If you have never made an infused oil, I truly believe that this oil will change that. Red Chile Infused Oil only takes about 15 minutes to make and captures all of the flavors of a New Mexico red chile sauce. It makes a nice finishing oil or you can use it for fried eggs, sautéed vegetables or as the oil in a salad dressing. See the end of the postfor more suggestions. Red chile oil is so good and has so many uses that I guarantee it will become another staple in your pantry.
Red Chile Infused Oil
*See Kitchen Notes for more information.
- 2 cups canola oil
- 6 dried red chile pods, stems removed and seeds shaken out, each pod broken in half
- 1 tsp. coriander seeds
- ½ tsp. cumin seeds
- 1 tsp. Mexican Oregano
- 2 large garlic cloves, cut in half
- You’ll need a clean, dry jar or bottle for storing the oil once it has cooled.
- This only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, so keep an eye on it. The ingredients can burn if you simmer the oil too fast on too high of a heat. If the spices and chile pods start moving toward really dark brown or black, remove from the heat and strain immediately. Once the chile pods turn black, they are burned and that burnt flavor is now in your oil. Toss and start again.
- Add all ingredients to a heavy skillet. The chile pods should be mostly immersed in the oil.
- Heat over medium-low until you see the ingredients just start to sizzle. (Bubbles will start to form around the chile pods and garlic.)
- Reduce heat to low (about the same temperature you use to cook rice or even lower) and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove the garlic cloves and simmer for another 5 minutes on as low a heat as possible. After 5 minutes, remove from heat.
- Let the oil cool. Remove the chile pods and discard.
Strain into a sterilized clean, dry bottle. Discard the chile and spices. Eat the garlic cloves with some crackers – YUM!
Store in the refrigerator for up to a year.
Red Chile Pepper – I use a New Mexico dried red chile pepper (shown in the first picture). The ones I have are HOT; therefore, this is a very spicy chile oil. However, you can use just about any DRIED chile pepper. Other peppers that would work are Ancho, chipotle, pasilla, mulato and even pequin, just to name a few. Each type will impart a unique flavor and heat level, so pick your favorite and go for it! Do NOT use chile powder. It burns very quickly, like in seconds! You could use chile flakes, but I wouldn’t heat them longer than 5 minutes and on as low of a heat as possible. If you use the flakes, then after heating, let it sit overnight before straining.
Cumin and coriander – For this recipe use whole seeds. Ground seeds or powder would burn.
Mexican oregano – Mexican oregano is not the same as Mediterranean or Greek oregano which is a member of the mint family. In fact, Mexican oregano isn’t even oregano. It’s actually a relative of lemon verbena. It is mostly grown in Central and South America, while Mediterranean (Greek, Italian) oregano is commonly grown in Europ
e and northern Africa. Mexican oregano has the basic pungent flavor of Mediterranean oregano, but it also has notes of citrus and mild licorice. It pairs well with spicy southwestern and Mexican cuisine, but not so well in a spaghetti sauce. When I buy it, it comes in whole leaf rather than powder; therefore, I’m able to use it in this oil. If all you have is a powdered oregano or Mediterranean oregano, just leave it out.
Safety notes – Unrefrigerated garlic in oil can promote the growth of C. botulinum bacteria without affecting the smell or taste of the oil or the garlic. C botulinum causes botulism, a serious form of food poisoning; therefore, do not be tempted to leave the garlic in this oil or any other infused oil that you make. To see more about the safety of infusing oil with garlic, read my post on Roasted Garlic Infused Olive Oil.
Suggested Uses for Red Chile Oil:
- For fried eggs and scrambled eggs
- Croutons – toss squares of bread or cornbread with a drizzle of oil and roast under broiler
- Saute oil for vegetables
- Browning oil for meats
- Oil for Fennel Infused Onions
- Drizzle on top of soups for a touch of spicy
- Drizzle over salads
- Drizzle over toast or breads
- Use as the oil in yeast breads
- Use as the oil in a salad dressing
- Gift it to a friend
- and many, many more
- Smoked Goat Cheese (submitted by Debra of Eliot’s Eat) – Drizzle some of the oil over some goat cheese. Place in a smoker and heat until soft.
