Garlic Chili Oil

Crunchy Garlic Chili Oil is a delightful condiment that elevates any meal with its bold flavors and perfect amount of heat. This Garlic Chili Oil is incredibly versatile, making it an ideal addition to salads, pizzas, pasta, and more. Whether you’re spicing up a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this homemade garlic chili oil will stand out for its freshness and rich taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious oil in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, shallots, and spices creates a savory profile that enhances any dish.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for drizzling on salads, mixing into sauces, or adding to marinades for an extra kick.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to create your desired level of spiciness.
• Great Shelf Life: Store it in a jar for weeks and enjoy your homemade flavor boost whenever needed.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure seamless preparation of your Garlic Chili Oil.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium skillet
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Mixing bowl
• Clean jar with tight-fitting lid

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium skillet: Allows even heating for perfectly cooking the garlic and shallots without burning them.
• Fine-mesh strainer: Ensures a smooth oil consistency while separating solids from the infused oil.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining spices before adding the infused oil for consistent flavor distribution.
• Clean jar with tight-fitting lid: Keeps your chili oil fresh and flavorful while stored at room temperature.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

To make delicious Garlic Chili Oil, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Oil Base

• 1 cup canola oil
• 1 medium shallot, finely diced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 4 teaspoons garlic, minced

For the Seasoning Mixture

• 3 tablespoons dried minced onion
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes, or more for a spicier oil
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika

How to Make Garlic Chili Oil

Step 1: Heat the Oil

In a medium skillet, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced shallots and minced garlic. Stir well to combine. When the mixture starts bubbling after 1-2 minutes, reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 2: Cook Until Crispy

Cook the shallots and garlic on low heat for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally until they turn golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to burn them; this step is crucial for flavor.

Step 3: Prepare Your Seasoning Mixture

In a small bowl, combine dried minced onion, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, chili powder, and paprika. Mix well to create a balanced seasoning blend.

Step 4: Strain the Garlic Mixture

Place a fine-mesh strainer over another bowl. Pour the hot garlic mixture into the strainer so that the oil drains into the bowl below along with the seasonings. Leave the crispy shallots and garlic in the strainer to cool.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Once cooled (after about 20-30 minutes), add the crispy garlic and shallots back into your infused oil mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all flavors.

Step 6: Store Your Garlic Chili Oil

Transfer your chili oil into a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store it at room temperature in a cool, dark place for up to several weeks. Always stir well before serving!

How to Serve Garlic Chili Oil

Garlic Chili Oil is a versatile condiment that can elevate the flavor of many dishes. Its spicy kick and rich garlic aroma make it a perfect addition to various meals. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious oil.

Drizzle Over Pasta

• Toss your favorite pasta with Garlic Chili Oil for an instant flavor boost. It pairs well with both creamy and tomato-based sauces.

Enhance Your Salads

• Use Garlic Chili Oil as a dressing for salads. It adds a zesty heat that can transform a simple salad into a gourmet experience.

Spice Up Pizza

• Drizzle this oil over pizza before or after baking. It enhances the overall taste and gives your pizza an exciting twist.

Flavorful Marinade

• Mix Garlic Chili Oil with other spices to create a marinade for chicken or turkey. Let the meat soak up the flavors for at least an hour before cooking.

Add to Stir-Fry

• Incorporate Garlic Chili Oil into your stir-fry dishes for an extra layer of flavor. It complements vegetables, noodles, and proteins beautifully.

Perfect with Dipping Sauces

• Serve it as a dipping oil alongside bread or fresh veggies. It’s perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in.

How to Perfect Garlic Chili Oil

Creating the perfect Garlic Chili Oil requires attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips to ensure you achieve the best results every time.

• Choose the right oil: Use high-quality canola oil or any neutral oil that can withstand high heat without burning, ensuring optimal flavor and texture.

• Control the heat: Start with medium-high heat when cooking shallots and garlic, then lower it. This prevents burning while allowing them to become crispy and golden brown.

• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your desired spice level. More flakes will yield a hotter oil!

• Store properly: Keep your Garlic Chili Oil in a clean jar with a tight lid at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, to preserve its freshness.

• Experiment with flavors: Try adding other spices like cumin or herbs like oregano for unique flavor profiles tailored to your taste preferences.

• Let it sit: Allowing the oil to sit for at least 24 hours before using helps develop deeper flavors, making it even more delicious!

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Chili Oil

Garlic Chili Oil pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing their taste with its bold flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Roasted Vegetables
   Toss seasonal vegetables in Garlic Chili Oil before roasting for an added depth of flavor.

2. Steamed Rice
   Drizzle over steamed rice to elevate its taste; it’s simple yet incredibly satisfying.

3. Garlic Bread
   Spread on toasted bread as an alternative spread instead of traditional garlic butter for a spicy kick.

4. Grilled Corn
   Brush grilled corn with Garlic Chili Oil for an irresistible smoky and spicy side dish at your next barbecue.

5. Quinoa Salad
   Mix into quinoa salads along with fresh veggies and herbs for a refreshing twist on this healthy grain.

6. Sautéed Greens
   Use it while sautéing greens like spinach or kale; the oil enhances their natural flavors beautifully.

7. Potato Wedges
   Toss baked potato wedges in Garlic Chili Oil after cooking for crispy, flavorful bites perfect as snacks or sides.

8. Cucumber Salad
   Combine sliced cucumbers with Garlic Chili Oil, vinegar, and sesame seeds for a refreshing side dish that complements any meal wonderfully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Garlic Chili Oil is simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overheating the oil: If you heat the oil too quickly or at too high a temperature, it can burn the garlic and shallots. Always keep the heat at medium-high initially, then reduce it to medium-low to prevent burning.
• Not straining properly: Failing to strain the garlic and shallots from the oil can lead to a less crispy final product. Ensure you use a fine-mesh strainer and let the hot mixture drain completely.
• Ignoring storage conditions: Storing Garlic Chili Oil in a warm or bright location can spoil it faster. Keep it in a cool, dark place for optimal longevity.
• Under-seasoning: Skipping or skimping on spices may lead to bland oil. Make sure to follow the seasoning mixture closely for robust flavor.
• Skipping cooling time: Rushing to mix in the shallots and garlic with the oil while they are still hot can alter the texture. Allow them to cool properly before combining.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Garlic Chili Oil in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Garlic Chili Oil

• Pour Garlic Chili Oil into ice cube trays for easy portioning.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; transfer frozen cubes into a labeled freezer bag.

Reheating Garlic Chili Oil

• Oven: Preheat your oven to low heat (around 200°F) and place the oil in an oven-safe dish until warmed.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds, stirring in between, until warm.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about making Garlic Chili Oil.

How long does homemade Garlic Chili Oil last?

Homemade Garlic Chili Oil can last up to 2 weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Can I customize my Garlic Chili Oil?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spice levels by adding more red pepper flakes or even experimenting with other spices according to your taste preferences.

Is Garlic Chili Oil easy to make?

Yes! The process is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, making it an accessible condiment for everyone.

What dishes pair well with Garlic Chili Oil?

Garlic Chili Oil enhances flavors in various dishes such as salads, pizzas, pasta noodles, and grilled vegetables.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Chili Oil is a delightful condiment that adds both heat and flavor versatility to countless dishes. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for home cooks looking to elevate their meals. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spice combinations or extra ingredients—your taste buds will thank you!