Easy Homemade Chili Crisp Recipe: The Ultimate Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch Copycat
Craft your own quick and incredibly flavorful chili crisp recipe in just minutes using six simple pantry staples: olive oil, dried onions, dried garlic, and red pepper flakes. Whether you opt for the rapid 1-minute microwave method or the classic 3-minute stovetop approach, this recipe delivers an irresistible texture and a burst of umami. Inspired by the popular Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch, this versatile condiment elevates everything from scrambled eggs to gourmet noodles, bringing a delightful crunch and spicy kick to every dish.
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The culinary world truly changed when chili crisp burst onto the scene. As ardent enthusiasts of bold, spicy flavors – much like our love for spicy plum sauce, addictive tomato chutney, or dishes like soy sriracha marinated chicken and sriracha beef and veggie bowls – my husband Brian and I were immediately captivated. The promise of a crunchy, spicy, and deeply savory condiment was simply too intriguing to ignore.
However, it wasn’t until we discovered and tried Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch that we truly understood its transformative power. That’s when we became completely hooked. Suddenly, a simple fried egg became an extraordinary culinary experience when cooked in just a teaspoon of this chili crisp. Any egg, in fact, was elevated to new heights of flavor and texture. We began experimenting, drizzling it over creamy hummus, stirring it into our favorite egg or chicken salads, and spreading it generously on burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. Its versatility seemed endless, making every meal more exciting.
Despite our newfound obsession, regular trips to Trader Joe’s weren’t always feasible, and our precious jars would inevitably run out. We explored other brands on the market, but often found them to be significantly more expensive and, disappointingly, laden with undesirable ingredients like excessive sugar or MSG. This prompted a quest: surely, a homemade version could be both simple and superior. My initial thought was that it must be a combination of dried ingredients infused in oil – a theory that proved to be somewhat correct.
The journey to the perfect homemade chili crisp, however, wasn’t without its detours. Many recipes called for cooking fresh garlic, a delicate process prone to burning, or required an extensive list of spices to be ground from scratch, leading to lengthy, hour-long preparations. These often resulted in a condiment with large, uneven chunks and slices, which was far from the fine, crunchy texture we had come to love. This was clearly not the easy, convenient solution we sought.
Determined to find a simpler way, I researched and adapted several recipes that focused on dried ingredients and minimal cooking. My goal was to replicate the beloved texture and flavor of Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch, with the added benefit of optional umami-boosting ingredients. The breakthrough came with the discovery that a mere minute in the microwave was sufficient to perfectly heat the oil and peppers, making the entire process achievable in just five minutes. This truly was a game-changer!
Why Embark on Your Own Chili Crisp Journey?
Given that a jar of Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch is relatively inexpensive and a little goes a long way, one might wonder: why bother making it yourself? There are compelling reasons, especially for those who appreciate quality, convenience, and value.
- Unmatched Convenience: For many, a Trader Joe’s store isn’t just around the corner. Making your own chili crisp ensures you always have this incredible condiment on hand, transforming it from an occasional treat into a true pantry staple. No more special trips or waiting for stock; your flavorful crunch is always within reach.
- Superior Ingredient Control: Store-bought chili crisps, even popular ones, often contain ingredients you might prefer to avoid, such as artificial flavors, preservatives, excessive sugar, or MSG. Crafting your own allows you to select high-quality, wholesome ingredients, ensuring a pure and clean flavor profile that aligns with your dietary preferences and health goals.
- Significant Cost Savings: While the initial investment in bulk dried ingredients might seem higher, the long-term savings are substantial. Our research revealed that making your own chili crisp is roughly half the price of purchasing Trader Joe’s version! To illustrate, when priced by ounce, a single batch of this homemade recipe costs approximately $1.94 for ingredients, yielding about the same 6-ounce jar that Trader Joe’s sells for $4.49. For regular users, this translates into considerable savings over time, making homemade chili crisp a budget-friendly gourmet option.
Therefore, if this spicy, crunchy condiment is a frequent visitor to your kitchen table, investing a few minutes to make this chili crisp recipe at home is not only significantly cheaper but also offers a level of quality and control that store-bought versions simply can’t match.
