Chili Crisp - Different Brands & Uses

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#1 Post by **Betty C** » September 9th, 2020, 1:22 pm

I've been using Lao Gan Ma's classic Chili Crisp a lot, but as much as I love the stuff I don't love MSG or preservatives. I prefer naturally occurring umami flavors vs. taking the shortcut. I just ordered Fly by Jing and Momofuku since neither contain MSG nor preservatives, and I know Trader Joe's has one too.

Curious to hear other people's thoughts on the different brands out there, favorite uses, etc.

#2 Post by **Linda Baehr** » September 9th, 2020, 3:58 pm

Make your own!

https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/201 ... crisp.html

Victor Hong · #3 Post by **Victor Hong** » September 9th, 2020, 4:26 pm

Great stuff.

M. Meer · #4 Post by **M. Meer** » September 9th, 2020, 4:28 pm

Popcorn flavoring is my favorite non-traditional use. Mixing into sour cream or yogurt as a dip would be close second.

#5 Post by **Phil Smith** » September 9th, 2020, 4:30 pm

Linda Baehr wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 3:58 pm Make your own!

https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/201 ... crisp.html

This is an incredible recipe that I’ve made a few times, but also an incredible pain to make and quite expensive to source the ingredients for a condiment

#6 Post by **RyanC** » September 9th, 2020, 4:35 pm

Momofuku just released a version and I ordered it today. Don’t laugh but I bet it’s awesome. Their seasoning salts are exceptional.

https://shop.momofuku.com/products/chili-crunch

September 9th, 2020, 5:24 pm

I am pretty meh about Fly By Jing’s product

#8 Post by **Linda Baehr** » September 9th, 2020, 6:56 pm

RyanC wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 4:35 pm Momofuku just released a version and I ordered it today. Don’t laugh but I bet it’s awesome. Their seasoning salts are exceptional.

https://shop.momofuku.com/products/chili-crunch

Coconut sugar is the third ingredient- looks like it is going to be SWEET! pepsi

#9 Post by **Betty C** » September 9th, 2020, 7:01 pm

Linda Baehr wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 3:58 pm Make your own!

https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/201 ... crisp.html

Waaaay too lazy!

#10 Post by **Betty C** » September 9th, 2020, 7:01 pm

David K o l i n wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 5:24 pm I am pretty meh about Fly By Jing’s product

Any particular reason?

#11 Post by **Betty C** » September 9th, 2020, 7:02 pm

RyanC wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 4:35 pm Momofuku just released a version and I ordered it today. Don’t laugh but I bet it’s awesome. Their seasoning salts are exceptional.

https://shop.momofuku.com/products/chili-crunch

I got that and the seasoning salts. Looking forward to tasting how it stacks up against the OG Lao Gan Ma.

#12 Post by **RyanC** » September 9th, 2020, 7:25 pm

Betty C wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 7:02 pm
RyanC wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 4:35 pm Momofuku just released a version and I ordered it today. Don’t laugh but I bet it’s awesome. Their seasoning salts are exceptional.

https://shop.momofuku.com/products/chili-crunch
I got that and the seasoning salts. Looking forward to tasting how it stacks up against the OG Lao Gan Ma.

The salts are all great. The tingly on roasted veggies is magic. So is the spicy on eggs or anything Asian or pizza. And the savory is good on just about anything at all, particularly toasted meats.

September 9th, 2020, 7:37 pm

Betty C wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 7:01 pm
David K o l i n wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 5:24 pm I am pretty meh about Fly By Jing’s product
Any particular reason?

Not much punch. Light on ma and light on la

#14 Post by **Betty C** » September 9th, 2020, 9:18 pm

RyanC wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 7:25 pm
Betty C wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 7:02 pm
RyanC wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 4:35 pm Momofuku just released a version and I ordered it today. Don’t laugh but I bet it’s awesome. Their seasoning salts are exceptional.

https://shop.momofuku.com/products/chili-crunch
I got that and the seasoning salts. Looking forward to tasting how it stacks up against the OG Lao Gan Ma.
The salts are all great. The tingly on roasted veggies is magic. So is the spicy on eggs or anything Asian or pizza. And the savory is good on just about anything at all, particularly toasted meats.

