To call chili oil a simple condiment would be a disservice to its transformative power: chili oil doesn’t just complement foods, it gives flavors a whole new dimension via its combination of steady spice and savory nuttiness. And yet, simplicity is one of its greatest strengths — if you check the ingredient list on Trader Joe’s Chili Sesame Oil, for instance, you’ll see only sesame oil and dried red chilies. How can something so simple provide such stunning complexity? It’s best not to question it. Better instead to simply enjoy it on anything that could use a bit of savory spice, like pizzas, burgers, potstickers. spring rolls, and more. Made especially for us by a supplier in Thailand, Trader Joe’s Chili Sesame Oil lends foods a flavor boost that takes place in two phases: first, there’s the baseline of toasty, earthy sesame oil, which gives the brighter flavors of whatever you’re adding it to something to bounce off of. Critically, it also coats the tongue, which lets the heat of the red chilies take hold and begin to spread. The more you eat, the more intense the heat becomes, waking up the other flavors present and turning an everyday eating experience into something thrilling. Sounds exciting, no? That’s simply the power of Chili Sesame Oil.