Essential Recipe Ingredient Notes for the Perfect Chili Crisp
The foundational elements of this recipe closely mimic the flavor profile of Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch, with thoughtful optional additions that can further enhance its depth, inspired by traditional Asian-style chili crisps.
- Oil Selection: Our primary choice is olive oil, largely because it’s the leading ingredient in the Trader Joe’s product, contributing to a familiar taste. While many other chili crisps on the market utilize different oils, we recommend sticking to high-quality, neutral-flavored options such as avocado oil or expeller-pressed sunflower oil. These oils provide a clean base without overpowering the other delicate flavors.
- Dried Minced Onions: This is a cornerstone ingredient for achieving that signature “chili onion crunch” texture and flavor that makes the Trader Joe’s copycat so compelling. It’s crucial to use *minced* dried onions, not flaked or granulated versions, as the tiny pieces provide the perfect amount of crunch and distribute flavor evenly throughout the oil.
- Dried Minced Garlic: Another non-negotiable component. Similar to the onions, minced dried garlic is essential for both flavor intensity and creating the desired textural elements. Flaked or granulated garlic simply won’t yield the same robust outcome or satisfying crispiness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: These flakes are the heart of the chili crisp’s heat. The quantity can be easily adjusted to match your personal spice preference – whether you enjoy a mild warmth or a fiery kick. Experiment to find your perfect balance. (PRO TIP: The red pepper flakes linked here are often significantly more cost-effective per ounce than many other brands, and certainly cheaper than smaller bottles found in grocery stores. Always compare prices for bulk spices to maximize savings!)
- Salt and Paprika: Salt, ideally a fine sea salt, is fundamental for enhancing and balancing all the flavors within the crisp. Paprika, a common ingredient in most chili crisps I’ve researched, primarily serves to impart a beautiful, inviting color. However, opting for smoked paprika can add an additional layer of depth and a subtle smoky nuance that truly elevates the overall flavor profile.
Optional Ingredients for Enhanced Flavor and Authenticity
- Dried Red Bell Peppers: Trader Joe’s product lists dried red bell peppers as its fourth ingredient, even before the red pepper flakes. If your goal is to create the most accurate copycat, incorporating them is recommended. However, I’ve designated them as optional for two main reasons: 1) dried bell peppers tend to be more expensive per ounce compared to other ingredients, and 2) in our taste tests, they didn’t significantly alter the flavor profile enough to justify the added cost for our preferences.
- Sesame Oil and Mushroom Powder: Drawing inspiration from authentic Asian-style chili crisps, these ingredients are fantastic for boosting the “umami” flavor—that savory depth often highlighted by many commercial brands. While they do add to the overall cost, and the taste difference may be subtle to some palates (we found it hard to discern a significant change in our trials), they are excellent choices if you are aiming for a more traditional, complex umami-rich condiment.
What You WON’T Find in Our Recipe (and why it differs from some homemade versions):
When developing this recipe, we intentionally steered clear of certain ingredients often seen in other homemade chili crisp recipes, based on our research of popular commercial brands:
- Soy Sauce: Surprisingly, only one of the top five commercial chili crisp brands we examined included soy sauce, and even then, it was in powdered form as a minor, final ingredient. Many homemade recipes, however, sometimes list liquid soy sauce as a primary ingredient. This can drastically alter the flavor profile, making it taste quite different from the widely recognized and loved chili crisps on the market. Our aim was to stay true to the authentic “chili oil with crunch” experience.
- Nuts: We did not encounter any commercial chili crisp brands that contained nuts of any kind, including peanuts or soybeans. While some Asian condiments do incorporate nuts for texture, true chili crisp focuses on other crispy elements like garlic and onion.
Let’s Talk About Sugar: A Deliberate Omission
Some homemade chili crisp recipes, and even highly popular commercial brands like Momofuku, prominently feature sugar as a main ingredient. Our philosophy, however, is that many store-bought foods often incorporate sugar unnecessarily to enhance mass appeal. In our opinion, chili crisp simply doesn’t require added sugar to achieve its deliciousness. We are fortunate that Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch, the brand that first captured our hearts, also omits sugar from its ingredients list. Our initial experience with this unsweetened version proved conclusively that the rich, savory goodness of chili, onion, and garlic shines perfectly well on its own, delivering all the flavor we adore without any added sweetness. Therefore, you will not find sugar in this recipe, allowing the natural, robust flavors to take center stage.
