing boring eggs, taking the plunge with ice cream or want to try other strange food combinations, chili crisp’s viral takeover seems inevitable.
The combination of crunch, heat and savory depth explains why both Instagram influencers and award-winning chefs can’t get enough. So grab a jar, start experimenting and learn why this Chinese condiment has taken the world by storm.
Anne Jolly is a writer and creator of the Upstate Ramblings blog, which explores America’s unique food culture. Her work on culinary trends and food traditions has appeared in major publications including MSN, Fortune, The Mercury News, The Seattle Times, St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Education Week. When not writing, she experiments with new recipes and discovers local food gems in upstate New York.