Good to know! I can always use seasoning to dress up veggies.

#15 Post by **Betty C** » September 9th, 2020, 9:19 pm

David K o l i n wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 7:37 pm
Betty C wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 7:01 pm
David K o l i n wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 5:24 pm I am pretty meh about Fly By Jing’s product
Any particular reason?
Not much punch. Light on ma and light on la

Hmm, that might be a good thing for me, a capsaicin lightweight.

#16 Post by **Mark Y** » September 9th, 2020, 10:42 pm

The Momo version even says its inspired by LGM.

$10 for 120 grams?? That’s like a kg if Lao gan Ma.

#17 Post by **Betty C** » September 9th, 2020, 11:51 pm

Mark Y wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 10:42 pm The Momo version even says its inspired by LGM.

$10 for 120 grams?? That’s like a kg if Lao gan Ma.

I don’t think expensive is necessarily better, but I like that the Momofuku version has no MSG or preservatives. I find that umami-rich ingredients have more depth whereas MSG is a bit one-dimensional.

It’s like the condiment version of getting a good bottle instead of Two Buck Chuck, but I still buy LGM.

#18 Post by **c fu** » September 10th, 2020, 9:57 am

https://www.instagram.com/umameixo/

Worth it. Prob the best chili oil/crisp i've had. Made by Mei Lin of Top Chef fame.

ybarselah · #19 Post by **ybarselah** » September 10th, 2020, 10:05 am

MSG is natural. carry on.

#20 Post by **Ron Slye** » September 10th, 2020, 11:20 am

I like the Don Chilio brand (despite the silly name). The jalapeno is our favorite but if you want more punch there is the Serrano. I have not tried the Habanero. Here is a link to the jalapeno:

I have used them on eggs and sandwiches, but could see using them on pasta and frankly almost anything. They are quite addictive.

#21 Post by **Ron Slye** » September 10th, 2020, 11:21 am

ybarselah wrote: ↑September 10th, 2020, 10:05 am MSG is natural. carry on.

So are arsenic, poison ivy, asbestos, and deadly mushrooms......

#22 Post by **Betty C** » September 10th, 2020, 12:29 pm

ybarselah wrote: ↑September 10th, 2020, 10:05 am MSG is natural. carry on.

Given that I already explained why I prefer a sauce without it, and it has nothing to do with whether it’s natural, what’s your point?

#23 Post by **Betty C** » September 10th, 2020, 12:33 pm

c fu wrote: ↑September 10th, 2020, 9:57 am https://www.instagram.com/umameixo/

Worth it. Prob the best chili oil/crisp i've had. Made by Mei Lin of Top Chef fame.

Thanks! Will check it out. Have you tried the XO sauce too?

My mom makes XO sauce once ever few years so I need some good stuff to tide me over until the next time.

#24 Post by **Betty C** » September 10th, 2020, 12:34 pm

Ron Slye wrote: ↑September 10th, 2020, 11:20 am I like the Don Chilio brand (despite the silly name). The jalapeno is our favorite but if you want more punch there is the Serrano. I have not tried the Habanero. Here is a link to the jalapeno:

I have used them on eggs and sandwiches, but could see using them on pasta and frankly almost anything. They are quite addictive.

Thanks, will check it out!

M. Meer · #25 Post by **M. Meer** » September 10th, 2020, 2:02 pm

Mark Y wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 10:42 pm The Momo version even says its inspired by LGM.

$10 for 120 grams?? That’s like a kg if Lao gan Ma.

Haha, I've been eating it for 10 years, and I never bothered to look at the brand name until just now. A friend who introduced it to me called it "ugly woman sauce," and that's what stuck.

