What flavoring oils can be prepped to enhance weekday meals?

Question

What flavoring oils can be prepped to enhance your weekday meals? Learn how to make garlic or chili-infused oils for a quick taste boost.

Answer 1

Infused oils like garlic, chili, herb, and citrus oils can be easily prepped ahead of time to add a burst of flavor to weekday meals. These oils can be drizzled over pasta, vegetables, meats, or used as a base for dressings and marinades.

Detailed Explanation:

Flavoring oils are a fantastic way to quickly elevate the taste of your weekday meals. They are simple to make and store, and a little goes a long way. Here's a breakdown of how to prepare some popular options:

1. Garlic Oil: Gently heat olive oil in a saucepan over low heat. Add thinly sliced garlic cloves (about 4-6 cloves per cup of oil). Cook until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Strain the oil to remove the garlic (optional, but prevents the garlic from continuing to cook and potentially becoming bitter). Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
2. Chili Oil: There are several ways to make chili oil. A simple method involves heating oil (vegetable or olive oil) in a saucepan until it's hot but not smoking. Add dried chili flakes (start with 1-2 tablespoons per cup of oil, adjust to your spice preference). You can also add other aromatics like Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, or ginger. Let it steep for 15-30 minutes, then strain the oil. Store in an airtight container.
3. Herb Oil: Blanch fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, or oregano in boiling water for a few seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. This helps preserve their color and flavor. Pat the herbs dry and blend them with olive oil until smooth. Strain the oil through a cheesecloth-lined sieve to remove any solids. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
4. Citrus Oil: Zest citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, or limes. Combine the zest with olive oil and gently heat over low heat for about 30 minutes. This infuses the oil with the citrus flavor. Let cool and strain. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Remember to always use high-quality oil for the best flavor. Store your flavored oils in the refrigerator to prolong their shelf life and prevent spoilage.

Pro Tip:

When making garlic oil, be extremely careful not to burn the garlic. Burnt garlic will make the oil bitter and unpleasant. Start with low heat and monitor the garlic closely. If you're unsure, it's better to undercook it slightly than to overcook it.