Momoya Chili Oil with Fried Garlic: A Spicy Staple for Every Kitchen
When your meal could do with a little more spice, you can count on momoya chili oil. This beloved Japanese condiment includes a fried garlic flavor that combines well with the spicy chili to bring any dish to life!
Introduction to Momoya Chili Oil: A Flavorful Explosion
Momoya chili oil is a condiment added to foods such as rice and pizza to improve their flavor and spiciness. It also serves as an ingredient for seasoning a variety of dishes, including noodles, chicken, and beef.
The product, also known as Momoya Rayu, is made with vegetable oil blended with fried garlic, onion, and several other ingredients. We’ll discuss these ingredients in detail later in this post. It comes in a small transparent jar and weighs 110g (3.88oz).
Momoya chili oil is one of the best-selling products of Momoya, a Japanese processed food manufacturer. The company has been around since 1920 and boasts over a dozen different kinds of products. Their chili oil is only a portion of their diverse condiment series, most of which are rated 5-stars by consumers and critics.
Although made and distributed in Japan, you can now buy Momoya chili oil anywhere in the world thanks to sites like Bokksu Market. There may be many such condiments on the market, but Momoya Rayu is one of the best thanks to its unique, addictive taste.
Disclaimer
×Bokksu is not responsible for the accuracy of the products’ nutritional or allergen information. Warning: California’s Proposition 65 may be in effect. For more information,visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Some Bokksu Market products are produced overseas and may have a Production Date printed on the packaging, rather than a Best Buy Date as is standard in North America. If your product appears expired, do not be alarmed! This is most likely the Production Date. All items have been double checked to ensure they are not expired and safe to eat.
The Secret Behind Momoya's Irresistible Taste
To uncover the secrets of this spicy oil and why it stands out, I’ll take you on a journey through all of the natural ingredients that form the core recipe.
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Chili flakes: crushed red pepper flakes are added to produce the spicy umami flavor.
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Fried garlic: less pungent than raw garlic and adds a crunchy, sweet punch.
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Sesame oil: one part of the vegetable oil for flavor balance.
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Rapeseed (canola) oil: second part of the vegetable oil, as a neutral
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Fried onion: added to improve aroma and taste but not as prominently as the garlic
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Sugar: added sweetener
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Salt: brings out the tastiness of the oil
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Paprika: powdered spice for additional kick
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Grated sesame seeds: good source of protein
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Soy sauce: a major part of Japanese recipes and vital for umami
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Seasoning and antioxidant: provides amino acids, better taste, and vitamin E
The end result is a chili oil recipe that’s quite different from the homemade ones you might be used to. It isn’t so spicy that you can’t enjoy your meal, but it’s spicy enough for you to feel the difference instantly. No more bland dishes for you!
Homemade Chili Oil vs. Momoya: A Comparative Analysis
Earlier, I mentioned that Momoya’s store-bought chili oil is different from homemade variants. Here, I’ll explain how by comparing the flavors and textures of the two options.
Homemade is thicker
If I were blindfolded and asked to taste both versions, I'd easily tell which one was homemade because of the thickness. Momoya oil has a lighter texture.
Homemade tends to have a greasy aftertaste
This has happened to me many times. I have friends who complain of the same thing: homemade chili oil has a greasy aftertaste. I didn’t notice such a taste when I used the Momoya chilli oil.
Momoya has a better aroma
Depending on your method of cooking, both homemade and Momoya chili oils smell good. However, Momoya oil has a brighter aroma, while homemade oil smells a little smoky. This doesn’t have to be bad for homemade oils because some people prefer the earthy smell.
Momoya is better for flavor consistency
Unlike an industrial factory, you'll find it difficult to replicate the taste of your homemade chili oil each time you make it. Differences in your cooking process, concentration, and ingredients used will cause your end results to vary.
Momoya has a longer shelf life
Your homemade chili oil will last for two to three months when you store it in an airtight container. Momoya Rayu, on the other hand, has a shelf life of about six months.
Diverse Uses of Momoya Chili Oil in Cooking
Chili oil has always been my go-to for all things spice. That’s because of it’s fantastic utility. Check out some creative ways to incorporate this garlic chili oil in various cuisines and dishes below.
