A few years ago, we started offering Chef Ruby’s Chili oil at our Chicago location.
There were so many different kinds of chili oil out there but none that could satisfy Chef Ruby’s palette. After giving it some thought, she decided to create her own. Unlike mass-produced versions, our chili oil is handmade in small batches using simple, high-quality vegan ingredients. The magic lies in its balance: a spicy, savory, and aromatic condiment that elevates every food it touches.
Chef Ruby loves it so much that she uses her own chili oil almost every day!
What are the Ingredients in Chef Ruby’s Chili Oil?
Chef Ruby’s chili oil is a bold and flavorful condiment made from a blend of oil, chili, mushrooms, shallots, and garlic. Our chili oil stands out for its deep umami notes, courtesy of the mushrooms, which provide a savory base and complement the heat of the chilies. The garlic infuses the oil with its characteristic pungent aroma and the combination of all ingredients create a rich, layered flavor.
These are the key ingredients:
Chilies – for deep, warming heat
Garlic & Shallots – for adding texture and a pungent aroma
Shiitake Mushrooms – the secret to a bold, umami-packed base.
Canola Oil – carefully infused to capture all the flavors
As with everything we do, our chili oil is completely plant-based. There’s no fish sauce, shrimp paste, or animal byproducts. We only use real and flavorful ingredients made with intention.
Additionally, this condiment is non-gmo, gluten-free, peanut-free, soy-free, and sugar-free!
Which Foods Pair Well with this Spicy Oil?
Chef Ruby’s Chili Oil is the perfect finishing touch for many dishes. It compliments both sweet and savory dishes and a little goes a long way! These are some of the foods that pair well with this condiment:
Noodles, dumplings, and Bao. We especially love it with our original bao and Cha Siu ‘BBQ’ Bao. These baos have a hint of sweetness and the spice gives every bite an interesting balance between sweet and savory.
Roasted vegetables. Our Chili oil is a flavor savior for all summer vegetables! Add it to roasted zucchini, summer squash, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and eggplants.
Grain bowls or salads. These dishes are packed with nutrients and protein and because of it, they can feel very dense. Our Chili oil can add moisture and lightly soften crunchy or dry ingredients. Excellent solution while adding some spice.
Avocado toast or pizza. We have heard from our customers that they combine our chili oil with agave to create a vegan alternative to hot honey. Simply drizzle agave and chili oil on anything to get that ‘sweet hot momma’ taste.
Soups or Ramen. Do you love soup and ramen year round? If these dishes are a staple in your home, this is the spice your pantry is missing. It’s not a coincidence that a side of chili oil is often requested with orders of our Roasted Sesame Miso Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen, and Wonton soup.
Additionally, we highly recommend ‘test and trial’ at home for dressings, marinades, or mixed into vegan mayo for a spicy sandwich spread.
Where Can you Purchase a Jar?
Chef Ruby’s Chili Oil is available in 10 oz. glass jars for $11.95 each at our Alice & Friends Store. Order online for pickup at our Chicago or Glenview locations. Plus, we offer a $1 dollar credit when you bring your cleaned jar for refill at any of our locations.
If you love bold flavor with a touch of culinary artistry, this is your must-have pantry staple. Come grab a jar and bring the magic of Chef Ruby’s kitchen home with you.