Heat the Oil: Pour ¼ cup of vegetable oil into a medium pot and warm it over medium heat until hot and shimmering.

Fry the Garlic: Add the thinly sliced garlic cloves and pan-fry, stirring often, until the garlic just begins to turn golden, which usually takes about 2 minutes. The sizzling garlic fills the kitchen with an incredible aroma.

Toast the Sesame Seeds: Stir in the toasted sesame seeds and cook for another minute until the garlic is crisp and toasty. Be careful not to overcook—remember that the garlic will continue to crisp slightly after being removed from the heat.

Combine with Chili Flakes: Carefully pour the hot oil mixture over the waiting red pepper flakes in the bowl. Stir gently to combine, and watch as the oil turns a gorgeous, vibrant red. Allow the chili oil to cool completely.

Enjoy Your Garlic Chili Oil!