Servings: 7 cups Author: Khanh Huynh, chef/owner, Pho La Mint in South Reno Ingredients1 cup neutral oil avocado or vegetable6 cloves garlic thinly sliced2 stalks lemongrass finely minced (white parts only)½ cup Japones chile flakes or adjust for preferred heat level¼ cu p fried shallots or onions2 tablespoons sesame seeds1 teaspoon sugar½ teaspoon salt or to tasteOptional: peanuts InstructionsHeat oil in a small saucepan over medium-low. Add garlic and lemongrass; cook gently until fragrant and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in chile flakes, shallots, sesame seeds, sugar, and salt. Taste and adjust while still warm — more chiles for heat, extra lemongrass for brightness, or peanuts, if you prefer. Let cool completely, then transfer to a jar and refrigerate for up to a month.Spoon it on pho, fried rice, eggs, avocado toast, noodles, roasted vegetables, or pizza. It’s excellent swirled into mayo for sandwiches or stirred into dressings. Once you start, the jar won’t stay full for long. Related Stories Fall 2026Spoonable ObsessionThe jar looked dangerous. During my first visit to Japan in 2019, a server placed a small glass vessel containing a brick-red, glistening condiment on the table in front of…READ MORE Spoonable Obsession ...read more read less