Imagine a single condiment that can instantly elevate every dish in your kitchen with a burst of bright, fiery flavor. This Spicy Lemon Oil is not just another recipe—it's a culinary game-changer that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you'll create a versatile infused oil that adds a tantalizing kick to everything from salads to grilled meats, making your home cooking feel like a gourmet restaurant experience.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and dry a clean glass jar or bottle that will be used to store the infused oil.
- Using a microplane or fine grater, carefully zest the lemon, ensuring you only remove the bright yellow outer layer and avoid the bitter white pith underneath.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic clove, creating small, uniform pieces to distribute flavor evenly.
- In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic over low to medium-low heat.
- Gently heat the mixture, allowing the ingredients to infuse their flavors into the oil. Maintain a low temperature to prevent burning, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the oil cool completely to room temperature, which allows the flavors to meld together.
- Carefully strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into the clean glass jar, removing the solid ingredients.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley into the strained oil and stir gently to incorporate.
- Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark place. The infused oil will keep for approximately 1-2 weeks.
- Use as a finishing oil for salads, pasta, grilled vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for bread.
Tips
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor profile
- Zest lemons carefully to avoid the bitter white pith
- Keep heat low and slow during infusion to prevent burning
- Strain oil thoroughly for a smooth, clean finish
- Store in a cool, dark place to maintain maximum flavor intensity
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary during infusion
- Always use clean, dry equipment to prevent bacterial growth
- Experiment with different pepper flake quantities to adjust spice level
- Use within 1-2 weeks for optimal taste and freshness
- Serve in a beautiful glass bottle to enhance presentation and make a great homemade gift
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 960kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 108g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 0mg