#26 Post by **Betty C** » September 10th, 2020, 3:48 pm

For years, I thought the picture on LGM was of some angry man.

#27 Post by **c fu** » September 10th, 2020, 3:57 pm

Betty C wrote: ↑September 10th, 2020, 12:33 pm
c fu wrote: ↑September 10th, 2020, 9:57 am https://www.instagram.com/umameixo/

Worth it. Prob the best chili oil/crisp i've had. Made by Mei Lin of Top Chef fame.
Thanks! Will check it out. Have you tried the XO sauce too?

My mom makes XO sauce once ever few years so I need some good stuff to tide me over until the next time.

I use the vegan. It’s delicious

Joe W i n o g r a d · September 10th, 2020, 4:05 pm

How does one buy it (Mei Lin XO)?

M. Meer · #29 Post by **M. Meer** » September 10th, 2020, 4:40 pm

Betty C wrote: ↑September 10th, 2020, 3:48 pm For years, I thought the picture on LGM was of some angry man.

Haha, there was definitely some back and forth for us. She makes mean sauces though.

#30 Post by **Mark Y** » September 10th, 2020, 5:20 pm

Betty C wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 11:51 pm
It’s like the condiment version of getting a good bottle instead of Two Buck Chuck, but I still buy LGM.

Hahaha good analogy. Gimme the case of two buck chuck!!

#31 Post by **Betty C** » September 10th, 2020, 8:00 pm

Mark Y wrote: ↑September 10th, 2020, 5:20 pm
Betty C wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 11:51 pm
It’s like the condiment version of getting a good bottle instead of Two Buck Chuck, but I still buy LGM.
Hahaha good analogy. Gimme the case of two buck chuck!!

I’m pretty sure your WB membership is hereby revoked with those words.

#32 Post by **Betty C** » September 13th, 2020, 12:33 pm

Got the Fly by Jing Chili Crisp and tried it with roasted balsamic carrots. Compared to LGM:

-FbJ is spicier, but less numbing.
-The blend of chilis is very fragrant.
-It uses fermented black beans instead of soy beans. This gives it more umami goodness, though I don’t think that flavor complements as wide a range of dishes as LGM.

I would keep both on hand, and alternate depending on if I want more subtle flavor and crisp texture (LGM) or if I want something bolder and hotter (FbJ).

#33 Post by **c fu** » September 13th, 2020, 11:40 pm

Joe W i n o g r a d wrote: ↑September 10th, 2020, 4:05 pm How does one buy it (Mei Lin XO)?

just message their account on IG

#34 Post by **Mark Y** » September 14th, 2020, 10:46 pm

Balllll gameeee

Brent C l a y t o n · September 15th, 2020, 7:51 am

Like everything else, sold out, but...

September 15th, 2020, 8:45 am

Mark Y wrote: ↑September 14th, 2020, 10:46 pm Balllll gameeee

426AE95E-319F-4F43-99E5-0E5F99DBF4C0.jpeg

I’m in

Brent C l a y t o n · September 15th, 2020, 11:11 am

MSG is fine.

#38 Post by **Betty C** » September 15th, 2020, 11:57 am

Mark Y wrote: ↑September 14th, 2020, 10:46 pm Balllll gameeee

426AE95E-319F-4F43-99E5-0E5F99DBF4C0.jpeg

#39 Post by **Betty C** » September 15th, 2020, 11:57 am

Brent C l a y t o n wrote: ↑September 15th, 2020, 11:11 am MSG is fine.

That’s solid relationship advice.

#40 Post by **RyanC** » October 5th, 2020, 8:46 pm

After putting both side-by-side:

Momofuku >>>> LGM

YMMV but my wife strongly agrees

#41 Post by **Betty C** » October 5th, 2020, 11:23 pm

RyanC wrote: ↑October 5th, 2020, 8:46 pm After putting both side-by-side:

Momofuku >>>> LGM

YMMV but my wife strongly agrees

I’m a wuss and Momofuku’s is way too spicy for me. I did love the savory salt though.

