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Close-up of Chili Onion Crunch in a white pot with a spoonful lifted above the oil, showing crispy garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes.

Chili Onion Crunch

Crispy, garlicky, and packed with bold flavor, this homemade chili onion crunch is the ultimate topping for eggs, pasta, pizza, and more. Better than store-bought and easy to customize to your heat preference.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 1 cup

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup olive oil
  • ½ cup dehydrated minced onion
  • ¼ cup dehydrated minced garlic
  • 2 –3 tbsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp Aleppo pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt

Instructions
 

  • In a deep skillet or saucepan, add: olive oil, dehydrated onion and garlic,
    image of chili garlic and onion in a skillet
  • Heat over medium low heat for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything becomes golden and fragrant. You’re looking for that perfect crispy texture—not burnt.
  • Add: Red pepper flakes, aleppo pepper, smoked paprika, salt
    chili onion crunch being made on the stove
  • Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step blooms the spices and deepens the flavor.
  • Stir in: soy sauce
  • Let it cool completely—this is when it thickens and gets that signature chili crunch texture.
    chili onion crunch
  • Transfer to an airtight container or jar. Keeps up to 3 months

Notes

Tips for the Best Chili Crunch

    • Don’t rush the garlic—it burns fast (you can use fresh minced garlic instead of dehydrated but if you do, be sure to store it in the fridge)
  • Use Aleppo pepper for flavor, not just heat
    • f you can't find Aleppo pepper, you can substitute with Korean Gochugaru or a mix of sweet paprika and a pinch of cayenne
  • Let it cool completely before judging texture
  • Adjust spice level based on your audience (kid-friendly vs spicy lovers)
 
Because this recipe contains garlic and soy sauce (moisture), if you aren't using it within a week, store it in the refrigerator to ensure it stays fresh and safe.
Keyword condiment, sauce