HOW TO MAKE ANNATTO OIL

Last updated on April 17th, 2023 at 09:36 am

The easiest way to make annatto oil that will surely add flavour, coulour and aroma to dishes.

I bought a packet of annatto seeds from the Asian shop a few weeks ago. The packet of those red seeds were stuffed in the cupboard as I got home (as you do). A couple of days ago I rediscovered the packet of seeds when I looked for a spare pot of spice. It was as if telling me make something good out of me before I turn to dust. So I thought of making kare-kare as I have not had that for donkey’s years. Sometimes I can not be bothered to cook a stew because I want something in an instant. Think quickly! Make annatto oil instead to add colour to noodle and rice dishes.

To make annatto oil is simple. It only involves 2 ingredients, a pot, a sieve and up to 10 minutes of cooking. It is made by infusing oil with annatto seeds in a medium low heat.

Are you craving for Filipino empanada, Vietnamese noodles or Latin American dishes? Annatto oil imparts an orange-red colour to dishes. It has a subtle fragrance and sweet, nutty and peppery flavour which is perfect for recipes.

What are annatto seeds?

Annatto seeds come from the annatto tree. In the Philippines annato is called achuete or atsuete. According to my good friend Google, wink wink, in Latin America these are called achiote and in Vietnam they are hot diue or hot diue mau. Annatto trees grow in tropical climate. The seeds are used as food dye, condiment and medicine.

What type of oil to use?

I used sunflower oil for this recipe but a lot of people use olive, coconut, canola and other vegetable oils.

Uses of Annatto oil

Use annatto oil to saute in, cook rice, stews, protein, vegetables or drizzle over dishes for a touch of colour and the unique flavour it adds.

Can I use annatto powder to make the oil?

It is best to use the seeds as you will have more control over the result.

Where can I buy annatto seeds?

The seeds can be found online or in Asian and Latin American shops.

How do you store the oil?

Store in a jar with a tight lid. Keep in a cool dark place. It keeps for up to three months.

Are achiote and annatto the same?

According to wikipedia annatto is derived from the seeds of achiote tree.

How to make annatto oil?

In a small saucepan, pour in the oil of choice and the seeds. I prefer to start with room temperature oil and slowly heat it as this helps to not burn the and ruin the whole thing.

Warm the oil over medium heat until it reaches a simmer. This takes around 5 minutes. Let the oil simmer to infuse with the seeds in medium low heat. Swirl the pan from time to time to distribute or agitate the seeds otherwise they will stay in a clump or one place. After 10 minutes or when the oil has turned bright orange-red turn the heat off then let the oil cool down completely.

Discard the seeds using a sieve placed over the top of a jar with a wide mouth or in a jug first then transfer the oil in a jar or bottle.

Annatto stains so be mindful of spillage as it leaves a red/orange hue on countertops or tea towels. Close the jar/bottle with a tight fitting lid and enjoy your annatto oil.

Tips and Notes

1. Use seeds that are fresh and vibrant red in colour.
2. Do not let the oil boil as this will make it bitter.
3. Mind the spillage as annatto stains.

You might like to try drizzling annatto oil with our Filipino garlic fried rice.

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Let’s get cooking!

How to make Annatto Oil

Recipe by cookingmummyCourse: Condiment, Meatless, SidesCuisine: FilipinoDifficulty: Easy

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Quick and easy annatto oil recipe to add colour and flavour to various dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sunflower oil

• 1/4 cup annatto seeds

Directions

• In a small saucepan, pour in the oil and annatto seeds.
• Warm over medium heat until the oil reaches a simmer.
• Let simmer for 10 minutes or when the oil has turn bright orange-red, in medium-low heat. Swirl the pan occasionally to move the seeds around.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and let cool completely.
• Strain into a jar using a fine sieve and discard the seeds.
• Put the lid on and store in a cool, dark place.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Use fresh seeds and vibrant red in colour.
• Watch out for any spills, wipe right away if you can as annatto stains.
• Do not let the oil reach a boil as this will make it bitter.