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–+ servings

Homemade Rayu (Japanese-Style Chili Oil)

Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Author Yuto Omura
Servings 1 cup

Ingredients 
 

  • 125 ml cooking oil neutral oil of your choice
  • 125 ml toasted sesame oil
  • 3 slices ginger root 5mm (0.2 inch) thick
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 Japanese leek (naganegi) green part, roughly cut
  • 5 dried red chili peppers
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • ½ tbsp water

Instructions 

  • Pour 125 ml cooking oil and 125 ml toasted sesame oil into a deep pan and heat over medium until 160 °C (320 °F). Use a thermometer to accurately check the temperature.
    oil heating in a pan on the stove
  • Reduce the heat to low and add 3 slices ginger root, 1 garlic clove and 1 Japanese leek (naganegi). Take 5 dried red chili peppers and rip them open before dropping them into the oil along with the seeds. Heat on low for 10 minutes.
    Japanese leeks, ginger root, garlic and dried chilis infusing oil in a pan on the stove
  • While the mixture is cooking, add 2 tbsp chili powder to a large heatproof bowl and sprinkle with ½ tbsp water. Mix well and then place a sieve on top.
    chili powder in a large glass mixing bowl
  • After 10 minutes has passed, remove from the heat and pour the hot oil through the sieve and into the chili powder.
    pouring infused oil into chili powder to make Japanese chili oil (rayu/la-yu)
  • Mix until well combined, then leave to cool to room temperature before transferring to a sealable container.
    Mixing infused oil with chili powder in a glass bowl
  • Enjoy!
    Homemade Japanese la-yu chili oil in a small glass bowl surrounded by ginger root, dried chilis and garlic

Notes

  • Allow your rayu to rest for 24-48 hours before using to achieve maximum flavor complexity and integration.
  • Replace Japanese leeks with green part of regular leek or shallot if unavailable in your area.
  • Store in a sterilized, airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months, checking for freshness before each use.
  • If you notice a change in smell (particularly a sour smell) it's better to discard it.