Holy Duck Chili Oil (OG, Lava & Vegan)

An unduckingly unbelievable experience.

Holy Duck is the jar that lives at the top of our tier list, the one we reach for when nobody’s filming. The trick is in the name: duck fat. Where most chili oils build on a neutral seed oil, Holy Duck’s richness coats everything it touches and makes other jars taste a little thin afterward.

The lineup

We unboxed the trio: the OG, the Lava, and the Vegan.

• OG: the flagship. Rich, garlicky, deeply savory. This is the S-tier experience.
• Lava: same DNA, more fire. For the folks who thought the OG was a warm-up.
• Vegan: no duck, still very good, for the plant-based members of the gang.

The taste test

Rich is the word we kept coming back to. The garlic is heavy without being harsh, the crisp is satisfying, and the duck fat gives it a roundness that seed-oil jars can’t reach. On rice, noodles, or a fried egg it’s borderline unfair.

Limited edition: Spot Prawn Supreme Chili Oil

We also had the chance to try Holy Duck’s limited edition Spot Prawn Supreme Chili Oil, and it brings a different personality to the lineup. Instead of duck fat, this version is made with prawn oil from spot prawn heads, giving it a richer seafood flavor from the very first smell. It has a slightly more roasted aroma while keeping the same smooth, velvety texture we’ve come to expect from Holy Duck. It’s not a replacement for the OG, but it’s a fun twist that seafood lovers should keep an eye out for whenever it comes back.

Verdict

S tier. Our favorite. If you only buy one premium jar this year and you’re not vegan, buy this one (and if you are vegan, they made one for you too).

Where to buy: Holy Duck’s online shop.

Watch the Spot Prawn tasting