Sichuan Chili Oil Dumpling Soup: A Perfect Bowl of Comfort
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, silky dumplings, and spicy aromatic broths, this Sichuan Chili Oil Dumpling Soup is a must-try recipe. The combination of tender dumplings swimming in a seasoned chicken broth, topped with a fragrant and fiery homemade Sichuan chili oil, creates an irresistible dish that will warm you from the inside out.
This recipe takes inspiration from Sichuan cuisine, known for its unique use of spices like Sichuan peppercorns and chili flakes, which create a tingling, numbing sensation and deep layers of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it to impress guests, this soup is simple yet packed with complex tastes.
The dumpling recipe can be found here on my blog. Make a big batch, freeze them, and pull them out whenever you’re craving this delicious soup!
Why This Sichuan Chili Oil Dumpling Soup Stands Out
• Rich and Layered Flavors: The soup combines spicy, tangy, salty, and umami notes. The Sichuan chili oil is the star, adding a bold punch to every bite.
• Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the chili oil to suit your spice preference, making it perfect for everyone at the table.
• Easy Dumpling Prep: Use the homemade dumplings recipe from my blog or even store-bought ones in a pinch!
• Comfort in Every Sip: The warm broth, combined with chewy dumplings and aromatic toppings, creates the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients for Sichuan Chili Oil
Aromatic Spice Blend:
• 1/4 cup finely chopped garlic
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup finely sliced scallions
• 6 tbsp crushed red chili flakes
• 2 tbsp paprika (for vibrant color)
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (adds a nutty aroma)
• 2 tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder (numbing spice)
• 1 star anise (optional, for warm undertones)
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp sugar
For the Oil Base:
• 1/2 cup neutral oil (vegetable or grapeseed oil works best)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Ingredients for Dumpling Soup
• 6 dumplings (homemade recipe available here)
• 2 cups water (to boil dumplings)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 tsp white pepper (adds subtle heat)
• 1/4 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp soy sauce (for umami depth)
• 1/2 tsp rice vinegar (for tanginess)
Step 1: Prepare the Sichuan Chili Oil
This homemade chili oil is the heart of this dish. Its deep red hue, combined with a bold aroma, adds layers of heat and flavor.
1. In a heatproof bowl, combine the garlic, cilantro, scallions, crushed red chili flakes, paprika, sesame seeds, Sichuan peppercorn powder, salt, sugar, and star anise. These dry ingredients will soak up the oil’s heat and release incredible flavors.
2. Heat 1/2 cup of neutral oil in a stainless steel saucepan over medium-high heat until it just starts to smoke.
3. Slowly ladle the hot oil over the spice mixture in the bowl. You’ll hear it sizzle and smell the spices bloom immediately—this is where the magic happens.
4. Stir well and let the mixture cool completely.
5. Remove the star anise for a smoother texture. Add the soy sauce and rice vinegar to balance the flavors with umami and acidity.
6. Transfer the chili oil to a glass mason jar for storage. Keep it refrigerated, and it will stay fresh for up to a month.
This chili oil isn’t just for soup—it’s fantastic on noodles, fried rice, or even as a dipping sauce for dumplings.
Step 2: Make the Dumpling Soup
Now that your chili oil is ready, it’s time to bring the soup together.
1. In a stockpot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add the dumplings and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. This indicates they are cooked through.
3. In another saucepan, warm 1/2 cup of chicken broth over medium heat.
4. Season the broth with white pepper, salt, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir well and taste to ensure the balance of flavors. Adjust if necessary.
Step 3: Assemble the Soup
1. Pour the hot, seasoned chicken broth into a serving bowl.
2. Carefully place the boiled dumplings into the bowl. Arrange them evenly so each spoonful has a dumpling.
3. Drizzle Sichuan chili oil generously over the soup. Start with 1 tablespoon, taste, and add more if you want extra heat.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced scallions, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch and color.
Serving Suggestions and Tips
• Pair It With: Serve this soup alongside stir-fried vegetables, Chinese cucumber salad, or scallion pancakes for a complete meal.
• Make It Ahead: The chili oil can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator for quick use.
• Freeze Extra Dumplings: Dumplings freeze beautifully! Keep them on hand for whenever the craving strikes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sichuan Chili Oil Dumpling Soup is perfect for those who love bold, vibrant flavors. The combination of a delicate broth, tender dumplings, and the fiery richness of homemade chili oil creates a dish that feels both indulgent and nourishing.
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! And don’t miss the chance to make your own dumplings using my step-by-step guide here.
Enjoy your bowl of Sichuan Chili Oil Dumpling Soup, and happy cooking!
Sichuan Chili Oil Dumpling Soup
1
servings20
minutes15
minutesA bold and comforting dish featuring tender dumplings in a rich, spicy Sichuan chili oil broth.
Ingredients
1/4 cup 1/4 finely chopped garlic
1/4 cup 1/4 finely chopped cilantro
1/4 cup 1/4 finely sliced scallions
6 tbsp 6 crushed red chili flakes
2 tbsp 2 paprika
2 tbsp 2 sesame seeds
2 tsp 2 sichuan pepper corn powder
1 1 star anise
1 tsp 1 salt
2 tsp 2 sugar
1 tbsp 1 soy sauce
1 tbsp 1 rice vinegar
1/2 cup 1/2 oil
- Dumpling Soup
6 6 dumplings https://flavoredbyfatima.com/2021/06/15/chinese-dumplings/
1/2 cup 1/2 chicken broth
1/4 tsp 1/4 white pepper
1/4 tsp 1/4 salt
1/2 tsp 1/2 soy sauce
1/2 tsp 1/2 rice vinegar
Directions
- In a bowl add garlic, cilantro, green onions, crushed pepper, paprika, sesame seeds, sichuan peppercorn, salt, sugar and star anise.
- Heat oil in a stainless steel saucepan until it starts to smoke.
- Slowly ladle hot oil on the ingredients until you run out of oil, mix well and let it cool.
- Remove the star anise, add soy sauce and rice vinegar. Mix well and store the oil in a glass mason jar for longevity.
- Refrigerate the oil when not in use.
- Dumpling Soup
- In a stock pot heat 2 cup of water and boil the dumplings for 4 to 5 minutes.
- In an another saucepan heat the chicken broth, season with salt, white pepper, soy sauce and rice vinegar.
- Pour the soup in a bowl, add the dumplings and garnish with Sichuan chili oil to taste.
- Enjoy hot!
