It's been a while since Trader Joe's has introduced a new condiment. The last creations Trader Joe's introduced were the Umami Mushroom Seasoning and the Everything but the Bagel seasoning. One knocked it out of the park. The other is still sitting in my pantry cabinet. Now, we have a new seasoning that is oil-based but seems like the partial contents of a spice cabinet have been emptied into it: Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch.
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Review
If you are an EBTB seasoning fan, you'll probably swoon over this. Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch has some of the same flavors: onion, garlic, and salt.
This product is like "say hello to your new secret weapon." Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch brings all the bold flavors of a spicy chili oil-but with turbocharged texture thanks to crunchy dried onions and garlic. It's the condiment that doesn't just whisper flavor it shouts it from the rooftops and then drags you along for the ride. Just check your expectations on the spice level.
That first spoonful is pure magic. You get a sizzling burst of garlic and onion that crackles on your tongue followed by a warm chili punch that is anything but hot.
The texture is the real MVP here. Those little onion bits stay crunchy, even after sitting in oil. Sprinkle it on noodles or tacos and you get heat and crunch in a single bite. It transforms slumbering dishes into flavor fireworks.
This stuff isn't shy about heat or salt so a little goes a long way. Start small, then go bigger. Drizzle over fried eggs, avocado toast, pizza, burrito bowls, scrambled tofu or basically, everything.
Jar size? Maybe still full after dinner No chance. It disappears fast once this becomes a staple in the kitchen. But if you find that you are downing this nearly $5 condiment a little too often, feel free to check out my Copycat Chili Onion Crunch Recipe.
Frequently asked questions
The following are commonly asked questions about Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch.
No, this is shelf-stable as it contains no water.
Trader Joe's product is far less spicy. So if you are looking for a kick then reach for Lao Gan Ma instead. If you want more onion and garlic flavor then reach for the Trader Joe's product.
You can use this with chicken, pork, beef, tofu, seafood, pasta, vegetables, pasta, and bread. Each of those has potential for solid flavor pairings.
Yes, this is sold year-round. You can also get this through third-party sellers on Amazon. You can also make this at home.
So what can I put this on?
This is a pretty flexible spice mix. Chicken, pork, beef, tofu, pasta, vegetables, pasta, bread all come to mind. This could be used as part of a marinade, mixed in with a more bland sauce, mixed with butter to make rich and tasty compound butter, which are just the start of ideas.
But overall, this is a pretty flexible seasoning blend.
For $4.49 this is loaded with seasonings and really can amp up the flavor of a dish.
What if I want to make this at home?
I've got you covered. I've been working on a copycat as soon as I got this. Plus, I hated reading on social media about how far people were searching for these little jars. You can see my recipe here. It's a total Chili Onion Crunch dupe and you can see it in the reviews of how good it is.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch brings all the zing in a jar. With crackling garlic and onion in chili oil you get instant flavor upgrade on eggs pasta tacos and more. Just a little goes a long way so start slow and watch this jar disappear fast. It's bold, it's fun, and it belongs in your kitchen arsenal.
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Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch
Product Name: Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch
Product Description: Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch is loaded with onions, garlic, and peppers in olive oil.
Price: $4.49
Currency: USD
Availability: InStoreOnly
Summary
Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch is a seasoning oil that is loaded with spices
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Crunchy garlic onion chili combo wakes up any dish
- Versatile Condiment works with everything from eggs to ice cream (okay maybe not ice cream but close)
- Jar Disappears Fast once you start you’re hooked
Cons
- Salty Punch use sparingly or it could overpower
- Oil-Heavy you might end up with a slick layer in the ja
Dagmar says
I'm so excited about this product. I am the Condiment Queen! I love me some condiments.
becomebetty says
Did you get a chance to find this one yet?
AJ says
I love EBTB so I’ll have to try this:)
becomebetty says
Did you get a chance to try it yet?
AJ says
No not yet. I haven’t been down the states yet this summer to pick it up. Maybe I’ll get a Chance next week when I’m taking a short trip down
Kelly says
just bought and drizzled it over Sliced tomato/mozzarella/Basil/Balsamic vinegar (Bruschetta like with out the bread or Caprese saladish)....Bottom line.... YUM! Added great flavor, not too much salt, little heat kick...but also that fun CRUNCH texture that makes you go Wow...that's fun and Flavorful!
becomebetty says
Hey Kelly! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this!
Susie says
So far we have put it on meatballs subs, schwarma chicken (also from TJ's) and another Chinese dish. You described it perfectly. It has a very mild heat, the crunch makes things interesting. We like it so far.
becomebetty says
Hey Susie! It sounds like you've experimented quite a bit on this one. Thanks so much for sharing your list of ideas!
Andrew Kinne says
Its good. But not as good as Lao Gan Ma!
becomebetty says
Hey Andrew! Perhaps not, but the is waaaay more mild in nature too. Thanks so much for taking the time out of your day to stop by!
Khutch says
Yes!!!!!! Just had this yesterday!
We made Naan Pizza!
1st spread the Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch all over the Garlic Naan
2nd cover the chili onion crunch with Quattro Formaggio (Cheese).
3rd place a few tablespoons of the TJ pizza sauce.
Cook at 350 for 15-20 min!
Great appetizer!
Absolutely love the crunch! Will try it on scallops next!
becomebetty says
Hey Khutch! Thanks so much for sharing this. Sounds delicious! Thanks again for taking the time out of your day to share with everyone.
Jo says
Is the Chili Onion Crunch gluten-free?
It lists “natural ingredients “ which could contain gluten.
becomebetty says
Hey Jo! It is not labeled as being gluten-free so I won't ever assume it is. The ones who would know are Trader Joe's and it would be worthwhile asking them. Here is the link to reach out to them: https://www.traderjoes.com/contact-us/product-feedback
If you want one that can be made gluten-free, stay tuned for my copycat recipe which posts tonight.
Kristina Reed says
I was thinking about toasted baguette with goat cheese, sliced asian pear & chili onion oil. I've just read some revues that said the garlic was "stank".
becomebetty says
Hey Kristina! Great suggestions for this. I didn't find the garlic bad in this at all. Some people are more sensitive to garlic than others too. I'm posting a copycat recipe tonight at 8PM if you want to make it yourself. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Cele says
I copied someone else’s suggestion: pizza using naan as a base, then pimiento cheese, and the chili onion crunch on top. Pretty darn good! I did make a copycat of this myself before I was able to get to TJs, mine was much hotter (I didn’t have any proportions to go by, just the ingredient list) – and I found that the original TJs version was a lot milder. I’ll use up the jar, no problem (LOL) and then will copycat it again. Thanks for your review!
becomebetty says
Hey Cele! That's the beauty of the comments section: to see how others are using products. While I come up with my suggestions my readers always come up with awesome ideas. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing!
inspirationforwellness says
That sounds interesting!
becomebetty says
It really was an interesting try. It's become hard to find recently, but hopefully it will be back on shelves soon. Thanks for stopping by!