Annatto Oil / Achiote Oil / Dau Mau Dieu
This easy recipe for Annatto Oil is one every home cook should learn. Annatto Oil is an essential ingredient in many Asian and Latin dishes. Mild tasting and fragrant, the infused oil adds vibrant orange-red color to foods. Unlike chemical food colors and dyes, Annatto Oil is all-natural. The pebble-like Annatto seeds impart a beautiful ruby color when cooked in hot oil. This recipe is easy-peasy so make a batch today and try it out in some of your favorite dishes!
- Prep time
- 5 min
- Cook time
- 5 min
- Yield
- 6 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 tsp annatto seeds
Instructions
- 1
Put the annatto seeds into a small strainer and then rinse with cold water. Drain well. Transfer to a paper towel and then spread out the seeds. Blot the seeds dry with another paper towel. Spread out the seeds and let air dry for 15-20 minutes.
- 2
Transfer the annatto seeds into a small saucepan. Add the vegetable oil. Heat over Medium heat while stirring together. The oil should start to bubble in about 1 1/2 minutes. Continue stirring and note the oil turning more red. If the seeds start to pop or the oil splatters, reduce the heat to Low. After cooking for 2 minutes, turn off the heat. Continue stirring and cook using the residual heat for another 2 minutes.
- 3
Remove from the stove and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- 4
In a medium bowl, add the annatto seeds and oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place into the microwave. Cook on High power for 1 1/2 minutes.
- 5
Stir together. Return to the microwave and cook on High power for another 1 minute. Stir together again.
- 6
Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- 7
Strain the oil into a small glass jar. Stir the seeds to extract any remaining oil. Discard the seeds.
- 8
Add the Annatto Oil to soups, stews, sauces, pastas or any dish needing a natural orange or red color.