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I write about kitchen products for a living, and I'm putting this irresistibly spicy condiment in everyone's stockings this year
Finding the perfect gift can be a challenge. But my motto is, "When in doubt, give 'em food." As someone who writes about all things kitchen-related, I personally love receiving edible gifts. I like giving them, too — and this year? I'm stuffing my family's stockings with jars of the uber-popular Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp. Unlike other condiments that are pure heat, this lends a spicy kick that's not too overpowering and has an irresistible savory flavor. I've been putting it on everything from noodles and rice to vegetables and seafood for a few years now, and it's time to share the wealth.
Made in small batches, this beloved condiment is vegan, sugar-free and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives.
Fly By Jing's namesake founder, Jing, took inspiration from the flavors of her hometown of Chengdu while developing her sauces. And the chili crisp in particular has arguably become the brand's most iconic product. It's not surprising — you can put it on practically anything, and that includes dessert! (Fly By Jing recommends it as a vanilla ice cream topper, and they've even featured it on cheesecake on their Instagram.)
Of course, you can also stay the savory course — it's killer on eggs, dumplings, pizza ... anything you'd normally put hot sauce on. In addition to containing dried chili and Sichuan peppers for a slight tingling sensation, it's also made with preserved black bean, garlic, sesame oil, shallots, ginger, mushroom powder and seaweed powder for a burst of umami.
Something else that sets it apart from other spicy condiments? Texture. It has an oil base, but, true to its name, is packed with crispy bits for a satisfying crunch. And on that note, I'll be right back — I might need to go scarf down a spoonful straight from the jar.
I'm far from being the only fan of this chili crisp — over 4,700 Amazon customers are eating it up, too.
"We put it on everything," raved one happy reviewer. "I bought it for my husband as a stocking stuffer and we devoured it all before the new year. We even put it on vanilla ice cream, as recommended on the label. It really can't be beat. I've tried other chili crisps, but this stuff has soul."
"This sauce is SO delicious!" gushed another impressed buyer. "Not too spicy, and the crispy crunch of the tiny black beans adds a great texture. VERY flavorful, adds an extra special something to anything you put it on! I’ve put this on veggies, jasmine rice, chicken … it’s super versatile and I’ll always have it in my fridge! Delish!"
"So yummy," wrote a final fan. "Gone too fast! Only complaint is that the oil leaks. They need to come up with a different lid or something."
Season's eatings!
Want something with a little less heat? Fly By Jing's Zhong Sauce is sweet and savory, with just a bit of a kick:
My sister, who isn't a fan of super spicy food, is obsessed with this stuff. It's made with soy sauce, brown sugar, dried chili pepper, garlic, sesame oil, mushroom powder — all the makings of a highly craveable condiment.
"Oh my goodness gracious!" exclaimed a content consumer. "If I could, I would eat this stuff by the teaspoon right out of the bottle! It is so fantastic on so many things! From noodles to mashed potatoes! It takes a Cup of Noodles, the most dull food on the planet, and turns it into an exciting plate!"
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
