Lemon Spice Infused Oil
Elevate your culinary creations with this zesty and aromatic Lemon Spice Infused Oil, a gourmet staple that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. This easy-to-make recipe combines the bright citrus notes of lemon zest with the warmth of garlic, a kick of dried chili flakes, and the earthy essence of thyme, bay leaf, and black peppercorns, all infused into premium extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for drizzling over roasted vegetables, brushing onto grilled meats, or as a luxurious dip for artisan bread, this versatile oil transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary delights. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a gentle heating process to preserve its nutrient-rich properties, this homemade infused oil is a fuss-free way to bring restaurant-level sophistication to your table. Store it in a chic bottle and use it within two weeks to experience its peak freshness!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large lemon Lemon peel (zest only, avoid pith)
- 2 whole Garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Dried chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon Whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 whole Bay leaf
Instructions
Using a vegetable peeler or zester, carefully remove only the yellow outer layer of the lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith. Set aside.
Lightly smash the garlic cloves with the side of a knife to release their flavor, but leave them whole with the skin intact.
In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the olive oil, lemon peel, garlic cloves, dried chili flakes, black peppercorns, thyme, and bay leaf.
Place the saucepan over low heat and allow the mixture to warm slowly. Do not let the oil come to a boil, as this will compromise its flavor. Instead, aim for a gentle simmer where small bubbles appear around the edges. Heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the oil to cool to room temperature with all the ingredients still steeping in the oil. This step helps infuse the flavors deeply.
Once cooled, strain the oil through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean, dry bottle or jar to remove the solid ingredients. For safety, ensure that no pieces of garlic or herbs remain in the oil to prevent spoilage.
Seal the bottle or jar tightly and store in a cool, dark place. Use within 2 weeks for the best flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1946 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 224.4 g | 288% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.1 g | 160% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4 mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.6 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.7 g | ||
| Protein | 1.0 g | 2% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 43 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 109 mg | 2% | |
*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.
