1 cup neutral oil
2 to 4 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
1 small cinnamon stick or 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 to 3 star anise
1 bay leaf
Add the red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, garlic, salt, sugar, and paprika to a heatproof bowl
Heat the oil with the cinnamon, star anise, and bay leaf over medium heat until hot
Remove the oil from the heat
Pour the hot oil slowly over the spice mixture
Stir carefully to combine
Let cool completely
Strain if desired
Store in a clean jar or bottle