If you like this red chile oil, be sure to check out these other infused oils:
Roasted Garlic Infused Olive Oil
Lemon Infused Olive Oil @ Just Putzing Around the Kitchen
Chilli and Coriander Infused Olive Oil @ Five Euro Food
Basil Infused Olive Oil @Food52
Hey MJ,
Hows it going? Its me again with another question, this time about garlic and oil. I used to live in San Jose, Ca about 30 miles from Gilroy Ca. The garlic capital of the world, now that was garlic.
I use to put peeled raw garlic in oil and store in frig. Would replenish the oil as needed, until all the garlic was gone. A trip to Gilroy and I would start over with fresh ingredients.
Your safety notes got my attention and was wondering if botulism applied to fresh garlic as well? I used either olive oil or canola.
Have got your chile bread recipe printed and taped to the inside of my kitchen cabinet, that’s next on my baking list.
Thank you, and God bless
Lydia, I did do quite a bit of research on the raw garlic in oil issue and there have been several cases of botulism found in garlic infused oil that used fresh raw garlic. The majority of sites recommended NOT using raw garlic. Here is a link that you might find interesting. Dangers of Garlic Infused Oil Goody- you’re going to make the chile! We love it! I hope you enjoy it as well. Please let me know.
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I’ve never made an infused oil either. This looks wonderful and what a great gift it would make. Thanks for sharing your oil with us on foodie friday.
Thanks Diane! It does make a great gift. The oil and the cloves are awesome!
Hi MJ! I’m a chile lover. Would you consider using olive oil for this recipe? Or just canola?
Kai, Olive oil would work just fine with this recipe! Hope you get a chance to make it. Please let me know and thanks for the comment!
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I don’t use many infused oils… but this one might change my mind. I must try it next time I get some red chiles!
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Absolutely brilliant, MJ! Love the coriander and cumin that goes in the oil….must be really fragrant…I do infuse oil with just red chilies and garlic, but this one sounds exciting. Giving it a shot once my painting work is done. Hugs.
OK, I just have to tell you that I just drizzled some of this golden stuff on goat cheese and the put in the smoker until it got golden and soft. We are chomping on it now! Thank you!!
Oh Debra! I’m SO glad that you liked it! The smoked goat cheese idea sounds totally awesome! I’ll have to add it to the list of ideas in the post and then I’ll have to try it. Thanks so much for your comment! You’ve made my day. 🙂
I’ve never tried any infused oils before, have seen those bottles of expensive infused oils on the aisles, just don’t know how to use them. Now you have made them sound so irresistible, I must try them soon
I love chili oil especially in soupy noodles but I usually only make enough for the meal. I’ll have to do this (larger batch) next time as it makes more sense.
I can think of so many uses for this and it would make wonderful gifts too xx
I’m totally making this. It’s incredible and I bet the taste is fabulous.
Hi MJ – just thought I’d let you know I can leave comments successfully now… not sure what the problem was earlier! I noticed the trackback to me now too – thanks for the shout out my friend 🙂
Thanks Charles! I appreciate your trying again! And you are most welcome! Have a marvelous weekend!
What a great idea! Love the mix of ingredients and can’t wait to make it! Thanks MJ!
Hi MJ,
This is such a great idea. The oil sounds amazing with all the flavors like cumin and coriander. Will have to try this one out.
Beautiful photographs, MJ!
Thanks Viviane!
This would be my type of oil, I should do this great idea!
I love infused olive oil and purchased a big case of different kinds when we went to Carmel few weeks ago. I know, I should be making on my own, especially for those with easily accessible ingredients like this one! I buy canola oil from costco and it’s a huge bottle and just found a good recipe to use it. My husband will love this!!
Nami – you sound like me. When I travel I always bring back food items, particularly condiments like oils, herbs and spices. You would think we would want a painting or pottery or something that would last a lifetime. 🙂 I too buy the big bottle of Costco oil, so this definitely is a use for it. I hope you enjoy it!
I can smell the spicy, fragrant oil from here! They certainly make a great gift, MJ. Oh, my mother-in-law says she is going to try the roasted pepper dip this weekend. Will let you know how she likes it. I know she will!
Thanks Reese! It does make the kitchen smell good while it’s cooking. I’m thrilled that your MIL is going to try to dip! I look forward to her feedback. Hope you’re having a great week!
Love the chili flavored oil!Must taste so so good!I’ve never tried making infused oils at home.Maybe I should do now 🙂
I too think it’s time Soni! 🙂 It’s so very easy!
