Homemade crispy chilli oil

Method

1. Pour the oil into a saucepan with a spout. Add the ginger, shallots and garlic, then place over a medium heat and gradually bring to 160°C. Meanwhile, put the Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon stick and fennel seeds in a dry frying pan and toast over a medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Crush the peppercorns and fennel seeds in a pestle and mortar.
2. Mix the toasted spices with the remaining ingredients in a heatproof container that holds at least a litre, as the oil will bubble up a lot when you pour it in. Mould the mixture into a pyramid, then make an indent in the tip – this is what you’ll pour your oil into.
3. As the oil heats up, the ginger, shallots and garlic will sizzle and begin to colour. As soon as they turn golden, remove them with a slotted spoon. Discard the ginger and leave the shallots and garlic to crisp up as they cool.
4. Once the oil is up to temperature, very carefully pour around a quarter of it into the chilli mixture – it will instantly bubble up and produce a lot of steam. Give everything a good mix, then continue to pour the oil slowly, until the bowl or jar is filled. Leave to cool for 10 minutes, add the fried garlic and shallots, then transfer to a sterilised jar. Seal and leave to infuse at room temperature overnight.
5. The next day, carefully remove and discard the star anise, cinnamon and bay leaves. Keep the chilli oil in the fridge for up to a month.