Homemade flavoured oils are one of the easiest ways to elevate everyday cooking. With just a few fresh ingredients and good-quality oil, you can create bold, aromatic blends perfect for salads, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, pasta, and dipping bread. Below are four unique infused oil recipes with added ingredients for deeper flavor and complexity.
Garlic Oil
Ingredients:
- 3 cups extra virgin olive oil
- 6–8 garlic cloves, halved
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 small bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 strip lemon peel (no white pith)
Instructions:
Gently warm the olive oil over very low heat (do not boil). Place garlic, peppercorns, rosemary, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, and lemon peel into a clean, dry glass bottle or jar. Pour the warm oil over the ingredients, making sure everything is fully submerged. Seal tightly.
Let sit at room temperature for 24 hours, then refrigerate. The flavor intensifies over several days. For best freshness, use within 2–3 weeks. Strain if desired before using.
Perfect for drizzling over pasta, brushing on bread, or finishing roasted vegetables.
Fresh Garden Herb Oil
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups olive oil
- ½ cup safflower oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon crushed celery seed
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
Place all fresh herbs into a clean jar, filling it halfway. Add celery seed, salt, and lemon zest. Pour in the oil mixture until herbs are fully covered. Seal tightly.
Store in a warm spot for 10–14 days, shaking gently every day. Strain through cheesecloth and pour into sterilized bottles.
This oil is excellent for salads, grilled chicken, seafood, or dipping crusty bread.
Bold Hot Chilli Oil
Ingredients:
- 2 cups light olive oil or safflower oil
- ½ cup dried red chilies, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ cup chopped fresh ginger
- 6 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 20 black peppercorns, lightly crushed
Instructions:
Warm the oil gently. Place all remaining ingredients into a heatproof jar. Carefully pour the warm oil over the mixture. Let stand overnight.
Strain through double cheesecloth into a clean bottle. Store in a cool, dark place.
Use sparingly in marinades, stir-fries, dressings, or drizzle over pizza and noodles.
Asian-Style Aromatic Chilli Oil
Ingredients:
- 2 cups light olive oil
- 2 green chilies, halved
- 1 red chili, halved
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped lemongrass
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 strips lime zest
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 star anise pod
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions:
Place chilies and aromatics into a large screw-top jar. Warm the oil gently and pour over ingredients. Stir in sesame oil.
Seal and let infuse for 2–3 days. Strain and bottle. Keeps for up to 3 months when stored in a cool, dark place.
Wonderful for Asian-inspired dishes, dumplings, noodle bowls, and dipping sauces.
