Throw Away Your Ramen Packets And Make This Instead

Throw Away Your Ramen Packets And Make This Instead is a medium Chinese recipe that serves 2. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by ThatDudeCanCook on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr

Cost: $15.45 total, $7.73 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Avocado Oil (high smoke point, neutral flavor)
  • 2 stalks Green Onions (trim root end, cut into large chunks)
  • 2 inches Ginger (peeled, sliced into matchsticks then diced)
  • 2 medium Shallots (peeled, halved then julienned)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (peeled, sliced thin)
  • 1/4 cup Chinese Red Chili Flakes (ground from whole dried chilies (see step 3))
  • 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds (lightly toasted)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon White Pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon MSG (optional, enhances umami)
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese Black Vinegar (helps preserve the oil)
  • 1 teaspoon Soy Sauce (adds depth, optional)
  • 1 piece Cinnamon Stick (whole, toasted)
  • 1 teaspoon Sichuan Peppercorns (whole, toasted)
  • 2 pieces Star Anise (whole, toasted)
  • 4 whole Cloves (whole, toasted)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Aromatics

    Trim the root ends off the green onions and cut into large chunks. Peel and slice the ginger into thin planks, then matchsticks and dice. Halve the shallots, remove root ends, and julienne. Peel the garlic cloves and slice thinly.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Toast Whole Spices

    Place a dry skillet over low‑medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and cloves. Toast, stirring constantly, until fragrant (about 5 minutes). Transfer to a small bowl to cool.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Grind Dried Chilies

    Place the whole dried Chinese chilies in a spice grinder (or food processor) and pulse until you achieve a coarse‑to‑fine flake texture. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Assemble the Jar Base

    Into the clean Mason jar, add the freshly ground chili flakes, toasted sesame seeds, salt, white pepper, MSG (if using), and the toasted whole spices. Stir briefly, then add the chopped green onion pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Heat Oil to 325°F

    Pour 2 cups of avocado oil into the large pot. Heat over medium‑high until the thermometer reads 325°F (162°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 325°F

  6. Cook Shallots

    Add the julienned shallots to the hot oil. Fry, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown (about 7 minutes 30 seconds).

    Time: PT7M30S

    Temperature: 325°F

  7. Strain Shallots into Jar

    Place the fine mesh strainer over a bowl, pour the oil‑shallot mixture through, catching the crisp shallots. Transfer the strained shallots into the Mason jar with the base ingredients.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Reheat Oil to 300°F

    Return the pot with the remaining oil to the burner and heat to 300°F (149°C).

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 300°F

  9. Cook Garlic

    Add the sliced garlic to the oil. Fry for about 3 minutes until lightly golden (do not let it turn dark).

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 300°F

  10. Strain Garlic into Jar

    Using the strainer, pour the oil‑garlic mixture into the jar, adding the garlic pieces to the other aromatics.

    Time: PT2M

  11. Reheat Oil to 300°F Again

    Heat the oil once more to 300°F.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 300°F

  12. Cook Ginger

    Add the diced ginger to the oil. Fry for 1 minute 30 seconds until just fragrant and lightly golden.

    Time: PT1M30S

    Temperature: 300°F

  13. Strain Ginger into Jar

    Strain the ginger and oil into the Mason jar, joining the other ingredients.

    Time: PT2M

  14. Finish the Oil

    Add the Chinese black vinegar and soy sauce to the jar. Stir vigorously until the mixture is well combined. Let the oil cool to room temperature, then seal the jar tightly.

    Time: PT5M

  15. Quick 5‑Minute Version (Optional)

    For a fast version, smash 4 garlic cloves, mince them, and combine with 1/4 cup regular red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 cup avocado oil heated to 350°F. Pour hot oil over the mixture, stir, and let sit for 5 minutes before using.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
0g
Carbohydrates
0g
Fat
14g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free

Allergens: Sesame, Soy, MSG

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Throw Away Your Ramen Packets And Make This Instead

Recipe by ThatDudeCanCook

A versatile, aromatic chili oil made from toasted whole spices, fresh aromatics, and high‑smoke‑point avocado oil. The long version yields a deep, complex flavor perfect for ramen, dumplings, stir‑fries, and salads, while a quick 5‑minute version offers a fast shortcut for everyday meals.

MediumChineseServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
56m
Prep
11m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 17m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.45
Total cost
$7.73
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Toasting the whole spices without burning them.
  • Maintaining precise oil temperatures (325°F then 300°F).
  • Straining each aromatic into the jar to keep the oil clear.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; handle with care and keep children away.
  • Use a thermometer to avoid overheating past the smoke point.
  • When straining hot oil, use heat‑proof gloves and a stable surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of homemade chili oil in Chinese cuisine?

A

Chili oil, or "la jiao you," originated in Sichuan and Hunan provinces as a way to add heat and flavor to bland staples. It became a pantry essential for stir‑fries, noodles, and dumplings, embodying the Chinese love for layered spice and aromatic depth.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chili oil in Chinese cuisine?

A

Sichuan versions often include Sichuan peppercorns and star anise for a numbing heat, while northern styles may use fewer spices and focus on pure chili flavor. Some regions add fermented beans or garlic for extra umami.

cultural
Q

How is chili oil traditionally served in Chinese households?

A

It is typically stored in a small glass jar and drizzled over noodles, dumplings, steamed buns, or mixed into sauces. A spoonful can also be stirred into hot oil for a quick seasoning boost.

cultural
Q

During what occasions is chili oil commonly used in Chinese celebrations?

A

Chili oil appears at family gatherings, Lunar New Year meals, and street‑food festivals, where it adds excitement to simple dishes like cold noodles or boiled vegetables.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Chinese chili oil versus common substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include Chinese dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and Chinese black vinegar. Substitutes like Korean gochugaru, regular red pepper flakes, or rice vinegar work but change the flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade chili oil?

A

Common errors include overheating the oil, burning the aromatics, and using low‑smoke‑point oils like olive oil. Over‑cooking garlic or shallots leads to bitterness, and not straining the oil can leave unwanted bits.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe heat the oil to 325°F for shallots and then lower it to 300°F for garlic and ginger?

A

Shallots need a slightly higher temperature to achieve a deep golden color quickly, while garlic and ginger are more delicate and can burn at higher heat. Lowering to 300°F ensures they become fragrant without turning bitter.

technical
Q

Can I make this chili oil ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the oil improves after resting. Store the sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to two months. Bring it to room temperature before using to ensure easy pouring.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for to know my chili oil is done?

A

The oil should be clear with suspended, lightly browned aromatics. The chili flakes will appear bright red, and the whole spices should be softened but still visible. No blackened bits indicate proper cooking.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel ThatDudeCanCook specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel ThatDudeCanCook focuses on practical, high‑impact home cooking tutorials, often featuring quick hacks, ingredient deep‑dives, and flavorful twists on everyday dishes like ramen, sauces, and condiments.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel ThatDudeCanCook's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

ThatDudeCanCook emphasizes minimal equipment, clear step‑by‑step timing, and science‑backed temperature control, whereas many Chinese cooking channels focus on traditional techniques without precise timing. This makes the recipes more reproducible for home cooks.

channel

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