Chili Paste

• Use chili paste to quickly and easily add a spicy kick to noodle dishes like ramen or stir-fries. Simply mix a spoonful of chili paste into the sauce to achieve your desired level of heat and flavor.
• Blend chili paste into marinades for grilled meats, poultry, or seafood. The chili paste will infuse the protein with a rich, spicy flavor and help tenderize the meat. Try it with chicken wings, pork tenderloin, or shrimp skewers.
• Stir chili paste into soups and stews to enhance their warmth and complexity. It works especially well in tomato-based soups, hearty stews, and brothy noodle soups. A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
• Create flavorful dipping sauces by combining chili paste with other ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. This is perfect for dumplings, spring rolls, or even as a sauce for vegetables.
• Incorporate chili paste into dressings for salads or slaws to give them a fiery twist. Mix it with vinegar, oil, and other seasonings for a bold and zesty vinaigrette.
• Use chili paste as a flavor booster in sauces like pasta sauces or homemade BBQ sauces. It can add a deep, complex flavor that elevates these sauces and gives them a spicy edge.

• May boost metabolism due to capsaicin content, potentially aiding in weight management.
• Rich in antioxidants, helping to combat free radicals and reduce cellular damage.
• Could improve cardiovascular health by helping to lower cholesterol levels.
• Some chili pastes contain probiotics, which can promote a healthy gut microbiome.
• May help to clear congestion and relieve sinus pressure due to its spicy nature.

Chili paste should be stored in the refrigerator after opening to maintain its flavor and prevent spoilage. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed. To prolong its shelf life, you can also store it in the freezer in small, airtight containers or ice cube trays. When freezing in ice cube trays, transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag for convenient portioning. Even when refrigerated, check for any signs of mold or an off odor before using.