Step 1

1 Combine the oil, cinnamon, anise and Sichuan pepper in a pot over medium-low heat

Step 2

2 Once the mixture is just heated through, reduce the temperature to low and cook for 30 minutes

Step 3

3 Place the crushed red pepper flakes in a heatproof mixing bowl, then place a fine-mesh strainer over the bowl

Step 4

4 Carefully pour the aromatic-flavored oil through the strainer, then discard the aromatics in the strainer and remove the strainer

Step 5

5 Stir the mixture and allow it to cool for 2 hours before pouring the chile oil (with its crushed red pepper flakes) into a jar