15 Minutes

Homemade Hot Chili Oil: A Flavorful and Thoughtful Holiday Gift

Homemade hot chili oil is a pantry staple that can elevate any dish, from noodles to roasted veggies. With just a few ingredients you likely already have—red pepper flakes, dried habanero chiles, Sichuan peppercorns, and avocado oil—you can whip up a batch of spicy, aromatic chili oil in no time. Even better? This versatile and delicious condiment makes an amazing holiday gift for family, friends, and coworkers when packaged thoughtfully.

What You’ll Need for the Chili Oil

Here’s the beauty of this recipe: it’s simple, quick, and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1/2 cup red pepper
• 2 dried habanero chiles
• 2 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns
• 2 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp Flat Iron crushed pepper

Tools:

• A small saucepan
• A heatproof jar or bottle with a lid

Steps to Make Hot Chili Oil

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   Crush the dried habanero chiles into smaller pieces and measure out your red pepper flakes and Sichuan peppercorns.
2. Heat the Oil:
   In a small saucepan, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the all the chili peppers. Let them infuse the oil for 5–7 minutes, but don’t let the oil smoke. You’re looking for a gentle simmer.
3. Combine the Chili Flakes:
   While the oil heats, keep stirring making sure everything is fully immersed into the oil.
4. Strain and Pour:
   Once the oil is fragrant and golden, strain out the solids and immediately pour the hot oil over the chili flakes. The mixture will sizzle, releasing an irresistible aroma.
5. Cool and Store:
   Let the chili oil cool completely before sealing the jar. Store it in a cool, dark place, and it will keep for several months.

Turn Your Chili Oil into a Thoughtful Gift

Want to transform your homemade chili oil into the perfect holiday gift? It’s all about the packaging and presentation. Here’s how to create a beautiful gift under $12 per person using items from Amazon.

Gift Essentials:

1. Mini Glass Bottles with Cork Stoppers(~$15 for a pack of 6)
   • These charming bottles make your chili oil look extra special.
2. Holiday-Themed Ribbon or Twine
   • Tie a festive bow around the neck of the bottle for a holiday touch.
3. Customizable Gift Tags(~$13)
   • Write a personalized note, recipe ideas, or a “Spice Level Warning” on each tag.
4. Mini Gift Baskets or Bags(~$10)
   • Arrange the bottle with some holiday goodies like a small wooden spoon or a mini loaf of crusty bread for a complete gift set.

How to Gift It

• For Family: Pair the chili oil with a handwritten card featuring your favorite recipe to use it in, like spicy garlic noodles or homemade pizza dough to drizzle the hot chili on.
• For Coworkers: Keep it simple—wrap the bottle in tissue paper and tuck it into a festive gift bag.
• For Neighbors: Bundle the chili oil with a loaf of artisan bread or a block of cheese for an instant appetizer kit.
• For the Foodie in Your Life: Create a mini gift set with the chili oil, a small jar of Sichuan peppercorns, and a pair of wooden chopsticks.

Why This Gift is a Winner

Homemade gifts show thoughtfulness and care, and chili oil is practical yet luxurious. It’s a treat that anyone can enjoy, whether they love to cook or just want to drizzle something spicy over their takeout. Plus, making it yourself means you can customize the heat level and flavor profile to suit your recipients.

This holiday season, ditch the generic gift cards and make something that’s truly from the heart. Your friends, family, and coworkers will be thrilled to receive a gift that’s as delicious as it is personal.

SHOP MY KITCHEN

Hot Chili Oil

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• Author: Sweta Patel
• Total Time: 15
• Yield: 8 cups 1x

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• 8 cups Avocado oil
• 1/2 cup red pepper
• 2 dried habanero chiles
• 2 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns
• 2 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp Flat Iron crushed pepper

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Instructions

1. Crush the dried habanero chiles into smaller pieces and measure out your red pepper flakes and Sichuan peppercorns.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the all the chili peppers. Let them infuse the oil for 5–7 minutes, but don’t let the oil smoke. You’re looking for a gentle simmer.
3. While the oil heats, keep stirring making sure everything is fully immersed into the oil.
4. Once the oil is fragrant and golden, strain out the solids and immediately pour the hot oil over the chili flakes. The mixture will sizzle, releasing an irresistible aroma.
5. Let the chili oil cool completely before sealing the jar. Store it in a cool, dark place, and it will keep for several months.

• Prep Time: 15
• Category: condiment, dips

Keywords: chili oil, infused oil, spicy oil, holiday gifts, diy gifts