SICHUAN CHILE OIL

Sichuan Chile Oil image

Provided by J. Kenji López-Alt

Time 15m

Yield About 1 1/4 cups chile oil

Number Of Ingredients 13

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4 dried chiles de árbol, stems and seeds removed (see Note)
2 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed (see Note)
1 cup neutral oil, such as canola, rice bran or soybean oil
4 garlic cloves, smashed with the side of a knife, skins discarded
1 (1-inch) unpeeled knob fresh ginger, smashed with the side of a knife
1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
1 whole star anise pod
1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (black, white or a mix)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon MSG powder, such as Aji-no-moto or Ac'cent (optional)

Steps:

Using a pair of kitchen shears, cut all of the chiles into 1/2-inch pieces. Toast chiles in a dry wok or saucepan over medium heat, stirring and shaking constantly, until fragrant and lightly darkened in color, about 2 minutes.
Transfer toasted chiles to the bowl of a food processor or mortar and pestle, and pulse or pound until the chiles break into 1/8- to 1/4-inch pieces that resemble store-bought red-pepper flakes or flaky sea salt. (Be careful not to overprocess.) Transfer the chile flakes to a heat-proof mixing bowl.
Combine oil, garlic, ginger, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cumin and fennel seeds in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until gently bubbling, then cook for 10 minutes, adjusting heat to maintain the barest of bubbling.
Set a fine-mesh strainer over the bowl with the chiles. Pour the hot oil through strainer over the chiles. Discard solids. Stir sugar, sesame seeds, salt and MSG, if using, into oil mixture until combined. Allow to cool, transfer to a sealed container, and let rest at room temperature overnight before using. You can store chile oil in a cool, dark pantry for a few weeks, or indefinitely in the refrigerator.