That jar of chili crisp in your pantry can do a lot more than top noodles. Tapatío® Chili Crisp is crunchy chili and garlic suspended in rice bran oil, with onion, sesame and Sichuan pepper. One spoonful adds heat, crunch and a savory, toasty flavor to almost anything. Here are 15 easy ways to use it, from your morning eggs to a midnight bowl of popcorn.
Pick your heat: Chili Crisp Mild has all the garlicky flavor with gentle heat, so it's the one to start with. Chili Crisp Extra Spicy is the hottest product in our lineup. Both come in a 7 oz jar.
Before you start: how to use chili crisp
- Stir first. The crunchy bits settle to the bottom. The label says "Shake 'n stir," so mix it well, then scoop from the bottom to get oil and crunch in every spoonful.
- Add it at the end. Chili crisp is a finishing condiment. Long cooking over high heat can scorch the garlic and soften the crunch, so stir it in right before serving.
- Start small. A teaspoon is plenty for one serving. You can always add more.
Breakfast
1. Fried or scrambled eggs
This is the classic. Spoon chili crisp over sunny-side-up eggs so the yolk runs into the chili oil, or fold a teaspoon into soft scrambled eggs right before they set. Add sliced green onion and you have a five-minute breakfast.
2. Avocado toast
Mash avocado on toasted sourdough, add a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt, then finish with a drizzle of chili crisp. The crunch is a welcome contrast to the creamy avocado. Top with a fried egg to make it a full meal.
3. Breakfast tacos and burritos
Stir chili crisp into scrambled eggs with potatoes or chorizo, then wrap it all in a warm tortilla. Want both salsa and crunch? Add a spoonful of Tapatío Salsa Chipotle too.
Noodles, rice and dumplings
4. Ramen and instant noodles
Upgrade a pack of instant ramen by stirring a spoonful of chili crisp into the broth and adding a soft-boiled egg on top. It works just as well on lo mein, udon and cold sesame noodles.
5. Rice bowls and fried rice
Drizzle it over a bowl of rice with leftover chicken, steamed greens and a fried egg. For fried rice, cook the rice as usual and stir in chili crisp after you take the pan off the heat.
6. Dumplings and potstickers
Make a quick dipping sauce: 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar and 1 teaspoon chili crisp. It works with frozen dumplings, gyoza and spring rolls.
7. Stir-fries
Cook your vegetables and protein, take the pan off the heat, and toss in a spoonful of chili crisp at the end. You'll get the garlic-chili flavor without burning the crunchy bits.
Pizza, tacos and comfort food
8. Pizza
Drizzle chili crisp over a hot slice instead of reaching for red pepper flakes. It's great on pepperoni, sausage and plain cheese pizza, and even better on white pizza with ricotta.
9. Tacos
Spoon it over carne asada, carnitas or grilled chicken tacos with onion and cilantro. If you like hot food, Chili Crisp Extra Spicy is the one for tacos.
10. Mac and cheese or grilled cheese
Rich, cheesy dishes need something to cut through them. Stir a teaspoon into a bowl of mac and cheese, or spread a thin layer inside a grilled cheese before it goes into the pan.
Meat and vegetables
11. Grilled meats and wings
Toss crispy chicken wings in melted butter mixed with chili crisp, or spoon it over grilled steak, pork chops or salmon just before serving.
12. Roasted vegetables
Roast broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes until browned at the edges, then toss them with a spoonful of chili crisp while they're still hot. Finish with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
Dips, dressings and snacks
13. Dips and spreads
Swirl chili crisp into hummus, stir it into sour cream for a quick chip dip, or mix 1 part chili crisp with 3 parts mayo for a crunchy chili mayo. Use it on burgers, sandwiches and fries.
14. Salad dressings and cucumber salad
Whisk chili crisp with rice vinegar, a little soy sauce and a pinch of sugar for a fast dressing. Toss it with smashed cucumbers for a crunchy side dish that's ready in 10 minutes.
15. Popcorn
Melt a tablespoon of butter, stir in a teaspoon of chili crisp and toss it with a bowl of freshly popped popcorn. Add a pinch of salt and you've got a spicy movie-night snack.
Mild or Extra Spicy: which should you buy?
| Chili Crisp Mild | Chili Crisp Extra Spicy | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat | Mild: gentle heat | Extra Spicy: the hottest in our lineup |
| Best for | Eggs, avocado toast, dumplings, salad dressings | Ramen, pizza, tacos, wings |
| Size | 7 oz jar | 7 oz jar |
Can't decide? Get both: keep Mild for everyday use and Extra Spicy for when you want real heat. Both are available as a single jar or a 2-pack. Compare all our products on the Shop by Heat guide.
Storing chili crisp
According to the label, chili crisp doesn't need refrigeration. Store it in a cool, dry place for best results. The fridge can make the oil solidify. Shake or stir before each use, and use it by the best-by date printed on the jar. Tapatío Chili Crisp contains sesame. For more storage and shipping questions, see our FAQ.
Shop this recipe
- Tapatío Chili Crisp (Mild) – 7 oz Jar: gentle heat, perfect for eggs, toast and dumplings.
- Tapatío Chili Crisp (Extra Spicy) – 7 oz Jar: maximum heat for noodles, pizza and wings.
- Shop all Chili Crisp
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