Chili Orange Oil
Ingredients
- 3 large oranges scribbed clean and rinsed well
- 1/2 cup pungent dried red pepper flakes
- 3 tbl Chinese Black beans, coarsely chopped
- 1 to 2 large garlic cloves, lightly smashed and peeled
- 2 cup corn or peanut oil
- 1/4 cup Japanese Sesame oil
Instructions
Zest the oranges using a vegetable peeler being careful not to include the bitter white pith, and finely mince the zest. Combine the zest with all of the remaining ingredients in a heavy non-aluminum 2 to 2 1/2 quart sauce pan. Bring to 225 to 250 degrees on a deep fat thermometer (use a thermometer, if it gets much over 250 degrees it will probably taste burnt) over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally (use a wooden NOT metal spoon), and let bubble for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand until cool or overnight. Scrape the oil and seasoning into a glass or plastic container, cover and store at room temperature. Note: My friend recommends the brand Pearl River Bridge which I never found. The beans are labelled dried (or fermented?) black beans and come in a box or bag. They should be moist and pliable to the touch). Chili Orange Oil (makes 2 1/2 cups and I store it in glass jars with hinged lids and a rubber liner. A facsimile of this can be made with Chile oil and Orange oil combined to taste. My sister borrowed the last jar I made so I made a new batch recently. You can use the oil anywhere you might use flavored oil...marinades, salad dressings, sauces stir fry, etc. The seasonings that flavor this dish can be spooned onto noodles or to add a surprise element to meats etc.