Wonderful idea MJ, I’m going to second Swathi that this would make a great gift!
Thanks Darlin! Well, as I told Swathi – send me your address. 🙂
This is a project I want to do but with citrus infused flavor. Your oil must be very aromatic!
Thanks Katerina! I’ve never made a citrus flavored oil, but it’s next on the list.
Okay now you have my attention. I love how easy the recipe is, I thought it would take a few months….not minutes:-) I am excited to try your recipe, it would be awesome in salads:-) Hugs, Terra
Thanks Terra! I’ve done some reading on how to extract flavors quickly from herbs and spices and have found that heating them up in oil works quite well. I have found that to be true in many cases and this oil is one of those cases. All you need is 15 minutes!
Now this is the infused oil that I would enjoy very much. Love the idea and ingr. list….I am making often infused oil with herbs but so far never made with chili peppers–going on my list to try!
thanks Sandra! If you already make infused oils, you definitely need to try this one.
You can send one bottle as gift, not only red chili it has other spices, that part I love it. great recipe.
Is that a hint? Well, send me your address Darlin! 🙂
I love infused oils! They are such a great way to perk up a dish. I’ve never made a chile infused oil, but I’m going to have to try it now!
Thanks Kiersten! It’s really hard to get enough of the infused oils. Pretty soon, you won’t be able to find the olive oil in my pantry. 🙂
This is an excellent idea and yes this will be added in my pantry. I’m sure a few drops of this oil will go a long way. Ohhh, love that photo of the bottle with the luminance of light from the back. That can go on my kitchen wall! 🙂
Thanks Ray! I truly appreciate you comments on the picture! I’m flattered! 🙂 And yes, a few drops do go a long way.
What a gorgeous post MJ – from the idea to the recipe to the glowing photos, you’ve got me all fired up about this one. I haven’t made infused oil in years and with a 15 minute time interval to make this red chile flavor, I’m all out of excuses ;-). And talk about an ideal gift too. I’m thinking mother’s day, hostess, and, well, me :). Thank you for the note about garlic – you’re right, it might otherwise be tempting to leave it in. What is the typical shelf life of this type of oil MJ?
Good morning Kelly. Yes Darlin – you are now so out of excuses! 🙂 I wouldn’t hesitate to keep it 6 months and longer in the fridge. After 3 months, I might put it in the refrigerator, but mine never last that long. 🙂
Is it weird that my mouth watered at oil?:) I love infused oils and they have been on my list to try for such a long time. MJ, this sounds delicious and it’s so easy too. I always thought it would be more difficult. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks Nancy! As you can see, it’s actually very, very easy! You’ll never pay for an infused oil again. 🙂 Hope you get to try it!
I like flavored oil, I have few bottles, but not homemade. It must be fun to make your own.
Oh Marta – it’s definitely fun to make your own! And it really speeds things up in the kitchen when you just want a little bit more flavor. It’s just a drizzle away.:)
My dad always makes chile infused oil, and he mostly uses it on soups (amazing)!
I suggest you infused vinegar, too. A few years ago I made one with star anise in it, and it was amazing! I used it like a present for Christmas. Amazing!
Have a nice week, my friend 🙂
Thanks Giulia! YUM – homemade vinegar! I’ve never made one, but you have me quite curious about the star anise, a flavor I absolutely love! I’ll have to try it! You have a great week as well my friend! 🙂
This is great, MJ! I make gift baskets for Christmas and am always on the lookout for something to add in addition my ketchup and mustards. This chili oll will be perfect this year. Thank you! I’m pinning it so that I can find it.
Thanks John! So can I be added to your list for a holiday gift basket. 🙂 I love all of your homemade condiments!
Inspiring – I am going to have a go at this – I have a lot of dried red chillies – I might be tempted to leave them in the oil though – do you think that the flavour would continue to develop? Cheers
Thanks Carole! Leaving the chiles in the oil might be o.k. but I’ve never been a fan of leaving anything in an oil. It eventually starts to turn and look nasty which makes me think that the nastiness is being absorbed by the oil. I’m sure the flavor would develop up to a point, but then stop.Because the peppers are heated in the oil, that pulls most of the flavor out immediately anyway, so there really is no need to leave them in. Have a great week!
