How to make crispy fried shallots (and how to use it)

Crispy fried shallots are a delightful addition to any dish. Their golden brown color and irresistible crunch bring a burst of flavor that elevates even the simplest meals. Learn how to make crispy fried shallots (and how to use them) with this simple recipe.  

For another heavenly garnishing recipe, try this crispy fried garlic with oil for use in cooking. An easy pantry staple for crispy garnishes! Add both to this easy Thai son-in-law eggs recipe for the perfect pairing.

Crispy fried shallots are in Thai and many Asian cooking. These little gems of deliciousness can transform a simple bowl of rice or noodles into a gourmet experience. They add a touch of elegance to any dish, making it feel like a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Learn more about Thai pantry essentials, herbs used in Thai cooking, and Thai kitchen essential spices, tamarind and how to use it, and what is palm sugar. All extremly detailed and useful blog posts.

Jump to:

• How to Make Homemade Crispy Shallots for Savory Garnish
• Why You'll Love This Crispy Fried Shallots Recipe
• What Are Crispy Fried Shallots?
• Ingredients for Homemade Crispy Shallots
• How to Make Homemade Crispy Shallots
• Helpful Kitchen Notes and Important Tips
• How to Use Crispy Shallots
• Helpful Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
• Variations
• Storage
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Thai Recipes You'll Love
• Crispy Fried Shallots (and How to Use Them)
• More Thai recipe you'l love!

How to Make Homemade Crispy Shallots for Savory Garnish

If you've ever tasted the irresistible crunch and wonderful aroma of crispy shallots on top of your favorite Asian dishes, you know just how important this garnish can be.

Crispy fried shallots are a savory addition to stir-fries, noodle dishes, and salads, but they also add a burst of flavor to green bean casserole or any dish that could use a deliciously crispy and golden touch.

Why You'll Love This Crispy Fried Shallots Recipe

• The texture of crispy fried shallot is simply addictive!
• The flavor and texture that crispy fried shallots bring to your dishes is unparalleled.
• It's easy to make! It only takes a few minutes to fry the shallot.
• It's a perfect garnish to have at hand when you need a little something extra to add to a dish for a crunchy texture.
• It keeps in the pantry for a long time! Up to months! If they even have a chance to be around that long. (:

What Are Crispy Fried Shallots?

Crispy shallots are thinly sliced shallot rings deep-fried until they turn golden brown and achieve a crunchy texture. They are commonly used as a garnish in Asian cuisine, particularly in Vietnamese and Thai dishes. Frying shallots transform their flavor, softening their pungency and bringing out their natural sweetness. The result is a savory garnish that adds both texture and taste to a wide range of dishes.

Ingredients for Homemade Crispy Shallots

To make your own homemade crispy shallots, gather the following ingredients:

• Shallots. 4 to 5 medium-sized shallots, cut into thin slices like rings. I get all my shallots from Asian grocery stores. They cook better and are less expensive too.
• Oil. Use high smoking point and neutral oil like Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. Do not use sesame or olive oil for this recipe.

How to Make Homemade Crispy Shallots

Step 1. Heat oil in a small saucepan, a wok, or skillet over medium heat. Adjust the amount of oil to have enough to cover the entire batch of shallot. 

Step 2. Test the temperature of the oil by adding a shallot ring. If it starts sizzling immediately, the oil is ready. If the piece sinks to the bottom, the oil is not hot enough. If the shallots turns brown too quickly, the oil is too hot. 

Step 3. Add the rest of the shallots to the hot oil, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer. This allows them to cook evenly and become crispy. Fry them in batches if needed.

Step 4. Fry the shallots, stirring occasionally with a slotted or wooden spoon, until they turn golden brown and crispy. The cooking time usually takes about 5-8 minutes, depending on your stovetop and pans used. Adjust the heat to medium-low or as necessary to maintain a medium heat level.

Step 5. Once the shallots are golden brown, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.

Step 6. Allow the crispy shallots to cool to room temperature. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Strain the oil with a fine mesh strainer and save it for cooking! 

Helpful Kitchen Notes and Important Tips

• High heat will burn the shallots quickly. Medium to medium-low heat usually works best.
• A large skillet or saucepan will also not work well, as you'll need the deep slot for the oil to fry the shallot.
• Use a sharp knife to slice the shallots into thin rings. This ensures even cooking and results in crispy shallots with consistent texture.
• Constant stirring while frying the shallots helps them cook evenly and prevents them from sticking together.
• Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a medium temperature throughout frying. This prevents the shallots from burning or becoming too greasy.
• Strain and save the strained shallot oil for future use in salad dressings or Asian-inspired recipes. Store the cold oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.

How to Use Crispy Shallots

• Asian Salads. Sprinkle crispy shallots over Asian-inspired salads for an added crunch and savory flavor.
• Stir-Fries. Top stir-fries with a generous handful of crispy shallots to elevate the texture and taste of the dish.
• Noodle Dishes. Sprinkle crispy shallots over noodle dishes like Pad Thai or Vietnamese pho for an extra layer of flavor and a satisfying crunch.
• Rice Bowls: Sprinkle crispy shallots over rice or grain bowls for added flavor and texture.
• Soups. Enhance the flavor and presentation of soups, such as butternut squash soup or tomato soup, by garnishing them with a handful of crispy shallots.

Helpful Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

• Small pot or saucepan. 
• Fines mesh strainer.
• Garlic slicer. 
• Small Mason jars or airtight containers for storing the shallot oil.

Variations

• Crispy Shallots with Crispy Bacon. Fry some bacon until crispy, then crumble it and mix it with the crispy shallots. This adds an extra layer of smoky flavor to the garnish.
• Asian-Inspired Spices. Sprinkle the sliced shallots with your favorite Asian spices, such as Chinese five-spice powder or chili powder, before frying. This adds an extra kick of flavor.

Storage

To store crispy shallots, allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Place them in an airtight or glass container with a tight-fitting lid. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, retaining their crunch and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Thai Recipes You'll Love

If you enjoy Thai cuisine, here are a few more recipes you'll love:

• Thai Red Curry with Chicken: Indulge in the aromatic flavors of Thai red curry with tender chicken, bamboo shoots, and bell peppers in a creamy coconut milk-based sauce.
• Mango Sticky Rice: Satisfy your sweet tooth with this classic Thai dessert featuring ripe mango slices served over sweet sticky rice drizzled with coconut cream.
• Pad See Ew: Enjoy a delicious stir-fried noodle dish with wide rice noodles, tender beef or chicken, and crunchy vegetables, all tossed in a savory soy-based sauce.

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