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      Home » Recipes

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

      Published: May 1, 2019 · Modified: Jan 31, 2022 by Suwanee · This post may contain affiliate links.

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      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 on a table.

      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.

      fried shallot in oil in a wok.

      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.

      Crispy fried shallot ina wok.

      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.

      Crispy fried shallots in a wok with slotted spoon.

      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! 

      Fried shallot on on paper towel.

      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.

      Thai fried shallots in a bowl.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Can I reuse the strained shallot oil?

      Yes! The strained shallot oil can be used for cooking or salad dressing. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within a month.

      Can I fry the shallots in advance?

      Yes, you can fry the shallots in advance and store them in an airtight container. However, remember that they may lose some of their crispiness over time. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crunch before using.

      Can I double or triple the recipe?

      You can easily double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch of crispy shallots. Just make sure to fry them in batches to maintain a single layer and prevent overcrowding.

      What is the best temperature for frying shallots?

      The best temperature for frying shallots is around 350°F (175°C). This ensures that they cook evenly and turn golden brown without burning.

      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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      ** Thank you so much for visiting my blog! This is truly a passion for me. If you have enjoyed these recipes and appreciate the hard work I put into them, I would love it if you would share them with your friends! Your recommendation is the highest review I could hope for, and I’d appreciate it! **

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      Crispy Fried Shallots (and How to Use Them)


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      • Author: Suwanee
      • Total Time: 20 minutes
      • Yield: 8 1x
      • Diet: Gluten Free
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      Description

      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.


      Ingredients

      Scale
      • 5 ounces shallots sliced thin into ring shapes
      • 1 cup vegetable oil
      • ¼ tsp pink Himalayan salt (OPTIONAL)

      Instructions

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

      Notes

      • 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.

      ** Thank you so much for visiting my blog! This is truly a passion for me. If you have enjoyed these recipes and appreciate the hard work I put into them, I would love it if you would share them with your friends! Your recommendation is the highest review I could hope for, and I’d appreciate it! **

      • Prep Time: 10
      • Cook Time: 10
      • Category: easy recipes, condiment
      • Method: deep fried
      • Cuisine: Thai

      Keywords: fried shallots, Thai Garnish, Thai Fried Shallots, crispy fried shallots, fried onions, fried Shallots recipe, how to make fried shallot

      Did you make this recipe?

      Please rate and review this recipe in the comment section below so I can improve and make it a better experience for you!

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      Hi there, I’m Suwanee! I'm the person behind this Thai food blog. I spent thirteen years of childhood in Thailand, where I was first introduced to the flavors of Thai cooking. You are in the right place if you: Love to cook Thai food. Come by often, and let's get cooking! Read More…

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