Chilli Oil/Chilli Dipping Sauce

Chilli oil is sometimes used as a dipping condiment as well as a seasoning and varies in strength and flavour. The Thai and Malaysian versions are especially hot; the Taiwanese and Chinese versions are more subtle. Chilli oil is too dramatic to be used as the sole cooking oil, so combine it with other milder oils. I include pepper and black beans in this recipe for additional flavours so that I can also use it as a dipping sauce. Once made, put the chilli oil in a tightly sealed glass jar a