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.

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.

Sweet & Sour Sauce

This sauce is great with Grilled Thai Chicken. It's easily doubled and keeps for a week in the refrigerator.

• 1 Tbs. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. rice vinegar
• 7 cloves garlic, minced

In a small, dry saucepan, toast the red pepper flakes over high heat until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the salt, sugar, and rice vinegar; cook over medium-low heat until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Stir in the garlic. Remove the sauce from the heat and let cool completely.