Crispy chilli oil is a spoonable condiment made of spiced oil and crunchy bits of chilli, garlic, onion and spices. You scoop it straight from the jar onto noodles, eggs, rice or soup. It adds heat, crunch and savoury flavour in one go. Don't forget to stir it first.
How is crispy chilli oil different from chilli oil?
Plain chilli oil is mostly oil that has been infused with chilli and then strained. Crispy chilli oil keeps the solids. The jar is often half crunchy bits, so every spoon gives texture as well as heat. It is sometimes called chilli crisp or chili crunch.
Where does it come from?
Crispy chilli oil is best known from Chinese cooking, where it goes on noodles, dumplings and rice. Today cooks make versions inspired by many cuisines. At Trouble & Spice, founder and chef Nicole McMahon creates each flavour herself based on having lived across 5 continents.
Which flavours are there?
- Yum Phrik: Thai, inspired by laab, with makrut lime leaf, lemongrass, ginger and toasted rice. Winner of Best Chilli Oil at the European Hot Sauce Awards.
- Crunchy Spice: Chinese style, with Sichuan pepper, star anise, peanuts and sesame.
- Çıtır Biber: Turkish, with pul biber, isot biber, mint, rose and pomegranate. Great Taste 2 stars.
- Curry Bomb: Indian, made like a tarka with curry leaves, mustard, cumin and nigella.
- Pizza Chilli Crisp: Italian flavours with garlic, tomato, fennel and oregano.
- Agave Chilli Crisp: sweet and hot, with agave and habanero. Gold at the European Hot Sauce Awards 2025.
How hot is it?
Most crispy chilli oils are more about flavour than fire. In our range, Çıtır Biber, Yum Phrik, Pizza Chilli Crisp and Curry Bomb are gentle, Crunchy Spice builds a little more, and Agave Chilli Crisp is the hottest. See the heat guide in our FAQ.
How do you use it?
Start with a teaspoon on something simple: fried eggs, plain noodles, rice or a bowl of soup. Stir it into yoghurt for a dip, or through mayo for a sandwich. For more ideas, read how to use crispy chilli oil or browse 60+ recipes.
Quick answers
Is crispy chilli oil the same as chilli crisp? Yes, these are two names for the same kind of condiment.
Is it vegan? All from Trouble & Spice are vegan. Yum Phrik, Çıtır Biber, Curry Bomb and Agave Chilli Crisp are vegan. Always check the ingredients on each jar for other brands as some contain fish or even bacon.
Where can I buy it in the Netherlands? Order online at troubleandspice.nl, or find us at Jumbo and independent shops.
