Fiery Chili Garlic Sauce

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Fiery Chili Garlic Sauce

Chili Garlic Sauce is a spicy, savory condiment that’s a staple in many Asian cuisines, adding a bold, fiery kick to any meal. Whether you drizzle it over noodles, use it as a dipping sauce, or stir it into your stir-fries, this sauce is a quick and easy way to infuse bold flavors into your cooking. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it offers a perfect balance of heat from the chili and depth from the garlic.

Ingredients:

  • 250 grams Siling Labuyo (Chili peppers)
  • 150 grams Garlic (about 3 large heads)
  • 3 cups cooking oil
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by washing the chilies and removing the stalks. Place them into a blender, followed by the garlic and cooking oil.
  2. Blend the Mixture: Pulse the ingredients in the blender until finely chopped. Be sure not to over-blend; the mixture should have tiny bits instead of becoming a smooth paste.
  3. Cook the Mixture: Transfer the blended ingredients to a large pan. Cook the mixture over low to medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring continuously. You’ll notice a change in the color of the chili as it cooks.
  4. Add the Seasonings: Once the chili begins to change color, stir in the sugar, salt, black pepper, and oyster sauce (if using). Make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
  5. Add Vinegar: Pour in the vinegar, but do not stir for the first 3 minutes. This helps to eliminate the “raw taste” of the vinegar. After 3 minutes, stir the mixture and continue cooking for another 20 minutes.
  6. Finish and Cool: Once the sauce has cooked to perfection, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool completely. Transfer it to a clean, dry jar with a tight-fitting lid for storage.

Methods:

This sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a month. Use it as a condiment or cooking ingredient, adding layers of heat and flavor to any dish. The cooking time is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors, so be patient and let the sauce simmer

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
  • Start by washing the chili peppers thoroughly and removing the stems. For a smoother sauce, you can remove the seeds if you prefer less heat, though leaving them in will give the sauce more spice.
  • Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves into smaller pieces to make blending easier.
  1. Blending the Mixture:
  • Add the chopped chili peppers, garlic, and cooking oil into a blender or food processor. Pulse the mixture until it is finely chopped, but avoid blending it into a smooth paste. The consistency should be chunky, with tiny bits of chili and garlic.
  1. Cooking the Sauce:
  • Transfer the blended mixture into a large, deep pan. Heat it over low to medium heat on the stove. Stir constantly to ensure the mixture cooks evenly, preventing it from sticking or burning.
  • Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chili changes color and the flavors begin to meld. Stir occasionally.
  1. Seasoning the Sauce:
  • After the chili mixture has cooked and changed color, add sugar, salt, black pepper, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
  1. Add Vinegar:
  • Pour the vinegar into the pan, but do not stir for the first 3 minutes. This step helps remove the sharp “raw” flavor of the vinegar.
  • After 3 minutes, stir the mixture well and continue to cook for another 20 minutes. This will allow the vinegar to integrate fully into the sauce and balance the flavors.
  1. Cool and Store:
  • Once the sauce has cooked and the flavors are well-blended, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.
  • Transfer the cooled sauce into a clean, dry jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Tips for Success:

  • Don’t over-blend: Keeping some texture in the sauce helps retain the depth of flavor.
  • Adjust spice levels: If the sauce is too spicy, you can reduce the number of chili peppers or remove the seeds. If it’s not spicy enough, add more chilies.
  • Consistency check: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but if it’s too thick, you can add a bit more oil to loosen it up.

By following these methods, you’ll have a homemade, flavorful chili garlic sauce that’s perfect for spicing up your favorite dishes!

History:

Chili Garlic Sauce is a popular condiment in many Asian cuisines, particularly in Filipino and Thai dishes. It has been a part of traditional cooking for centuries, with garlic and chili being common ingredients in Asian kitchens due to their health benefits and ability to enhance the flavor of food

History of Chili Garlic Sauce:

Chili Garlic Sauce is a popular condiment that has roots in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese, Filipino, and Thai cooking. Its creation can be traced back to the long history of fermented and spicy condiments used to complement rice, noodles, meats, and stir-fried dishes.

Chinese Influence:

In China, chili-based sauces have been used for centuries, with Sichuan cuisine being particularly famous for its use of chili peppers and garlic. The combination of garlic and chili in a paste or sauce form has been part of traditional cooking in many regions. Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold, spicy flavors, often features chili garlic sauces as a key component in dishes like mapo tofu and kung pao chicken. These sauces are designed to balance the heat of chili with the aromatic depth of garlic, creating a perfect flavor profile.

Filipino Chili Garlic Sauce:

In the Philippines, Chili Garlic Sauce is a beloved condiment that complements the country’s rich culinary traditions. It is used in many dishes, including adobo (a famous Filipino stew), sinigang (a tangy soup), and as a dipping sauce for lumpia (spring rolls). The Filipino version typically includes chili, garlic, vinegar, and oil, and is known for its fiery heat, which aligns with the country’s love of spicy food.

