20 Creative Ways To Use Chili Crisp In Your Cooking

Chili crisp is one of the up-and-coming condiments of this generation — and it will likely keep a chokehold on our palates for a long time. This spicy, savory Asian condiment is made with ingredients like chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, spices, herbs, and aromatics to tie it together. Some brands will also add MSG to their products to round out the umami profile, as well as a diverse profile of seasoning ranging from star anise to mushroom powder. These flavorful, crunchy components are swirled in oil to give the condiment a smooth mouthfeel and an unexpected peppery bite to boot. 

Although chili crisp has been touted as an Asian ingredient, its use in the kitchen extends far beyond stir-fry dishes and ramen. As newfound folks on the chili crisp scene, we're always looking for ways to use this versatile ingredient. We've compiled a list of our favorite creative ways for chili crisp to amplify dishes and introduce an unexpected layer of flavor. 

Roasted veggies are a critical component of our weeknight meal rotation. It's easy to spread mixed veggies on a sheet pan, cover them in oil and seasoning, and bake them until they're a perfect contrast of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. But our roasted veggies always tend to come out flat in flavor. 

Upgrade your roasted vegetables from bland to bold with chili crisp. This condiment has spicy and umami notes that complements the caramelization of the veggies and creates a well-rounded side dish. 

You can substitute oils and seasonings you use to roast the veggies with chili crisp, or mix it in with a balancing ingredient like lemon juice or vinegar. You can also crisp up the veggies with breadcrumbs. 

Your dips can use a little help from the condiment shelf of your refrigerator. Greek yogurt dipping sauce gets a spicy kick with chili crisp, for example. The yogurt itself has opposing flavors and mouthfeels, like tangy and creamy, which will contrast the fiery notes of the condiment. Once you mix the yogurt together with your chili crisp, you can slather it as a marinade for meat or serve it as a dip for pita chips. 

For a perfect dip, combine one cup of full-fat Greek yogurt with a tablespoon of chili crisp. If you are sensitive to heat (like us), you can tone back the crisp. You can also add the condiment to pre-made sauces like tzatziki.

There are so many ingredients you can add to improve chocolate cake — whether you're looking to make it more moist, chocolatey, or, in this case, add a bit of heat. Chili crisp is the perfect ingredient for spicing up chocolate cake. Not only can you use this condiment in the batter, but you can also use it to infuse a caramel glaze on top of your cake. 

Cake isn't the only sweet baked treat that can benefit from the versatile condiment. You can add it to brownie or cookie recipes to add a new depth of flavor — just be sure to balance it out with a more robust sweet profile to avoid sending desserts into savory mode. 

If you've ever had a chocolate bar infused with chili flakes or sipped on Mexican hot chocolate, you know the magic that pairing spicy and chocolate can bring. Chili crisp and chocolate are a match made in heaven. The fattiness of the chocolate lines the palate, while the chili crisp provides a wave of hot, fiery sensations on your tongue. Plus, the background of umami flavors and smokey notes of the condiment can add even more complexity. 

The key to pairing chocolate and chili crisp is to find applications where the texture and flavors of the two are welcome, like by adding the two together in cookies. Chocolate bars infused with chili crisp are made by confectioners like Petrova Chocolates. 

A crisp piece of toast slathered in butter and jam is a great way to start your morning. But an even better way to start it is with chili crisp. It's an unexpected pantry ingredient to spice up fruit jam and make your breakfast much more memorable. You'll only need a teaspoon of the condiment for each half-cup of jam. Add the ingredients to a bowl and whisk or blend them together until completely meshed. 

There are endless possibilities for what to do with fruit jam. We recommend trying this hack with strawberry or raspberry jam before stuffing it into a sugar-coated donut. Undoubtedly, the umami and saltiness of the crisp will balance out the fried confection's sweetness. 

Guacamole is one of the reasons we go out to restaurants. At the end of a long day, it's so satisfying to dip a crisp tortilla chip into a mountain of mashed avocado, cilantro, onions, and garlic. But our guacamole is always missing a bit of heat. 

A jar of chili crisp is the fiery ingredient your guacamole needs. The key to adding this ingredient is to be very careful with mixing. The light green color of the avocado can be easily discolored with the red crisp, turning your appetizing bowl into something reminiscent of a brown gloop. Instead, add a scant drizzle rather than mix it in entirely. You can also leave a little puddle of chili crisp on top of your guacamole for easy scooping.

Fried rice or stir-fried noodle dishes never taste the same as when you order them from a takeout joint. But beside using day-old rice and cooking on high heat, you'll need to recruit spicy, umami flavors for restaurant-quality fried rice at home. Chili crisp already contains the aromatics like garlic and ginger, which make for a flavorful stir fry, as well as the umami richness from the MSG. 

Add your chili crisp to the rice or noodles with the rest of your seasoning ingredients. It's important to note that the chili crisp already has salty, umami, and spicy qualities that may overwhelm other ingredients, so you may have to tone down your other seasonings for balance in the dish. 

Scrambled eggs are a relatively plain breakfast food. There are a ton of ways to make your scrambled eggs taste better, from adding balsamic vinegar to changing your cooking method for something more low-and-slow. But your scrambled eggs are craving a bigger bite from chili crisp. 

The trick to adding your chili crisp is to keep your pan on medium-low to prevent burning the chili flakes. You can also add a dash of sesame oil to round out the flavors, but refrain from adding it until the eggs are finished cooking. These seasoned eggs are perfect with a sprinkle of furikake seasoning over a slice of toast or bowl of white rice. 

Why settle for a boring vinaigrette when you can infuse it with exciting chili crisp? You can use chili crisp as a base for your Asian-inspired salad, or use it as a light dipping sauce for your spring rolls. Add your chili crisp to a jar along with soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, sesame oil, and maple syrup, and shake until combined. It's a great dressing for a cabbage salad or Asian-inspired slaw because it highlights savory, umami, and bitter flavors in every bite. 

Another place where chili crisp shines is when you add it to a cucumber salad. Toss your slivered cucumbers with scallions, rice vinegar, and soy sauce, and serve your salad as a quick snack or appetizer pairing for a heavier dish. 

Chili crisp compound butter is as delicious as it sounds. Not only can you use it as a topping for toast, but you can also slather it over your steak. Start by adding the chili crisp to a food processor with cubed cold butter, and pulse until well combined. Once your butter is well-mixed, roll it into a log and wrap it in plastic. After about an hour in the refrigerator, your butter will be ready to slice and use. 

Not only is compound butter a great way to finish a cut of meat, but you can also use it to add spicy flavor before you start cooking it. A marinade can exude buttery notes and the sublime heat from the chili crisp.