Craft This Chili Crisp Recipe in 5 Minutes (or even less!)
Achieving a perfectly flavorful and crunchy chili crisp at home is surprisingly simple and incredibly fast. Choose the method that best suits your kitchen and preference for speed.
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Begin by adding your chosen oil, along with the red pepper flakes and paprika, to a half-pint (8-ounce) jar if you’re using the microwave method. Alternatively, if you prefer the stovetop, combine these ingredients in a small skillet or saucepan.
Step 2: Gently Heat the Oil and Spices
For the microwave option: Heat on high for an initial 30 seconds. Carefully remove, stir well to integrate the spices, and then heat for another 30 seconds. For the stovetop method: Place the skillet or saucepan over low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the oil to gently warm and infuse the flavors.
Step 3: Observe for Gentle Bubbling
Regardless of your heating method (microwave or stovetop), you should observe some gentle bubbling around the edges of the oil. This indicates the spices are warming and releasing their aromatic oils. Crucially, avoid hard boiling, as this can scorch the spices and negatively impact the flavor. If using a high-powered microwave, you may need to reduce cooking time by 10-20 seconds or lower the power setting.
Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients and Cool
Once the oil and spices are perfectly warmed, add the dried minced onions, dried minced garlic, sea salt, and any optional ingredients you’ve chosen (like dried red bell peppers, sesame oil, or mushroom powder). Stir everything thoroughly until well combined. Allow the chili crisp to cool completely before securely sealing the jar with a lid. If you used a pan for the stovetop method, transfer the cooled chili crisp to an airtight jar for optimal storage. The cooling process allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
A Note on Fresh Garlic vs. Dried Garlic
During the development of this recipe, I did experiment with a technique that involved finely mincing and carefully cooking fresh garlic until it achieved a delightful crispness, then incorporating it with the dried garlic and other ingredients. However, after extensive taste testing, neither my husband nor I could consistently discern a significant difference in flavor or texture between that more laborious method and this streamlined, all-dried garlic version. The ease and speed of using dried minced garlic ultimately won out, proving that you can achieve exceptional flavor without the extra steps and potential for error associated with fresh garlic.
Proper Storage for Optimal Freshness
To ensure your homemade chili crisp maintains its vibrant flavor and delightful crunch, proper storage is key. Following these simple guidelines will keep your condiment fresh and ready to use for an extended period:
- Refrigeration is Essential: Even though this recipe primarily uses dried ingredients, refrigerating the chili crisp after preparation is highly recommended. This helps to preserve its complex flavors and prevents any potential spoilage, ensuring it remains as delicious as the day you made it.
- Longevity: Stored correctly in the refrigerator, your homemade chili crisp will maintain its peak quality and flavor for approximately 1-2 months.
- Oil Solidification (Normal): If you chose olive oil for your recipe, you might notice the chili crisp solidifying slightly in the cold refrigerator. This is a completely normal occurrence due to the nature of olive oil and does not affect the quality or taste. In fact, many find that a slightly solidified chili crisp is even easier to spread evenly on toast or incorporate into other dishes, offering a pleasant, buttery texture when cold. Simply allow it to warm up slightly at room temperature if you prefer a more liquid consistency.
Creative and Delicious Ways to Incorporate Chili Crisp into Your Meals
The beauty of homemade chili crisp lies in its incredible versatility. Its crunchy texture and savory heat can elevate an astonishing array of dishes. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this flavorful condiment, sparking inspiration for your own culinary adventures:
- Elevate Your Wraps: Spread a thin layer of chili crisp onto a tortilla before assembling any type of wrap. It adds an unexpected depth of flavor and a subtle crunch that takes your lunch or dinner wraps to a whole new level.
- Supercharge Sandwiches: Just like with wraps, a smear of chili crisp on your bread before building a sandwich, panini, or even a gourmet grilled cheese, introduces a spicy, savory kick and an inviting texture.
