Hot Pepper Oil

There are many Chinese hot pepper oils on the market; some are adequate and others are far too weak or made with inferior oils. Making your own is easy and takes just minutes. It’s a delicious addition to noodle dishes, soups, and stir-fries.

• 1/2 cup Chinese dried chile flakes or 1/4 cup crushed red pepper flakes
• 3/4 cup peanut oil
• 1/2 cup toasted Asian sesame oil

Put the chile flakes, peanut oil, and sesame oil in a large glass jar and stir well.

Tightly close the jar and set in a cool, dark place for 24 hours before using. The longer the oil sits, the more intense its flavor will be.