Yoso-Silly - A Chili Crisp Comparison: Fly by Jing, Don Don Surprise, TJ's Chili Onion Crunch, and Home Made

I don't think I've mentioned this before, but our next door neighbor who moved in several years ago is from Hawaii! She's wonderful as is her pup Kai. Her sister, who lives in West Virginia (!!!!) is a talented cook and she recently gifted us with some Chili Crisp she made when she was visiting. Needless to say the Missus loves the stuff, especially on boiled and fried eggs. So naturally, this made the Missus have me buy a couple of different brands to see how they taste.

So, I hope you don't mind a silly post for tonight comparing the various versions I recently bought.

So, left to right:

We were shopping at Marukai....the shop that used to be Marukai Living and is now Marukai "Japanese Grocery". They were having one of their rotating regional Japanese fairs and we saw some rayu that looked like Chili Crisp. I believe it's called Don Don Surprise. While shopping at Trader Joe's we picked up the Chili Onion Crunch. And while recently shopping at Costco, I came across Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp.

The Missus had been using these to flavor different things and noticed a tremendous difference in these three. So, She wanted to do a side-by-side comparison. So I made some roasted smashed baby potatoes and we had at it.

From left to right - follows the photos of the jars. The fourth is the home made version, which we actually liked for the ma-la balance and the strong garlic tones. We'll miss this when it's gone.

As for the retail versions; here's the Missus's favorites

1 - Fly by Jing - Has the most spice, you can also make out fermented black beans. This would work well on any Sichuan style dish. Good ma-la with a savory complexity as well. It's also the most expensive. Gonna love this on cold noodles when the weather gets warmer and cucumber. Not sure about putting it on Vanilla Ice Cream though?

2 - Don Don Surprise - Mildest in terms of spice, but good amount of sesame oil. There's a mild beany flavor to things and I saw Gochujang and Miso on the ingredient list. Good topping for noodle soups.

3 - Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch - Had the most "crunch" of them all, but wasn't very spicy, and had the least amount of complexity. Looking at the label revealed that a host of dried vegetables (dried onion, garlic, red bell peppers) provided all the crunch. But this was really weak and I probably won't be buying it again.

I'm sure we'll be trying other versions as we find them.

Have you been checking our different versions of Chili Crisps/Oil? If so, what are your favorites!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Comments

[Kathy Q]

I buy S & B Umami Topping crunchy garlic w/ chili oil from Mitsuwa or Cost Plus World Market. It’s labeled mild, and it is. Didn’t care for Trader Joe’s version. Tasted “Italian” to me. I’ll check out Fly by Jing for more spice!

[Laurie]

Hi Kirk,
Great topic! My favorite is the Taiwan (Master Sauce Co) Black Bean Crisp Chili Oil from Zion Market (ingredients are soybeans oil, chili, black bean, sesame, sugar)
I used to get the Yank Sing sauce from San Francisco but that city has become not too great to visit so we ran out a while ago and haven't gone back.
Also, my son's Vietnamese finance's mother makes us a homemade special jar of chilis with garlic and other goodies.
BTW, we did try the new Vietnamese restaurant in Tierrasanta and it was good but it might be like you say "not to offend" somewhat toned down.

[kat]

don don surprise is the don quijote private brand, haven’t tried it because it only comes in that big jar

[sdjulie]

Good to know about Fly by Jing. We saw it at Costco the other day, but passed it up. Will get some next Costco run. Costco has recently had interesting ethnic/Asian selections (at least the Poway Costco has). Love it!

[Sandy]

I'm a wimp when it comes to spicy, so I use a very small amount of chili crisp. I've been using the TJ version (purchased by a houseguest) and have the Fly by Jing (not yet opened). You are so lucky to get a homemade version.

[Kirk]

I actually have the S&B Rayu and use it every so often KathyQ! Will look out for the Umami Topping! And your description for the TJ product is right on point!

We used to like the Yank Sing Chili XO sauce Laurie. Thanks for the update on "Mom's Pho" will try to get out there when I have time.

Makes sense Kat! Though they really sold out of it quickly and haven't seen it back in stock.

Hi Julie - Yes, Costco seems to be carrying a lot of Asian products. Recently bought Taiwanese Pineapple Cake because the Missus was missing it.

Our neighbor is wonderful Sandy. Been trading food and stuffs. Let me know what you think of the Fly by Jing when you try it!

[Derek R]

I like the Momofuku chili oil (they carry it at Target now), but I honestly haven't found any that I love (after trying 8+) and prefer to make it at home.

[RedDevil]

I have a pantry full of various chili crisp gifts but lan gao ma is still my favorite although I like fly by jing also. Dave Chang’s momofuku is good if you want one with no msg.

[Peter]

What? No Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp?! I live on that stuff -- the BIG jars from 99 Ranch.

[Kirk]

I make regular chili oil at home, but found making Chili Crisps to be a PIA Derek.

I think the Fly by Jing has more complexity RD. I would have gotten Lan Gao Ma, but they were out the last time I went to 99 Ranch.

99 Ranch was out of Lao Gan Ma the last two times I went Peter.

[CeeLa]

Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp is $5 and is the best and most Asian markets have them.

[Kirk]

Yeah unfortunately my 99 Ranch Market were out of it CeeLa. BTW, have you tried any of these????

[Tom Tomai]

try this. the standard chili crunch is the best

https://shop.momofuku.com/collections/chili-crunch

[Kirk]

Hi Tom - Yes, I'm going to do a follow-up post to this which includes the Momofuku and Lao Gan Ma chili crisps.

[Henni]

Agreed, Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili crisp is the best. I get it at H Mart!

[E Kwong]

Anyone wanna post their recipes? I’d like to try making my own… even tho I like Lao Gan Ma as well as Jing Jing sauce!

[Gaby]

The don don surprise is just great, brought a jar back from Japan but struggling to find it anywhere! Does anyone know where you can buy online?