Herb Oil
Prep Time
2 minsCook Time
4-6 minsFree Time
to meditate and relax the mind
Having infused oil on hand is a game-changer for making sauces, dressings, sautés, and side dishes way more interesting without much added effort. It’s perfect for drizzling on dishes to finish them off with a burst of flavor. The best part? You can make it in minutes using your microwave. Experiment with different herb combinations to discover your favorite flavors. With Anyday dishes, you can effortlessly whip up a fresh, aromatic oil that adds a gourmet touch to any meal.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, picked or finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, picked or finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon rosemary rosemary, picked or finely chopped
- 2 2-inch strips of lemon peel, or 1 teaspoon of zested lemon skin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Preparation
- Place all the ingredients into the Anyday dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave at Power Level 6tooltip for 4-6 minutes, or until oil is bubbling and very fragrant. CAUTION: The dish will be extremely hot, so make sure to use oven mitts or a dish towel when handling it.
- Allow the oil to cool, then strain and use as needed.
Serving suggestions & tips
- There are so many incredible variations to this recipe! Try ground spices, different herbs, citrus zests, bay leaves, and more.
- Let the infused oil cool and use it in vinaigrettes.
- Coat your favorite vegetables, proteins and grains in the infused oil and roast in the oven or cook in the microwave in an Anyday dish.
- Brush a loaf of bread with the infused oil, sprinkle with spices, and bake!
Recipe notes
- If you want to freeze it for future use, let the oil cool and then pour it into our Anytime Freezer Trays and place it in the freezer.
- Only olive oil will solidify when frozen. Make sure not to use any other oil, otherwise it will remain liquid.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Herb Oil in the Microwave
Can I make herb-infused oil in the microwave?
Yes, you can make herb-infused oil in the microwave using an Anyday dish. The microwave is a quick and efficient method, allowing you to create aromatic and flavorful oil in just a few minutes. Simply add your chosen herbs to an Anyday dish, cover them with oil, and microwave until the herbs release their flavors into the oil. This technique preserves the fresh, vibrant flavors of the herbs, making it perfect for enhancing sauces, dressings, and various dishes.
How long does it take to make herb-infused oil in the microwave?
Making herb-infused oil in the microwave typically takes around 4-6 minutes for 1 cup of oil, depending on the power of your microwave. Keep an eye on the oil to ensure it doesn’t overheat, and adjust the time as necessary to achieve the desired infusion.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs for infusing oil?
Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs for infusing oil. Dried herbs can be a convenient alternative, especially when fresh herbs are not available or in season. When using dried herbs, the flavor can be more concentrated, so you may need to use a smaller quantity compared to fresh herbs. Add the dried herbs to the oil in your Anyday dish, microwave as usual, and let the herbs infuse their flavors into the oil. This method works well for creating herb-infused oil with a longer shelf life.
What types of oil work best for herb infusion?
The best oils for herb infusion are those with a mild flavor that won't overpower the herbs. Extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice due to its health benefits. Other good options include avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and sunflower oil. These oils have a neutral taste that allows the flavors of the herbs to shine through, making them ideal for infusions. Keep in mind that only olive oil solidifies when frozen, unlike other vegetable oils, so if you plan to freeze your infused oil, use olive oil.
How do I store herb-infused oil and how long does it last?
To store herb-infused oil, use a dark bottle or container to protect it from light, which can degrade the oil and reduce its shelf life. If you use extra virgin olive oil, you can freeze the herb-infused oil in an Anytime Freezer Tray for longer storage (up to 6 months). Olive oil solidifies when frozen, unlike other oils that don't freeze well, making it ideal for long-term storage. Otherwise, keep the infused oil refrigerated in an Anyday dish with the lid on to maintain its freshness for up to 3 months. Properly stored herb-infused oil can last for up to one month in the refrigerator. Always check for any signs of spoilage before use. Spoilage of herb-infused oil might look like cloudiness, mold, or an off odor. Always check for any signs of spoilage before use.
