Learn the secrets to making infused oils – from lavender-infused oil, garlic-infused oil, and chili-infused oil – the options are endless!
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Infused oils are like the secret handshake of the culinary world—simple to make, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to level up your cooking game. They’re perfect for drizzling, dipping, sautéing, or gifting to your foodie friends.
Plus, they make your kitchen smell incredible while you’re making them! Whether you’re looking to add a floral note to your baked goods or a fiery kick to your noodles, infused oils are your new best friend.
Let’s dive into the aromatic world of infused oils and learn how to make a few classics!
This post is all about how to make infused oils.
The Basics of Infused Oils
Before we jump into the fun stuff, let’s cover some quick basics:
What is infused oil?
Simply put, it’s oil that’s been steeped with herbs, spices, or aromatics to absorb their flavors and aromas.
Hot vs. cold infusion
Hot infusion speeds up the process with gentle heat, while cold infusion is a slower, no-heat method that’s perfect for delicate ingredients.
Safety tip
Always store your infused oils properly to avoid spoilage or harmful bacteria, like botulism. We’ll get into storage tips later.
Now that you’re ready, let’s make some magic.
How to Make Lavender-Infused Oil
Best Uses: Drizzle over desserts, stir into tea, or massage into your temples for instant calm vibes.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup light olive oil or grapeseed oil
- 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender
- Instructions:
- Combine the oil and lavender in a jar.
- Let it steep in a sunny spot for 1-2 weeks, shaking occasionally.
- Strain out the lavender with a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
Pro Tip: Use dried lavender to avoid adding moisture, which can spoil the oil.
How to Make Basil-Infused Oil
Best Uses: Toss with pasta, drizzle over pizza, or brighten up roasted veggies.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup olive oil
- Instructions:
- Blanch the basil leaves for 30 seconds in boiling water, then plunge them into ice water.
- Dry thoroughly, then blend the basil with oil until smooth.
- Heat the mixture on low for 5-7 minutes, then strain.
Pro Tip: Blanching the basil helps maintain that vibrant green color.
How to Make Garlic Infused Oil
Best Uses: Dipping crusty bread, roasting veggies, or adding savory depth to sauces.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- Instructions:
- Add the garlic and oil to a saucepan.
- Heat on the lowest setting for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the garlic doesn’t brown (this avoids bitterness).
- Cool completely and strain out the garlic.
Storage Tip: Always refrigerate garlic-infused oil and use it within a week to avoid safety risks.
How to Make Rosemary Infused Oil
Best Uses: Drizzle over roasted potatoes, marinate meats, or swirl into soups.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup olive oil
- 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Instructions:
- Gently bruise the rosemary to release its oils.
- Combine with oil in a saucepan and heat on low for 15 minutes.
- Let cool, then strain.
Why Bruise Instead of Chop?
When you chop rosemary, you break the leaves apart completely, which can release not only its flavorful oils but also its bitter compounds. Bruising, on the other hand, keeps the leaves intact while coaxing out just enough of the oils to enhance your dish or infusion. It’s the perfect middle ground for those moments when you want flavor without the bite.
To bruise rosemary:
- Place the rosemary sprigs on a cutting board.
- Use the side of a chef’s knife, the back of a spoon, or even your fingers to gently press down on the sprigs.
- You’ll notice a subtle burst of aroma as the oils are released!
Pro Tip: Heating herbs helps extract their essential oils for maximum flavor.
How to Make Chili Infused Oil
Best Uses: Add a spicy kick to noodles, pizza, or vinaigrettes.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup neutral oil (like canola or light olive oil)
- 2 tbsp red chili flakes
- Instructions:
- Heat the oil on low until just warm (not smoking!).
- Add chili flakes and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Let it cool before straining or leave the flakes in for extra heat.
Pro Tip: Adjust the heat level by mixing in smoked paprika or chipotle powder for added depth.
How to Make Infused Oil Last Longer
Now that you’ve mastered the art of infusion, let’s talk storage.
- Sterilize your jars: Clean and dry them thoroughly before use. Use dark olive oil bottles to protect your oil from light.
- Refrigerate when necessary: Especially for oils with fresh ingredients like garlic or basil.
- Freeze for convenience: Pour oil into ice cube trays for quick portions that stay fresh longer.
- Shelf life: Most infused oils last 2-4 weeks in the fridge, but always trust your nose—if it smells off, it’s time to toss.
Creative Combos to Try
Feeling adventurous? Try these combos:
- Lemon & Thyme: Perfect for fish or chicken marinades.
- Garlic & Rosemary: A classic for roasted meats and potatoes.
- Chili & Lime: Amazing for tacos or grilled shrimp.
Why Infused Oils Are Worth It
Infused oils don’t just taste incredible; they elevate every dish they touch. Whether you’re gifting them to friends or turning a simple salad into something spectacular, infused oils make you feel like a pro chef in your own kitchen.
This post was all about How To Make Infused Oils!
Ready to level up your cooking game? Try out these tips and let us know how it goes! Make sure to tag me @thespicegirlkitchen_ on Instagram or @thespicegirlkitchen on TikTok!