- Our Favorite: Chili Crisp Fried Eggs: This is an absolute game-changer! Fry your eggs in a teaspoon of chili crisp over low to medium-low heat. The oil infuses the egg with incredible flavor and a slight crispiness, making for an unforgettable breakfast or brunch. Just remember to turn on your kitchen fan to manage the spicy aromas!
- Drizzle and Transform: Its liquid-crunchy nature makes it perfect for drizzling. Enhance your pizzas, noodle bowls, or rice bowls with a generous spoonful. It’s also fantastic over roasted vegetables, adding a new dimension of flavor and texture, or as a vibrant topping for fresh salads.
- Homemade Hot Honey Fusion: Combine a bit of chili crisp with honey to create your very own custom “hot honey.” This sweet and spicy concoction is fantastic over fried chicken, biscuits, or even a simple cheese board.
- Gourmet Hummus Topping: Spoon a dollop of chili crisp onto hummus just before serving. It adds visual appeal, a burst of flavor, and a satisfying crunch that transforms a simple dip into an appetizer masterpiece.
- Flavorful Salads: Stir a teaspoon into chicken salad, egg salad, or even tuna salad. The chili crisp introduces a much-needed textural contrast and a zesty, spicy note that brightens up these classic preparations.
We genuinely hope you find as much joy and culinary inspiration in this homemade chili crisp recipe as we do. If you make it, please don’t hesitate to leave a rating and review below. Your feedback helps us understand how much you loved it and discover new, exciting ways you’re incorporating it into your favorite dishes!
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Easiest Chili Crisp Recipe (Chili Crunch)
Equipment
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1 half pint (8-ounce) jar and small pan if using stovetop method
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil or avocado oil or sunflower oil
- 1 to 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes or to taste (1 TB = medium spice; 2 TB = spicy)
- 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika for extra flavor
- 3 tablespoons minced dried onions
- 2 tablespoons minced dried garlic
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (use 1.5 teaspoons if using kosher salt)
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried red bell peppers (to mimic Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch more)
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil or to taste (to provide more Asian umami flavor)
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon mushroom powder or to taste (to provide more Asian umami flavor)
Instructions
Microwave Method
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Add oil, red pepper flakes, and paprika to a half pint jar.
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Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir and heat another 30 seconds. You should see a few bubbles on the top but not hard boiling (if your microwave is stronger, cook for a 10-20 seconds less or lower the power setting).
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Add remaining ingredients – dried onion, garlic, salt and any other optional ingredients – to the jar, stir well, and let cool.
Stovetop Method
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Add oil, red pepper flakes, and paprika to a small skillet or saucepan and heat over low heat for 2-3 minutes, just until a few bubbles start to appear around the edges.
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Remove from heat and add the remaining ingredients – dried onion, garlic, salt and any other optional ingredients – and stir well. Let cool and transfer to an 8-ounce jar with lid.
Storage
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Store the jar with an airtight lid in the refrigerator. The chili crisp will keep for 1-2 months.
Notes
- Spread on tortilla before making any type of wrap.
- Spread on bread before making any type of sandwich.
- Fry eggs in a teaspoon of chili crisp (our favorite – just cook on low to medium-low and turn the fan on!).
- Drizzle on pizza, over noodle or rice bowls, on roasted vegetables or salads.
- Add a bit of honey to make your own “hot honey.”
- Spoon on hummus before serving.
- Add a teaspoon to chicken salad or egg salad.
Nutrition
Explore More Easy Homemade Condiments
Once you’ve mastered the art of chili crisp, you might be inspired to delve into other simple, homemade condiments that can transform your cooking. Creating your own sauces and dressings not only offers superior flavor but also gives you full control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more personalized culinary experience. Here are a few more easy recipes to expand your pantry staples:
- Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe – Two Easy Methods: Discover how simple it is to whip up fresh, creamy mayonnaise from scratch, leaving store-bought versions far behind.
- Quick Honey Sweetened Homemade Ketchup Recipe: Forget the high-fructose corn syrup! This recipe allows you to create a delicious, naturally sweetened ketchup that’s perfect for dipping and dressing.
- Easy Thai Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe – Honey Sweetened: A versatile sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy, perfect for spring rolls, grilled meats, or as a vibrant dipping sauce.
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