How to Make Chili Crisp + Delicious Ways to Use It
Today, we're talking about the "it" condiment of the moment — chili crisp. Learn how to make a crunchy, garlicky homemade version, plus two easy, delicious ways to use it!
Last month, we delved into pesto. This month, we’ve got our eye on the “it” condiment of the moment — chili crisp. Also known as chili crunch, this Asian condiment is savory, aromatic, and sometimes spicy, depending on how it’s prepared. You’ve seen it making the rounds on social media and flying off the shelves at Trader Joe’s, but it’s actually quite simple to make your own at home. And once you have the basics down, you’ll start reaching for it to elevate just about any dish you’ve got on the menu.
For guidance, we turned to James Park, author of Chili Crisp: 50+ Recipes to Satisfy Your Spicy, Crunchy, Garlicky Cravings (available now for pre-order). James shared the recipe for one of his essential chili crisps, plus two more recipes showcasing one of chili crisp’s most delicious pairings — eggs!
Garlicky Onion Crunch
One of three “essential crisps” James shares in his cookbook, the Garlicky Onion Crunch calls for only a handful of simple ingredients, including minced garlic and dehydrated onion, which lend flavor and a crunchy bite. It’s less spicy than its counterparts, so it’s a great introduction to chili crisp. We love to drizzle ours over roasted vegetables, avocado toast, creamy pasta dishes, and more! Get the full recipe HERE.
Chili Crisp Fried Eggs
This use for chili crisp is particularly popular among Instagram creators, and for good reason — it’s easy, beautiful, and the results are delicious. This method makes for a tasty breakfast, but if you’re looking for something heartier, pile your chili crisp eggs onto a bowl of rice or a bed of lightly-dressed noodles and dig in. Get the recipe HERE.
Spicy Egg Salad Sandwich
Egg salad is a perennial favorite around here — slathered onto sandwich bread, scooped up with crackers, or even piled onto a bed of salad greens. Our team has a favorite classic Southern recipe, but we love trying new variations! This spicy Asian-inspired version is a delicious way to mix things up. Get the full recipe for chili crisp egg salad HERE.
All recipes and images published with permission from Chili Crisp: 50+ Recipes to Satisfy Your Spicy, Crunchy, Garlicky Cravings (Chronicle Books, 2023). All photography by Heami Lee.
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Alissa Harb
Alissa Harb is StyleBlueprint's Managing Editor, based in Nashville. A lifelong Tennessee native, Alissa has over 13 years of experience in digital media and loves writing about food, travel, and entertaining. She is a lover of dogs, true crime, and ordering for the table.