Introduction
If you love bold, spicy flavors, then Thai Chili Oil Recipe is a must-have in your kitchen. This simple yet powerful condiment packs heat, depth, and aroma into every drop, making it a fantastic addition to stir-fries, noodles, dumplings, soups, and more.
Unlike regular chili oil, Thai-style chili oil combines fragrant herbs, crispy shallots, garlic, and Thai chili flakes for an authentic, complex flavor. Whether you love mild heat or fiery spice, this homemade chili oil is customizable to suit your taste.

What Is Thai Chili Oil Recipe?
Thai Chili Oil Recipe is a spicy, aromatic infused oil made with Thai chili flakes, garlic, shallots, and fragrant spices. Unlike Chinese chili crisp, Thai chili oil often has a more intense heat and uses ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, or fish sauce for added depth.
What Makes Thai Chili Oil Unique?
✔ Bold & Spicy – Made with Thai bird’s eye chilies for real heat.
✔ Aromatic – Infused with garlic, shallots, and dried shrimp (optional).
✔ Versatile – Perfect for stir-fries, noodles, dumplings, and more.
✔ Easy to Customize – Adjust heat levels or add umami-rich ingredients.
The Origin of Thai Chili Oil Recipe
Chili oil has been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries. It originated in China and quickly spread to Thailand, Korea, and Japan, where each culture added its unique twist.
Thai vs. Chinese Chili Oil
Feature | Thai Chili Oil | Chinese Chili Oil |
Spiciness | (Hotter, uses Thai bird’s eye chilies) | (Uses Sichuan or regular chili flakes) |
Aroma | Infused with lemongrass, garlic, and shallots | Uses star anise, cinnamon, and Sichuan peppercorns |
Taste | Slightly tangy, smoky, and umami-rich | Nutty, mildly smoky, and numbing (málà) |
Usage | Great for noodles, soups, and rice | Common in dumplings and stir-fries |
Thai chili oil is known for its bright, vibrant heat with layers of flavor that add excitement to every dish.
Ingredients for Thai Chili Oil Recipe
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable oil (neutral oil like canola or sunflower)
- ¼ cup Thai chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 6 garlic cloves (minced or sliced)
- 2 shallots (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or fish sauce (adds umami)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (balances the heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt

Optional Aromatics & Flavor Enhancers
- 1 lemongrass stalk (bruised, for fragrance)
- 2 kaffir lime leaves (adds a citrusy aroma)
- ½ teaspoon dried shrimp powder (for umami)
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil (for nutty richness)
Equipment Needed
✔ Small saucepan or wok – For heating oil.
✔ Heatproof bowl – For mixing the ingredients.
✔ Strainer (optional) – For removing solids.
✔ Glass jar or bottle – For storage.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Thinly slice the garlic and shallots.
- Bruise the lemongrass stalk with the back of a knife to release its aroma.
- Measure out Thai chili flakes, sugar, and salt.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
- In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of oil over medium-low heat.
- Add lemongrass, garlic, and shallots and cook until golden and crispy (about 5 minutes).
- Remove the crispy garlic and shallots and set aside for extra crunch.
Step 3: Infuse the Oil with Spices
- Reduce heat to low.
- Add chili flakes, salt, and sugar to a heatproof bowl.
- Carefully pour the hot oil over the chili flakes and stir gently.
- Let it sizzle and release its fragrance.
Step 4: Add Final Seasonings
- Stir in soy sauce or fish sauce.
- Add the crispy shallots and garlic back in.
- Let cool, then transfer to a glass jar.
Health Benefits of Thai Chili Oil Recipe
Boosts Metabolism – Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which helps burn calories.
Supports Heart Health – Garlic helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Rich in Antioxidants – Chilies and garlic fight inflammation.
Aids Digestion – Lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves soothe the stomach.
Best Ways to Serve Thai Chili Oil Recipe
Thai chili oil is incredibly versatile! Here are the best ways to use it:
✔ Drizzle on noodles – Adds heat and depth to ramen, pad Thai, and stir-fried noodles.
✔ Mix into fried rice – A spoonful takes fried rice to the next level.
✔ Serve with dumplings – The perfect dipping sauce for potstickers.
✔ Enhance soups – Spicy tom yum, pho, or ramen get a major flavor boost.
✔ Marinate meats – Use as a spicy marinade for chicken, pork, or beef.
Nutritional Information (Per Tablespoon)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 50 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 1g |
Protein | 0g |
Fat | 5g |
Vitamin C | 2% Daily Value |
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Conclusion
Making your own Thai chili oil at home is incredibly easy, rewarding, and customizable. Whether you like mild spice or fiery heat, this simple recipe brings Thai-inspired flavors to your favorite dishes.
Try it on noodles, dumplings, fried rice, or soups, and you’ll never go back to store-bought chili oil again!
FAQs
1. How long does Thai chili oil last?
It lasts up to 3 months if stored in an airtight jar in the fridge.
2. Can I use fresh chilies instead of dried?
Dried Thai chili flakes work best for longer shelf life, but fresh chilies can be blended for a different texture.
3. Can I make it less spicy?
Yes! Reduce the chili flakes and add more shallots, garlic, or oil.
4. What’s the best oil to use?
Use neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. Avoid olive oil as it can burn easily.
5. Can I make this without fish sauce?
Yes! Replace it with soy sauce or omit it for a fully vegan version.