1. Use it to make Arrabbiata sauce
This is my favorite use of Momoya chili oil. The arrabbiata sauce typically contains tomatoes, vegetable oil, chili pepper, and garlic. All but one of those are already in the Rayu. I use it when making my arrabiata and the result is never disappointing.
2. Pour it on avocado
After peeling and deseeding my avocado, I like to cut it into small slices and serve it on a plate. Then I top it off with a spoonful of rayu. Try it and thank me later.
3. Mix it with fried rice
Fried rice tastes better with a spicy garlic flavor added to it. After cooking the dish, I like to add about two tablespoons of rayu for that extra umami flavor.
4. Pour it on grilled chicken
As soon as you’re done grilling the chicken, you can pour rayu on it and enjoy the flavored mix.
5. Add it to sweet potatoes
Most people usually add butter to their baked potatoes, but I have a better idea. Try using chili oil instead!
6. Mix it with pasta sauce
You can also customize your pasta sauce by adding this oil to butter and fresh mint. You should notice an immediate improvement in taste.
7. Use it with salad
Your salad dressings don’t have to be bland. Add some spice with this hot oil. I’ll admit that it doesn’t work for every type of dressing. If yours contains carrots or dried fruit, you have a better chance of pulling it off.
8. Drizzle it on pizza
Add more flavor to pizza by drizzling some rayu on it. Doing this will also allow you to dip the pizza crust into the oil easily.
9. Serve it with fried rice
Enjoy Momoya with a serving of fried rice. Mix it with at least three tablespoons.
10. Pour it into a deep-fried dumpling
A moderate amount of chili oil will do wonders for your deep-fried dumpling.
The Role of Sesame and Canola Oil in Momoya's Blend
You may have noticed me mention two key types of oils when talking about the Momoya Rayu recipe: sesame oil and canola oil. Both play different but equally important roles.
Sesame oil helps to preserve the original flavor of the chili pepper and garlic. It also balances out both taste and texture. The oil is from sesame seeds and tastes like nuts, but it's low in fat and healthy.
Canola oil is a neutral-flavored oil. Hence, it doesn’t have much impact on the taste of Momoya chili oil. However, it helps to bring out the garlic and chili pepper flavors, making it a key ingredient. Canola oil is made from rapeseed seeds. I’ve seen some brands use other alternatives as a neutral base, like:
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corn oil
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grapeseed oil
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peanut oil
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avocado oil
I prefer canola.
Enhancing Recipes with Momoya: From Sesame Seeds to Chili Peppers
The best way to use delicious chili oil is to elevate everyday recipes. You might end up putting it on everything you eat, but I found that there are some recipes where chili pepper and sesame seeds are a must!
Pour it on:
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Rice
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Soups
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Gyoza dumplings
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Noodles
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Eggs
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Meat
Mix it with:
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Soy sauce
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Vinegar
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Stir-fried dishes
Chili peppers and garlic add a unique kick to these meals. Couple that with the flavor balance and nutrients from the sesame oil, and you’ll understand why I’m such a big fan of the rayu. There are chili oil brands that use light olive oil instead, but I think sesame seeds taste better.
Conclusion: Why Momoya Chili Oil is a Must-Have in Your Pantry
The Momoya Rayu is healthy, spicy, and tasty. It’s not so hot that you can’t handle it, making it a great option to add to meals you share with family and friends. I prefer it to making chili oil at home because I require flavor consistency and a long shelf life.
Because Momoya Chili Oil with Fried Garlic is so inexpensive, you are free to purchase an unlimited quantity from Bokksu Market if you find yourself irresistibly drawn to it. I’ve read stories of people who use it as a topping for all their meals. For them, it's the best chili oil.
Bokksu is not responsible for the accuracy of the products’ nutritional or allergen information. Warning: California’s Proposition 65 may be in effect. For more information,visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Some Bokksu Market products are produced overseas and may have a Production Date printed on the packaging, rather than a Best Buy Date as is standard in North America. If your product appears expired, do not be alarmed! This is most likely the Production Date. All items have been double checked to ensure they are not expired and safe to eat.
Disclaimer
×
My final verdict? Momoya Rayu is awesome and you should try it!
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