What a pretty oil, this would be a great hostess gift as well! I’d go for the spicy oil.. I’m book marking this one to try:)
This would make a marvelous gift…along with the lovely list of suggested uses!
I love making infused oils! Thanks for a great reminder to do this!!
Awesome MJ!
My neighbor, Cindy, makes a great infused chile oil and I just ran out!
My husband grows great chiles here in So Cal so I’ll be making some of this for us.
I’m so glad i found your site!
Lesley
Thanks Lesley! You lucky girl having homegrown chiles. I bet in So Cal they are already close to picking. 🙂
What a brilliant idea to spice up your oil my friend 😀
Cheers
CCU
MJ, your oil looks very aromatic and complex compared to what I usually prepare (I make sure I always have lots of the Japanese “taberu rayu”, a kind of thick crunchy chili and sesame oil with bits of garlic: I prefer the thick part (I use lots of chili flakes) and my husband the infused oil). I must change one day from the usual mixture and add some other spices following your recipe.
When one thinks how expensive are infused oils and how easy and cheap they are to prepare at home…
We usually use it in rice and noodle, at the table, but spicing up dough with infused oil is a brilliant idea!
Sissi – I remember your Japanese oil and have pinned it so I can remember to make it. Whenever I eat dim sum, I dip in the oil and grab some flakes of pepper and such before each bite. 🙂 You are so right about the cost of flavored oils! I’ve received them as gifts before, but have never bought. Way too expensive! Thanks Darlin for your wonderful comments. Have a fabulous week!
I love infused oils too. This would be wonderful to drizzle in a bowl of noodle soup.
On top of a noodle soup – that does sound good Angie! Thanks!
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Infused oils are so great! I haven’t made a chile one, which is amazing considering how much I enjoy spicy stuff. This really is an inspiration – thanks for that. Love the light on the chilies in the top photo!
Thanks so much John! I am surprised that YOU haven’t made a chile infused oil. I remember how much of a chile lover you are. Well, I hope you get a chance to make this. You and the Mrs. will love it. 🙂
I love love love infused oil and chili and spiced oils are the most intriguing ones and so versatile as you mentioned at the end of your post MJ. I never thought of using it in a yeast dough (silly me!), in fact I can’t wait to give that a try (got some ideas). Thanks so much for sharing and have a wonderful Sunday!
Thanks Helene! I have to agree that chile oil are most intriguing. I made one a while back with dried chipotle and it was quite delicious and a totally different flavor. Flavor oils are great in yeast breads! I use this and my garlic flavor oil all of the time!
Love, love flavored oils — just picked up some cilantro & roasted onion olive oil a couple days ago and used it as a finish on fish — so good! Thanks for the recipe to make my own flavors!
Thanks Judy! YUM – that cilantro and roasted onion oil sounds wonderful! Great idea as a finishing oil for fish. I’ll have to add that to the list.
I love infused oils and never bothered to make it myself… What a wonderful idea and recipe! I do have some chili peppers somewhere in my pantry. I need to find them. Thank you MJ!
Thanks Tessa! This is a perfect idea for any of those dried chile buried in the pantry. This recipe is not partial to a particular type of chile, so have fun!
My mother in law gave me a bag of dried red chile peppers and I have no idea what to do with them! Might have to give this a try. It looks delicious and fun!! I love Debra’s idea to give this as gifts, too!!
Oh Michelle – have I got some ideas for you for those dried chile peppers! There are several recipes on this site. My favorite of course is the red chile sauce which can be used in so many things. In fact, I pulled some from the freezer and added to a dish last night. The sauce can be frozen quite easily, something that you do a lot. Just do a search for “red chile” and you’ll get of ideas. 🙂
I am so making this today. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe with all the great ideas for uses. (Also pinning it for gifts this holiday season.)
Thanks Debra! I hope you did get a chance to make it! It will make a lovely gift!
I love flavored oils! This one is one that I NEEEEED in my kitchen!
🙂 🙂 Yes you do my friend! You’d love it!
What a fabulous idea. I have only seen chili infused oil… but I love this one with all the smokey cumin and coriander. Well done, MJ!! Hope you are having a glorious weekend.
I love infused oils and keep several of them all the time. I don’t have one like this though. It sounds great.
Thanks Maureen! Your pantry must look like mine – a whole shelf just for oils. 🙂