Bullet Sesame Oil Chili Crisp

Adding a spoonful of chili crisp is guaranteed to instantly step up the taste and texture of any lackluster dish. Chili crisp is a crunchy, spicy condiment made by frying chiles in oil along with spices and other aromatics like garlic and onions. This version from Dong He, a 100 year old traditional sesame oil producer in Taiwan, has the most nuanced and unique flavor of any I’ve tried. Most chili crisps use neutral vegetable oil or canola oil as the base which doesn’t impart a lot of interesting flavor. Dong He uses their toasted white sesame oil made from wood-fire toasted sesame seeds to add a layer of fragrant nuttiness to the crispy chiles, Sichuan peppercorns, and garlic.

It’s roasty and super savory, with a tingly spice that builds and lingers. Use it anywhere you want some extra crunch and umami heat—it’s my go to addition for eggs, rice bowls, and nachos. Each jar has about 16-32 servings, depending on whether you prefer light cheek-flushing spice or you really want to feel the burn.