Spicy Infused Chili Oil
Bring the heat to your kitchen with this homemade Spicy Infused Chili Oil, perfect for drizzling over pizzas, pastas, or adding a kick to your favorite dishes. This versatile oil is not only easy to make but also allows you to customize the spice levels according to your taste. Giada's recommendation of using regular olive oil ensures a smoother flavor profile that complements the heat from the chili flakes. Plus, the vibrant red hue will add a pop of color to your dishes. Make a batch and store it for up to a month; it's sure to become a staple in your pantry for all your cooking adventures!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 cups (regular olive oil recommended for a milder taste)
dried crushed red pepper flakes
4 teaspoons (adjust based on desired spice level)
Instructions
1
In a heavy small saucepan, combine 2 cups of olive oil and 4 teaspoons of dried crushed red pepper flakes.
2
Heat the oil over low flame, stirring occasionally, until a cooking thermometer inserted into the oil reads 180 degrees F (approximately 5 minutes). Do not let it boil.
3
Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the saucepan from heat to avoid burning the chili flakes.
4
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, which should take about 2 hours.
5
After cooling, carefully transfer the oil and chili flakes into four 4-ounce bottles. Ensure the bottles are clean and dry.
6
Seal the lids tightly and store in the refrigerator, where the oil will keep for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Infused Chili Oil?
Spicy Infused Chili Oil is a homemade condiment made by heating olive oil with dried crushed red pepper flakes to create a versatile, spicy flavoring oil.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You only need two ingredients: 2 cups of olive oil and 4 teaspoons of dried crushed red pepper flakes.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
Regular olive oil is recommended over extra-virgin because it provides a smoother flavor profile that better complements the heat.
How do I make the oil spicier?
You can customize the spice levels by increasing the amount of dried crushed red pepper flakes according to your personal taste.
To what temperature should the oil be heated?
The oil should be heated until a cooking thermometer reads exactly 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does the heating process take?
It takes approximately 5 minutes over a low flame to reach the target temperature.
Should the oil come to a boil?
No, you must not let the oil boil as this can burn the chili flakes and ruin the flavor.
What should I do once the oil reaches 180 degrees?
Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately to prevent the temperature from rising further and burning the flakes.
How long does the mixture need to cool?
The mixture needs to cool to room temperature, which typically takes about 2 hours.
How should I store the finished chili oil?
Transfer the oil and flakes into clean, dry bottles, seal them tightly, and store them in the refrigerator.
How long will the chili oil stay fresh?
When stored in the refrigerator, the oil will keep for up to 1 month.
What size bottles should I use for storage?
The recipe is designed to fill four 4-ounce bottles.
Do I need to strain the chili flakes out of the oil?
No, the chili flakes should be transferred into the bottles along with the oil to continue infusing flavor.
What can I serve with Spicy Infused Chili Oil?
It is perfect for drizzling over pizzas, pastas, or adding a spicy kick to various cooked dishes.
What color will the final oil be?
The infusion process gives the oil a vibrant red hue that adds a pop of color to your food.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe and a great way to start making homemade condiments.
Why use a heavy saucepan?
A heavy saucepan provides more even heat distribution, which helps prevent the oil from reaching the boiling point too quickly.
Can I use this oil immediately after heating?
It is best to let it cool and sit for a bit so the flavors can fully infuse, but it is safe to use once cooled.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, both olive oil and dried red pepper flakes are naturally gluten-free.
Is this oil vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe contains only plant-based ingredients and is suitable for a vegan diet.
Can I use fresh peppers instead of dried flakes?
This specific recipe calls for dried flakes; using fresh peppers requires different handling to prevent spoilage.
Does the flavor change over time?
Yes, as the oil sits with the flakes in the refrigerator, the spice level and flavor will continue to develop.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch as long as your saucepan is large enough.
Why must the storage bottles be dry?
Bottles must be dry because water introduced into oil can promote the growth of bacteria and reduce shelf life.
Can I use this for deep frying?
This is intended as a finishing or flavoring oil, not for deep frying, as the flakes would burn at high frying temperatures.
Is this a good gift idea?
Absolutely, bottled in small decorative jars, it makes an excellent homemade gift for food lovers.
What should I do if my oil accidentally boils?
If it boils briefly, taste it once cooled; if it tastes burnt or bitter, it is best to start over with fresh ingredients.
Does the oil solidify in the fridge?
Olive oil may become cloudy or slightly solidify in the refrigerator; simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before use.
Can I add other herbs to this oil?
While this recipe is for a basic chili oil, you can experiment with adding dried herbs, though it may change the shelf life.
How do I stir the oil while heating?
Stir the mixture occasionally with a heat-safe spoon to ensure the chili flakes don't stick to the bottom and burn.