Homemade Chilli Oil

Add Water (3 Tbsp) to the Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (2/3 cup) and mix well. Set aside, let the chilli flakes soak in the water little bit.

Heat the Oil (9 oz) in a saucepan over medium heat, add in Sichuan Peppercorns (1 Tbsp) , Bay Leaf (1) , Star Anise (2) , Garlic (2 cloves) , and Fresh Ginger (1 1/4 tsp) into the oil. Heat until the garlic turns golden in colour, that normally takes 3 to 4 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat, set aside.