October 28th, 2020, 9:36 pm

Here’s a new one for me. There were three peppers jalapeño and ?. I got the Habanero cause I like it hot, but yes it’s hot! I can’t believe how light and crunchy these things are though, really great stuff and I’m going back to buy the other to try.

#43 Post by **Matt Allen** » October 29th, 2020, 6:30 pm

I like the Momofuku and enjoy the heat and funk of it. The jar that I am working on would be no more than spice level 2 out of 5, IMO.

#44 Post by **Ron Slye** » October 29th, 2020, 9:42 pm

Robert M yers wrote: ↑October 28th, 2020, 9:36 pm Here’s a new one for me. There were three peppers jalapeño and ?. I got the Habanero cause I like it hot, but yes it’s hot! I can’t believe how light and crunchy these things are though, really great stuff and I’m going back to buy the other to try.

76F286E1-6966-492D-B79A-CDDDFF3E12DA.jpeg

This is my favorite brand at the moment -- the jalapeno is my favorite, as I dont like it quite that hot! The other one is Serrano -- also pretty hot!

#45 Post by **Jay Miller** » November 3rd, 2020, 12:55 pm

Where has this been all my life?

Based on this thread I ordered the Momofuku version and love it.

#46 Post by **Betty C** » November 3rd, 2020, 12:59 pm

Joe W i n o g r a d wrote: ↑September 10th, 2020, 4:05 pm How does one buy it (Mei Lin XO)?

Heads up, the Mei Lin XO sauce got restocked here: https://nowservingla.com/collections/pa ... i-xo-sauce

Excited to try it!

November 3rd, 2020, 2:18 pm

Jay Miller wrote: ↑November 3rd, 2020, 12:55 pm Where has this been all my life?

Based on this thread I ordered the Momofuku version and love it.

I had never heard of it before this thread and we shop and eat at a LOT of Asian places. This thread motivated us, so we ordered 9 bottles to try out. So far, we love it!

#48 Post by **Betty C** » November 3rd, 2020, 7:46 pm

Chris S p i k e s wrote: ↑November 3rd, 2020, 2:18 pm
Jay Miller wrote: ↑November 3rd, 2020, 12:55 pm Where has this been all my life?

Based on this thread I ordered the Momofuku version and love it.
I had never heard of it before this thread and we shop and eat at a LOT of Asian places. This thread motivated us, so we ordered 9 bottles to try out. So far, we love it!

9 bottles of Momofuku? Or 9 bottles of different brands?

November 3rd, 2020, 8:02 pm

Betty C wrote: ↑November 3rd, 2020, 7:46 pm
Chris S p i k e s wrote: ↑November 3rd, 2020, 2:18 pm
Jay Miller wrote: ↑November 3rd, 2020, 12:55 pm Where has this been all my life?

Based on this thread I ordered the Momofuku version and love it.
I had never heard of it before this thread and we shop and eat at a LOT of Asian places. This thread motivated us, so we ordered 9 bottles to try out. So far, we love it!
9 bottles of Momofuku? Or 9 bottles of different brands?

Momofuku only.

Longer story how we ended up with 9. Supposed to be 4. We're going through it about 1 bottle every 3 weeks.

#50 Post by **Betty C** » November 3rd, 2020, 9:40 pm

Chris S p i k e s wrote: ↑November 3rd, 2020, 8:02 pm
Betty C wrote: ↑November 3rd, 2020, 7:46 pm
Chris S p i k e s wrote: ↑November 3rd, 2020, 2:18 pm

I had never heard of it before this thread and we shop and eat at a LOT of Asian places. This thread motivated us, so we ordered 9 bottles to try out. So far, we love it!
9 bottles of Momofuku? Or 9 bottles of different brands?
Momofuku only.

Longer story how we ended up with 9. Supposed to be 4. We're going through it about 1 bottle every 3 weeks.

It’s a good thing you love it!