DIY Chili Paste: Why Bother?
Chili paste is a staple in many cuisines, especially in Southeast Asia. It’s basically ground-up chili peppers, often mixed with delicious things like garlic, onions, and various spices. It brings both heat and flavor to a wide range of dishes.
So, why make your own? Well, homemade chili paste just tastes better, period. Plus, you get total control over what goes into it. A lot of store-bought stuff has extra salt, vinegar, and preservatives that you might not want. When you make it yourself, you can dial the spice level up or down and really customize the flavor to your liking.
In this article, we’re diving into a bunch of different chili paste recipes, from the super simple to some more regional variations. We’ll also cover the best ways to store your creations and how to use them in your cooking. Whether you prefer fresh or dried chilies, we’ve got a recipe for you!
Basic Dried Chili Paste
If you want to make chili paste, you’ll need to gather a few ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need to know.
Ingredients for Dried Chili Paste
- Dried chilies. You can use different types of dried chilies to vary the heat and flavor profile of the paste. Be sure to consider your own spice tolerance when selecting your chilies.
- Aromatics. Onions and garlic add a deeper dimension to the paste. If you want, you can make a simple three-ingredient version using just chilies, onions, and garlic.
- Liquid. Water is the most common liquid used to help the ingredients blend together. For some applications, such as sambal, you can use oil instead.
Preparation Methods
Here are some suggestions for getting the ingredients ready to blend:
- Rehydrating the dried chilies. You can soak the chilies in water at room temperature, soak them in boiling water, or boil them briefly to soften them. The amount of time they’ll need to soak will depend on the method you use.
- Blending. Put all the ingredients into a food processor or blender and process until a smooth paste forms.
Fresh Red Chili Paste
This recipe is quick and simple, and it gives you a bright, fresh-tasting chili paste to use in all sorts of dishes.
Ingredients for Fresh Chili Paste
- Fresh red chilies: Use a blend of hotter and milder peppers to dial in the heat to just where you want it. Remember that peppers that get a lot of sun exposure tend to be spicier.
- Vinegar: Rice vinegar will add a touch of tang and also help preserve your fresh chili paste.
- Other additions: Some cooks like to add sweet red mini peppers, salt, and just a pinch of sugar.
How to make it
- Prep the chilies: Remove the stems and seeds if you want to reduce the heat.
- Blend: Combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
How to use fresh chili paste
This paste is super versatile, so experiment and see what you like! Try adding it to:
- Soups
- Sauces
- Curries
- Dips
- Salad dressings
- Stir-fries
You can also use it as a marinade for meats and vegetables.
Spicy Garlic Chili Paste
This recipe relies on a few key ingredients to deliver a ton of flavor.
Key Ingredients
- Garlic: Use a generous amount of garlic to give the chili paste a nice, pungent base.
- Chilies: Adjust the number of chilies to control the heat. For a milder paste, remove the seeds before processing.
- Other Aromatics: Consider adding ginger, shallots, or green onion for a more complex flavor profile.
Flavoring the Oil
Flavoring the oil is a crucial step in developing the paste’s overall taste.
- Infusing the Oil: Infuse the oil with aromatics like green onions to add depth and complexity.
- Frying: Fry the aromatics in the oil until they’re fragrant before adding the chilies and garlic. This helps release their flavors and meld them together.
How to Use Spicy Garlic Chili Paste
This versatile paste can be used in many dishes:
- Noodle Dishes: Stir a spoonful into cooked noodles for a quick and flavorful meal.
- Other Applications: Add it to stir-fries, soups, and sauces to boost the heat and flavor.
Regional Variations and Additions
Chili paste is a versatile condiment, and you’ll find many regional variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Thai Chili Paste (Nam Prik Pao)
Thai chili paste usually includes dried chili flakes, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. A vegan version can easily be made by relying on soy sauce and tamarind for flavoring.
The trick to making paste rather than jam is to avoid adding too much sugar. You want a little sweetness, but not so much that it thickens up like a jam.
Incorporating Dried Shrimp
If you want to add a little umami to your chili paste, try incorporating dried shrimp. Just soak the shrimp before adding it to the paste so it’s easier to work with.
You can stir the shrimp into the paste, or you can use it as a garnish.
Other Variations
Consider adding:
- Candlenuts (or macadamia or cashew nuts) for creaminess and richness
- Tomatoes for sweetness and acidity
- Shrimp paste for a pungent, salty flavor
Storage and Preservation
How long your chili paste lasts depends on the storage method you choose.
Refrigeration
For short-term storage, put your chili paste in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should be good for about two weeks.
Check for spoilage before using. If you see white mold or it smells sour, it’s best to toss it.
Freezing
Chili paste can be frozen for longer storage. Portion it out into small containers or even ice cube trays so you can easily grab a small amount when you need it.
Other Preservation Methods
- Oil sealing: Cover the paste with a layer of oil. This can help prevent spoilage.
- Canning: Use proper canning techniques to preserve your chili paste for a long time.
- Adding Acid: Adding lime juice or another source of acid will help preserve your chili paste.
In Conclusion
Homemade chili paste is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can add depth and zing to so many dishes. It’s a flavor booster for everything from stir-fries and stews to marinades and dips.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different kinds of chilis, vinegars, and spices to develop your own signature chili paste. You might even consider adding other vegetables for a richer, more complex flavor.
Making chili paste at home is a fun and rewarding project, and you’ll always know exactly what’s in it. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your food processor, and enjoy the process!