Chili oil is a popular condiment in many cuisines particularly in Chinese and Vietnamese. Also referred to as hot chili oil or chili crisp or chili garlic oil, it is often used to add spicy heat and flavor to dishes most often to spice up some noodles or dumplings.
In Szechuan and Northern Chinese cuisines, sometimes it’s one of the main ingredients such as the popular biang biang noodles.
Does Chili Oil Ever Expire?
If you’re a fan of this fiery Asian condiment, you may be wondering if chili oil can expire or go bad. The short answer is yes, and it’s important to understand how to tell if your chili oil has gone bad to avoid any potential health risks.
Keep in mind that there are several types of chili oils. The chili oil you get at ne restaurant will likely have different ingredients than the next restaurant. Some have garlic. Some have fermented black beans. Some have peanuts. Onions, scallions, sesame seeds. All these affect how long your chili oil lasts.
Like other types of oil, chili oil has a shelf life and can go bad over time. This can be due to factors such as exposure to air, light, and heat, as well as the quality of the ingredients used to make the chili oil. When chili oil goes bad, it can develop an off flavor and odor, and can potentially be harmful if consumed.
One way to tell if your chili oil has gone bad is to use your senses. If the oil has a rancid or off odor, or if it smells musty or moldy, it’s likely that the oil has spoiled and should be discarded.
Another way you can tell if chili garlic oil has gone bad is if the oil has changed in color or texture, or if you notice any mold or discoloration, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
Still Tasty says hot chili oil can last up to 24 months if unopened and stored properly, but we wouldn’t say that’s true for all chili oils. When it comes down to it, the staying power of chili oil all depends on the ingredients in the oil, the quality and other factors.
Storing Chili Oil Will Extend It’s Life
Just as with any type of food, storing it properly will ensure it stays good longer. To extend the shelf life of your chili oil, it’s important to store it properly. Ideally, chili oil should be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, away from heat and sunlight. If you make your own chili oil at home, be sure to use high-quality ingredients and follow proper food safety guidelines when preparing and storing the oil.
If you’re unsure whether your chili oil has gone bad, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Discard any oil that appears or smells off, and consider making a fresh batch of chili oil if you’re unsure about the safety of your current batch.
It’s worth noting that some commercial brands of chili oil may contain preservatives or other additives to help extend the shelf life of the product. However, it’s still important to check the expiration date and inspect the oil for any signs of spoilage before using.
Overall, chili oil can expire or go bad, and it’s important to be vigilant about checking for all the signs of spoilage. By storing your chili oil properly and using your senses to detect any off odors or flavors, you can help ensure that your favorite condiment is safe to use and enjoy.
Other Sources:
Serious Eats. (2021). How to Make Chili Oil: The Ultimate Guide. https://www.seriouseats.com/how-to-make-chili-oil-the-ultimate-guide
The Spruce Eats. (2021). How Long Does Cooking Oil Last? https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-long-does-cooking-oil-last-1388325
FoodSafety.gov. (2021). Safe Minimum Cooking Temperatures. https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/safe-minimum-cooking-temperature
