Prep your garlic first. Finely chop or mince it. Do not walk away or scroll your phone—garlic demands respect.
Heat the oil gently. Add your oil to a pan over low to medium heat. You’re warming it, not trying to summon smoke.
Add the garlic and stir. Stir constantly for about 30–40 seconds until it smells amazing. Do not let it brown. Burnt garlic is bitter and unforgiving.
Add chili flakes and turn off heat. Once the garlic is fragrant, remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the chili flakes. This keeps them flavorful, not scorched.
Season it. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Mix well until everything looks glossy and cohesive.
Finish with sesame oil (optional). A few drops go a long way. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Cool and store. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a clean jar. Congratulations—you just made magic.
