Elevate your dishes with Ina Garten's Crispy Shallots from her "Back to Basics" collection—a simple yet luxurious garnish that adds irresistible crunch and flavor to any meal. Made with just three ingredients—thinly sliced shallots, vegetable oil, and a sprinkle of kosher salt—this recipe is all about technique. You'll master the art of frying to golden perfection, creating savory, caramelized shallot rings that are light, crisp, and utterly addictive. Ready in under 30 minutes, these crispy shallots are incredibly versatile: scatter them over soups, salads, roasted vegetables, or grains for a burst of texture and flavor. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enhancing a simple weeknight dinner, this make-ahead garnish will instantly elevate your culinary creations.
Peel the shallots and slice them thinly into rings (about 1/8-inch thick) using a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform slices.
In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it shimmers, approximately 350°F (175°C). You can test it by dropping in one slice of shallot; it should sizzle immediately.
Carefully add the shallots to the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry them, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crisp, about 10-12 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy shallots to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
While they are still warm, sprinkle the crispy shallots with kosher salt to taste.
Allow the shallots to cool completely before serving or storing. They will become even crunchier as they cool.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Use as a topping on salads, soups, roasted vegetables, or any dish that can use a savory crunch.
Calories |
1936 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 209.3 g | 268% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.9 g | 150% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 134.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 614 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.6 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.4 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.8 g | ||
| Protein | 5.0 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 74 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 668 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.