Poon's London Extraordinary Chilli Oil 125g

Chilli Oil

Poon’s London Extraordinary Chilli Oil 125g is a deeply savoury, aromatic chilli oil that goes far beyond simple heat. Awarded two stars at the Great Taste Awards in 2023 and praised by critics for its smoky depth and balance, this is a jar that you’ll return to again and again.

What sets it apart is the use of salted black beans, which bring a rich, fermented intensity to the oil. Combined with garlic, ginger and carefully balanced chilli, the result is a layered Chinese chilli oil with warmth, fragrance and proper umami character. It is not aggressively fiery. Instead, it builds gently, delivering savouriness first, then a steady glow of heat.

Originally made by Bill Poon for friends and family who would send empty jam jars to be filled, it was later bottled more widely after Helen Goh of Ottolenghi tasted it and encouraged production. Today it is a favourite among food lovers looking for premium chilli oil with real depth. Spoon it over noodles, rice, dumplings or fried eggs. Drizzle onto pizza or roasted vegetables. Stir it through hummus, pasta, marinades or salad dressings for a savoury lift that feels generous rather than overpowering.

Key Features:

• 125g jar.
• Great Taste Award two star winner 2023.
• Made with salted black beans for added depth.
• Balanced heat with smoky savoury notes.
• Created from Bill Poon’s original small batch recipe.
• Suitable for drizzling or cooking.

Recipe Inspiration:

• Chilli oil noodles: Toss thick wheat noodles with a spoonful of Extraordinary Chilli Oil and a splash of noodle cooking water for a glossy, savoury bowl in minutes.
• Fried eggs with chilli crunch: Top crisp edged fried eggs with a small spoonful and serve over steamed rice for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Roasted vegetables with black bean heat: Drizzle over roasted cauliflower or aubergine just before serving to add warmth and depth.
• Chilli oil hummus: Swirl into smooth hummus with a squeeze of lemon for a punchy dip that pairs well with flatbreads and raw vegetables.

What makes salted black beans important in chilli oil?

Salted black beans are fermented soy beans that bring concentrated umami and a slightly earthy, savoury quality. In chilli oil, they add complexity and body, turning it into more than just spiced oil and giving it a fuller, rounded taste.

How much chilli oil should you use in a dish?

Start with a teaspoon per portion and adjust to taste. Because the oil carries both heat and salt, a small amount can transform a dish without overwhelming it. It works particularly well as a finishing condiment added just before serving.

Can you use chilli oil in non Chinese recipes?

Yes, it works surprisingly well beyond Asian cooking. Stir it into tomato pasta sauces for added depth, brush it over grilled meat, or mix into mayonnaise for a savoury spread for sandwiches and burgers.

Ingredients:

Rapeseed Oil (64%), Water, Salted Black SOYBEANS, Garlic, Ginger, Light SOYA Sauce (Water, Salt, SOYBEANS, WHEAT Flour, Preservative: E211, Flavour Enhancers: E631, E627), Sugar, Crushed Chilli, Salt, Birdseye Chilli. May contain CRUSTACEANS, SESAME and SULPHITES

Allergens highlighted in BOLD.

Please be aware that ingredients, including allergens, are subject to change. At Infusions4chefs, we consistently update our product database and strive to provide accurate allergen information for each product. If you have concerns about allergens, we strongly advise checking the product label before using it.