Mary Poppins may have preferred sugar, but for me it’s a spoonful of chili crisp that makes everything just a little bit better. The spicy, crunchy condiment has long been a staple in China, and it’s become increasingly more popular in the United States in recent years. For those unfamiliar with chili crisp, my colleague Aaron Hutcherson wrote a comprehensive guide about what it is and how to use it. While I love it spooned over plain white rice or as part of a stir-fry sauce, there are many more ways you can use up your jar. Below are some of our favorite recipes from our archives that get spicy, umami twist from one of our favorite pantry items.
Gnocchi With Chili Crisp, Capers and Parmesan
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Chili crisp, capers and parmesan join forces to create an explosion of spicy umami flavor in this gnocchi dish. For a pasta with a similar flavor profile, try this Spicy Umami Pasta. Get the recipe.
Coconut Corn Soup With Chili Crisp
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The sweet, mellow flavors of corn and coconut milk are enlivened by a mix of spices and a healthy helping of chili crisp in this pantry-friendly soup. Get the recipe.
Spicy Sesame Chile Oil Noodles
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Noodles and chili crisp are a dynamic duo. Here, the chili crisp adds zing to a deep, nutty sesame paste sauce. Get the recipe.
Stir-Fried Dumplings
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Frozen dumplings are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Dress them up with garlic, ginger, chili crisp, black vinegar and sesame oil for an easy meal that’s ready in a half-hour. Get the recipe.
Roasted Potatoes With Silky Corn Sauce
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This veggie-filled bowl from cookbook author and Plant Powered II writer Hetty Lui McKinnon “is an homage to Cantonese and Hong Kong dishes where creamed corn (usually from a can) is draped over meat or fried fish.” The chili crisp delivers a “nice hit of heat” when serving. Get the recipe.
Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup
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This is Smitten Kitten blogger Deb Perelman’s go-to soup on a chilly weeknight. It’s a wonderful blend of comfort and spice. Get the recipe.
Miso-Parmesan Pasta With Chili Crisp
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A dish with Italian, Japanese, Korean and Chinese influences, this pasta is a umami bomb. Get the recipe.
Air Fryer Chocolate Chili Crisp Granola
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We love chili crisp in sweet dishes, too. The flavors of this homemade granola are reminiscent of Mexican hot chocolate, making for a sweet and spicy snack. Get the recipe.