In fact, the popularity of this sauce in the Philippines has grown so much that it has become a staple in many households, often passed down through generations. It’s used to add extra heat and flavor to nearly any meal, whether it’s grilled meat, rice, or even pizza.

Thai and Other Southeast Asian Influence:

In Thai cuisine, chili garlic sauce is also a common accompaniment, often used to season stir-fried dishes or serve as a dipping sauce for appetizers. The southeast Asian version tends to be spicier, with more emphasis on fresh, vibrant flavors, often incorporating ingredients like fish sauce, lime, and sugar to balance the heat and add complexity.

Global Popularity:

Over the years, chili garlic sauce has gained global popularity, especially among those who enjoy spicy and bold flavors. It has found its place in fusion cuisines and is commonly found in restaurants worldwide, especially those serving Asian or fusion dishes. The sauce’s appeal lies in its simplicity, versatility, and ability to elevate dishes with minimal ingredients.

Chili Garlic Sauce has a rich history in various Asian cultures, where it has been used for centuries to add spice and depth to dishes. Whether in the spicy kitchens of Sichuan or the vibrant streets of Manila, this fiery sauce continues to be a beloved condiment across many different cuisines. Today, it remains a favorite for home cooks and chefs alike, and its popularity shows no signs of waning.

Benefits:

  • Boosts Metabolism: The chili peppers contain capsaicin, which can help boost metabolism and promote fat burning.
  • Improves Digestion: Garlic is known for its ability to improve digestion and promote gut health.
  • Rich in Antioxidants: Both garlic and chili peppers are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from harmful free radicals.
  • Adds Flavor Without Extra Calories: At only 120 kcal per tablespoon, this sauce is a great way to add big flavor without adding too many calories

  1. Boosts Metabolism:
  • The capsaicin in chili peppers is known to increase metabolism and promote fat burning. It can help speed up your digestive process, potentially aiding in weight management.
  1. Enhances Digestion:
  • Garlic is a natural digestive aid, stimulating the production of digestive enzymes that help break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently. It also promotes a healthy gut by acting as a natural prebiotic.
  1. Rich in Antioxidants:
  • Both garlic and chili peppers are packed with antioxidants like allicin (from garlic) and vitamin C (from chili peppers), which help protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
  1. Boosts Immune Function:
  • Garlic has been traditionally used for its immune-boosting properties. It contains compounds that help strengthen the immune system, making the body more resistant to illness.
  1. Anti-Inflammatory:
  • Both chili peppers and garlic have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and arthritis.
  1. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals:
  • Chili peppers provide vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, which are essential for skin health, immune function, and energy production. Garlic also offers manganese, vitamin B6, and selenium, which contribute to overall well-being.
  1. Supports Heart Health:
  • Garlic is known to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and may promote blood circulation, contributing to better cardiovascular health.
  1. Versatile and Low in Calories:
  • This sauce is a flavorful way to add zing to your meals without adding many calories (only 120 kcal per tablespoon). It’s perfect for enhancing taste while keeping meals light.

By incorporating this chili garlic sauce into your meals, you’re not only adding an exciting layer of flavor, but you’re also benefiting from its natural health-boosting properties.

Formation:

The chili garlic sauce comes together with simple, accessible ingredients and is easy to make. With just a little time and effort, you’ll have a jar of fiery, flavorful sauce to enhance your dishes.

Nutrition:

  • Calories: 120 kcal per tablespoon
  • Servings: Makes about 2 cups
  • Fat: 14g (from the cooking oil)
  • Carbs: 4g (mainly from sugar)
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 250mg (depends on the amount of salt used)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g (depends on the type of oil used)
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g (from added sugar and natural sugars in garlic and chili)
  • Protein: 1g
  • Sodium: 250mg (depends on the salt content and optional oyster sauce)
  • Vitamins & Minerals:
  • Vitamin A: 6% of Daily Value (from chili peppers)
  • Vitamin C: 10% of Daily Value (from chili peppers)
  • Calcium: 1% of Daily Value
  • Iron: 2% of Daily Value
  • Potassium: 80mg (from garlic and chili peppers)

This sauce is primarily a fat-based condiment due to the oil, with a small amount of carbohydrates from the sugar and the natural ingredients like garlic and chili peppers. While it’s low in calories, it’s rich in healthy fats from the oil, as well as antioxidants from the garlic and chili.

Conclusion:

This Chili Garlic Sauce packs a punch and is a must-have for anyone who loves a bit of heat in their meals. It’s easy to make, versatile, and full of flavor. Whether you’re spicing up noodles or adding depth to your stir-fry, this sauce will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s a beloved condiment in so many kitchens worldwide!

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