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Smashed Chili Pepper Salad 4

Smashed Chili Pepper Salad (Hot Oil Chili Mix)

This is a classic quick Chinese-style side dish where fresh chilies are smashed with garlic and scallions, then finished with sizzling hot oil. The heat releases an irresistible aroma and brings out the natural flavor of the ingredients. It’s simple, customizable, and perfect for anyone who enjoys bright, punchy flavors.
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Ingredients
  

Main Ingredient

  • 20 g fresh chili peppers choose your preferred heat level

Seasonings

  • 20 g garlic
  • 10 g scallions
  • 5 g salt
  • 1 g MSG optional
  • 8 g chili flakes

For the Hot Oil

  • 40 g cooking oil

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare and Smash the Ingredients

  • Peel the garlic and chop it into small pieces. Wash the scallions and finely chop them. Place both in a large bowl.
  • Wash the fresh chili peppers and pat them dry completely. Add them to the same bowl along with the salt.
  • Using a rolling pin or pestle, gently smash the chilies together with the garlic and scallions. Continue pressing until the peppers release their juices and the ingredients are partially crushed.
  • Note: Adding salt before smashing helps draw out moisture from the chilies and allows the seasoning to penetrate better.

Step 2: Season the Chili Mixture

  • Add MSG (optional) and chili flakes to the smashed mixture. Lightly toss with chopsticks so the dry seasonings combine with the fresh ingredients.

Step 3: Pour the Hot Oil

  • Heat the cooking oil in a small pan over low heat until it reaches about 60% heat (slightly smoking).
  • Carefully pour the hot oil over the chili mixture. You should hear a sizzling sound, which means the oil is releasing the aroma of the chili flakes, garlic, and scallions.
  • Quickly stir everything together so the ingredients are evenly coated in the fragrant oil. Let it rest for 1–2 minutes so the flavors blend.
  • Your smashed chili pepper salad is now ready to serve.

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