Several years ago, I was not used to use annatto oil in cooking and always cooked with regular cooking oils. However, when I started to pay attention to the look of my dishes, I realized that it is irreplaceable in some recipes such as Vietnamese beef noodle (bun bo) or Quang Noodle (Mi Quang), beef/chicken jerky, or sausage. It contributes a vibrant orange to red color to the dishes, making them not only delicious but also good looking. Moreover, it is believed to have health benefits, such as inflammation reduction, heart health and immune system improvement. Because it’s not always available in Asian Food Stores nearby, let’s explore how to make annatto oil at home.
What is Annatto Oil?
Annatto oil, also known as annatto seed oil or achiote oil, is a cooking oil infused with annatto seeds. We often use it because of its vibrant red-orange color which imparts to dishes. By frying annatto seeds in a type of cooking oil, you can turn the normal yellow oil into an orange-to-red oil to use in several recipes.
The main purpose of this oil is to provide a natural reddish-orange color to dishes. It can also add a mild, slightly peppery, and nutty flavor, which can enhance the taste of various dishes. Annatto oil is commonly used in many Latin American, Caribbean, and Southeast Asian cuisines.
What is Annatto Seeds
Let’s deep dive into annatto seed a bit more to understand more about annatto oil. Annatto seeds, scientifically known as Bixa orellana, are the seeds of the annatto tree, which is native to tropical regions of Central and South America but is now also cultivated in other parts of the world. Annatto seeds are known for their vibrant red-orange color and have been used for centuries as a natural coloring agent, spice, and food flavoring. The natural pigment in annatto seeds is annatto or bixin. Moreover, it also has some health benefits, including:
- Antioxidant Properties: Annatto seeds contain antioxidants, including carotenoids like bixin and norbixin. Antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Some research suggests that annatto seeds may have anti-inflammatory properties due to their antioxidant content. Chronic inflammation is linked to various health issues, so reducing inflammation can be beneficial.
- Potential Skin Health: Annatto extract is sometimes used in cosmetic and skincare products due to its natural colorant properties. Some people believe it may have skin-soothing and anti-aging benefits when applied topically.
- Nutrient Content: Annatto seeds also contain essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B-complex (like niacin and riboflavin), iron, calcium, and phosphorus, although the concentrations are relatively low.
In short, it doesn’t just add a vibrant reddish orange color to your dishes but is good for our health. After learning all about annatto seeds, I became a big fan of it and always have one bottle of homemade oil in my kitchen, ready for various dishes. Let me show you how to make annatto oil to get the beautiful color of the seeds but still keep the most of their nutrient content.
How to make annatto oil
The total process will take you only 10-20 minutes, depend on the amount of oil you make. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Preparation
Estimate the amount of cooking oil and annatto seeds to make the oil. Usually, you can fry 300g (1 ¼ cups) annatto seeds per 1 liter of cooking oil. You can try any neutral oil from canola, sunflower to peanut oil. However, don’t use olive oil, as it has its own flavor and fragrance and shouldn’t be mixed with annatto seeds. Divide the amount of oil into 2 parts: a part equal to 2/3 and another part equal to 1/3 of the total amount of oil.
Step 2. Fry annatto seeds
Fry annatto seeds with the larger part of oil. Add all the seeds into the oil pan and turn on medium heat. Once the oil starts to boil, stir the seeds in boiling oil for 1 minute, turn off the heat, and continue to stir the seeds for 1 minute more. Drain hot oil to a glass jar, leave the fried seeds in the pan. Then, pour the rest of the cooking oil in and repeat the steps.
In case you are in hurry and would like to save time instead of frying the seeds 2 times, you can just add all the cooking oil and annatto seeds to a pan and heat it up. Once boiling, stir the seeds until a half of the seeds in boiling oil turn brown, then turn off the heat and drain the oil to a clean glass jar.
Step 3. Storing
You should store annatto oil in a glass jar/bottle with the lid closed. The red color of this oil is hard to clean if it’s on plastic box or bowl, so remember not to use plastic containers to store the oil. You can either store the oil at room temperature or in fridge. Use it within 3 months.
Dishes Using Annatto Oil
There are some recipes in which annatto oil as a compulsory ingredient, such as some Vietnamese dishes below:
- Vietnamese Beef Noodle (Bun Bo)
- Vietnamese Quang Noodle (Mi Quang)
- Vietnamese Crab Noodle (Bun Rieu)
Besides, there are many dishes that you can use this oil as an option for a better looking, for example some of my recipes below:
- Pork Belly Stir Fry with Lemongrass & Baby Shrimp Sauce
- Braised Pork Belly with Chestnut
- Caramelized Pork and Eggs (Thit Kho Trung)
- Stir Fry Pork Belly with Mushrooms and Carrots
- Vietnamese-Style Caramel Smelt
Try them!
How to make Annatto Oil
Annatto oil contributes a vibrant orange to red color to the dishes, making them not only delicious but also good looking.
Ingredients
- 1 liter of cooking oil
- 300g (1 1/4 cup) annatto seeds
Instructions
The total process will take you only 10-20 minutes, depend on the amount of oil you make. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Preparation
- Estimate the amount of cooking oil and annatto seeds to make the oil. Usually, you can fry 300g (1 ¼ cups) annatto seeds per 1 liter of cooking oil. You can try any neutral oil from canola, sunflower to peanut oil. However, don’t use olive oil, as it has its own flavor and fragrance and shouldn’t be mixed with annatto seeds. Divide the amount of oil into 2 parts: a part equal to 2/3 and another part equal to 1/3 of the total amount of oil.
Step 2. Fry annatto seeds
- Fry annatto seeds with the larger part of oil. Add all the seeds into the oil pan and turn on medium heat. Once the oil starts to boil, stir the seeds in boiling oil for 1 minute, turn off the heat, and continue to stir the seeds for 1 minute more. Drain hot oil to a glass jar, leave the fried seeds in the pan. Then, pour the rest of the cooking oil in and repeat the steps.
Before heating up
After boiling - In case you are in hurry and would like to save time instead of frying the seeds 2 times, you can just add all the cooking oil and annatto seeds to a pan and heat it up. Once boiling, stir the seeds until a half of the seeds in boiling oil turn brown, then turn off the heat and drain the oil to a clean glass jar.
Step 3. Storing
- You should store annatto oil in a glass jar/bottle with the lid closed. The red color of this oil is hard to clean if it’s on plastic box or bowl, so remember not to use plastic containers to store the oil. You can either store the oil at room temperature or in fridge. Use it within 3 months.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 50 Serving Size: 20mlAmount Per Serving: Calories: 180Total Fat: 20g
