Asian Chili Oil
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
- 6 tablespoons dried red chile pepper flakes (or ground cayenne)
Set out a clean, dry glass bowl or jar and
add the chile pepper.
In a small saucepan, heat the oil over
medium heat for a few minutes, just until it begins to smoke. Remove the pan
from the heat and allow the oil to cool in the pan for a minute or two.
Heat oil in saucepan
Pour the oil slowly and carefully over the
chili pepper, making sure that the oil completely covers the chile pepper. If
necessary, use a spoon to stir so that all the chili is submerged.
Pour oil over chili pepper
Set the oil aside to cool for at least an
hour or two.
Once cooled, you can taste the oil. If it's
to your liking, strain the oil to remove the crushed or ground chile pepper. If
you'd like more heat and flavor, cover the oil and allow it to infuse overnight
or for as long as desired before straining.
Once strained, store the oil in a clean,
airtight glass container. If you used whole dried Chile peppers, they can be
returned to the oil to gradually intensify its color and flavor.
ENJOY YOUR MEAL