If you regularly dine at authentic Chinese restaurants, you’ve probably been eating chili crisp for a long time. Or maybe you recently tried it for the first time now that chili crisp is popping up on shelves at places like Trader Joe’s and Publix. Or maybe you clicked on this article because you saw it and thought, “What the heck is chili crisp?”
Wherever you are in your chili crisp journey, I hope you can make use of this list of the best store-bought chili crisps. We tried all different types at all different price points and I can assure you that the chili crisps listed below are the best of the best for all your noodle needs and more.
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- Natural Plus Green Sichuan Chili Oil
This has dethroned every other product that I’ve said was my “favorite thing I’ve ever tried while working at Sporked.” This chili crisp is better than the homemade chili crisp I buy in bulk from my local dumpling place, but please don’t tell them I said that. This is like the best version of a classic chili crisp that is even more numbing and savory than usual. It even has a light floral flavor from the Szechuan peppercorns. Also, it’s actually spicy! I cannot believe how good this is.
Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Amazon
- Fly by Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp
Believe the hype: Fly by Jing’s chili crisp is unreal. It is easily the most unique and interesting chili crisp we tried. There’s lots of umami and you get hints of other flavors like ginger, seaweed, and shallots. The bottle says you will “find yourself putting [it] on everything” and I cannot argue with that statement. I even tried the viral trend of putting it on vanilla ice cream and it was delicious. If you’re looking for a chili crisp that does it all, order some Fly by Jing.
Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Target
- Momofuku Extra Spicy Chili Crunch
I was skeptical about the Momofuku chili crisps because I’ve had mixed experiences with Momofuku products—some are great and some are just okay. I wasn’t sure if their chili crisp would stand up to some of the more iconic, OG chili crisps we tried. Now I must admit that I was wrong. I owe you an apology, Momofuku, for ever doubting your chili crisp. It’s so spicy and numbing. It made my scalp tingle. It has bigger chunks of chilies than some of the other sauces we tried. My favorite part is that the oil on its own is sensational.
Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Target
- Momofuku Original Chili Crisp
If you’re intrigued by Momofuku’s chili crisp but can’t handle intense heat, grab a jar of their Original Chili Crisp. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still spicy. But not nearly as spicy as their Extra Spicy Chili Crisp. It tastes more roasty-toasty than blazing hot. The Extra Spicy has my heat-loving heart, but this one is almost as good (almost). I would happily top eggs, silken tofu, and dumplings with plenty of this chili crisp.
Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Target
- Lao Gan Ma Chili Oil with Fermented Soy Beans
If you know chili crisp, you know Lao Gan Ma. If you don’t know chili crisp, get familiar with Lao Gan Ma. It’s a classic! There’s more than one version, but the one with fermented soy beans is my favorite. It has such an interesting texture that I can only describe as a soft chew. It’s so sensationally savory. This is not numbing like the other chili crisps we tried so it has a more mild taste. I keep my pantry stocked with Lao Gan Ma and I think you should too.
Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Amazon
Best of the Best
Best Splurge
Best Spicy
Best Restaurant Style
Best Classic
Other Products We Tried: Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch, Lao Gan Ma Original, Don Chilio Habanero, Don Chilio Serrano, Don Chilio Jalapeno, Mister Bing, Spicy and Crunchy Woojoo Chili Crisp
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What the heck is chili crisp? Still don’t know after reading this! 🙃
A condiment that can be added to soups, sandwiches, noodles, ramen, veggies. Its a nice spicy flavor with a really great texture.
Did you include Stephanie Izard’s Chili crunch in the test? This little goat is the brand. All flavors are so good!