Blank Slate Kitchen Sichuan Chili Oil

If you like the tingling sensation from Sichuan peppercorns, this one is for sure for you.

Blank Slate Kitchen’s Sichuan Chili Oil is a specialist’s jar: it exists to deliver málà — that numbing-spicy Sichuan peppercorn sensation — and it delivers.

The taste test

This is much less crispy-crunchy than the crisps on our list; the ratio leans oil, in a bigger 8-ounce jar (~$12.99, on the inexpensive side for craft). The Sichuan peppercorn is extremely prominent — it numbs your lips as you eat, tingling without being severe. This became our go-to for dumplings when we want the tingle.

A few honest warnings:

• It’s on the savory/salty side. If you’re salt-sensitive, go easy.
• Some Amazon reviewers say it tastes like licorice. We don’t get that at all, but if you’re licorice-averse, now you know.
• If we could change one thing: more crunch, a little less oil.

Verdict

B tier overall — but A tier for its niche. Tier lists flatten nuance: as an all-purpose jar it’s mid, but if “numbing spice lovers” is you (it’s in our URL for a reason), bump it up a full grade. Mix it with a splash of soy sauce and thank us later.