How To Make Garlic Oil: 8 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow
Maybe your like
- Log in / Sign up
Download Article 31 Recipe Ratings | Success Stories Reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward Download Article - Making Stovetop Garlic Oil |
- Making No-Cook Garlic Oil |
- Ingredients |
- Video |
- Q&A |
- Tips |
- Warnings |
- Things You'll Need
This article was reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward. Jeff Woodward is a Private Chef and the Owner of The Rogue Chef based in Branson, Missouri. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he has cooked for esteemed clients including The Harlem Globetrotters, Peyton Manning, Mark Wahlberg, and Justin Timberlake. Chef Jeff won the Branson Tri-Lakes News Reader's Choice Award 2023 for Best Catering. He has been the Featured Chef Demonstrator for 2 years in a row for The Women's Show in Springfield, MO. The Rogue Chef has been the Hollister Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Chef, an award published in Tri-Lakes News. Chef Jeff's food has been featured on KY3 Television. He publishes a recipe weekly in the Branson Globe newspaper and monthly in Lost on the Lake Magazine. He published a feature article for Chef Talks in Discover Home and Style Magazine. He has an associate’s degree from Southwestern Illinois College and a Culinary Arts degree with a Certification in Baking from Ozark Technical College. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 95% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 509,731 times.
There’s a reason so many people love Italian restaurants, and it’s not just the pasta. It’s that delicious, flavored oil you dip hunks of crusty bread into. And the next time you have a craving, you can easily make your own garlic oil at home. Cook garlic and oil on the stove for extra intense flavors, or simply toss them in a jar and let them infuse for a few days. Buon appetito!
Easy Homemade Garlic Oil Recipe
Chef Jeff Woodward recommends using olive oil or extra virgin olive oil. Pour ½ cup (120 ml) of oil into a saucepan and add 4 cloves of pressed or crushed garlic. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat for 3-5 min. Turn off the heat and let the oil cool before pouring it into an airtight container.
Ingredients
Stovetop Garlic Oil
- 4 cloves of fresh garlic
- 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of olive oil
No-Cook Garlic Oil
- 8 cloves of fresh garlic
- 2 cups (470 ml) of olive oil
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:Making Stovetop Garlic Oil
Download Article -
1 Crush 4 cloves of garlic directly into a saucepan and pour in the olive oil. Squeeze the cloves of garlic through a garlic press directly into the pan. Stir the garlic and the 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of olive oil together so the garlic is evenly distributed in the pan.[1] - You don’t need to peel the garlic before putting it in the press. The peel will stay in the press while you squeeze it.
- Substitute other oils for the olive oil based on your personal preferences.
How to Choose a Type of Oil
If you’re only using it for cooking, go with a neutral oil that can handle high temperatures, like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil.[2]
For a heart-healthy oil, choose extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil, thanks to their monounsaturated fat content.
If you want a unique flavor, try sesame oil. It’s one of the strongest oils and you’ll get a nice, nutty flavor.
-
2 Heat the mixture over medium low heat for 3 to 5 minutes. The heat helps infuse the flavor of the garlic into the oil. Cook the mixture, stirring it occasionally, until the garlic is light brown and slightly crispy.[3] - Don’t let the oil boil. When oil gets too hot, it loses some of its flavor and integrity. A light simmer is enough.[4]
- Avoid overcooking the garlic. If it’s a very dark color, you’ve cooked it too long and the oil will be bitter.
- 3 Remove the pan from the heat and pour the mixture into a container. Let the mixture cool completely before placing the lid on the airtight container and sealing it tightly. This prevents excess moisture from gathering in the container and spoiling the oil.[5]
- If you don’t want tiny bits of garlic in your oil, you can strain it through a colander or sieve as you pour the mixture into the container.
- Leaving the garlic pieces in the oil will create a stronger flavor as it continues to infuse over time.
-
4 Keep the oil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can shake the container every so often to mix up the flavors. Throw the oil away after 5 days if you haven’t used it, just to be safe and avoid ingesting dangerous bacteria.[6] - Never keep garlic oil at room temperature. It can cause botulism, which is a sometimes fatal form of food poisoning most often found in preserved food.
- Freeze the garlic oil for up to 1 year if you want it to last longer.
Advertisement
Making No-Cook Garlic Oil
Download Article - 1 Crush 8 cloves of garlic with the back of a knife. Place the cloves on a plastic, ceramic, or glass cutting board. Then, use the palm of your hand to press the flat end of a wide knife blade onto each clove. Push hard enough to crush the clove and split the skin.[7]
- Leave the peels on while you crush the garlic. Otherwise, the cloves will be too slippery and you could cut yourself with the knife.
- Avoid using a wooden cutting board. It will absorb some of the garlic’s flavor.[8]
- 2 Remove and discard the garlic peel. The skin should come off the cloves very easily once they’re crushed. Throw the peel in the trash or put it in a compost bin.[9]
- If the peel is tough to remove, you may need to crush the garlic a little more.
- 3 Combine the crushed garlic and 2 cups (470 ml) of olive oil in a jar. Any glass jar with an airtight lid will work. After screwing the lid on the jar, shake it a few times to mix up the garlic and the oil.[10]
- You can substitute any type of oil, like avocado oil or grapeseed oil, for the olive oil, depending on the flavor you want or what you have in the pantry.
- Add spices or herbs for different flavor options.
Additional Mix-Ins for Flavored Oil
Dried herbs (lavender, thyme, parsley, basil, etc.)
Spices
Hot peppers
Olives
Citrus zest
Peppercorns
Dried edible flowers
-
4 Store the jar in the refrigerator for 2 to 5 days. This gives it enough time for the flavors to blend thoroughly. Make sure the jar is sealed tightly while it’s in the fridge to keep the oil fresh.[11] - If you try to use the oil before 2 days, the flavors won’t be as strong.[12]
- Throw the oil away after 5 days or you increase your risk of getting botulism, which is a type of food poisoning that comes from canned or preserved foods and can be deadly.
- You can also freeze the garlic oil for up to 1 year.
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search Add New Question- Question Can I use roasted garlic for infusing olive oil?
Community Answer Yes, and it's delicious. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 22 - Question How do I use garlic oil for ear infections?
Community Answer Put a couple of drops into one ear with an eyedropper. Lay with your head on a pillow to allow drops to go into the ear canal. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 26 Helpful 41 - Question Where can I buy garlic oil? Community Answer In the U.S., Trader Joe's and Walmart both carry garlic infused oils at $5-7 range. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 14 Helpful 30
Video
Read Video TranscriptTips
- Use garlic oil as a salad dressing, dip, or marinade for meat. It's also delicious drizzled over vegetable. Find your favorite recipes online or in cookbooks. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
Warnings
- Do not leave your hot oil unattended. It can splatter and cause burns or a grease fire. Thanks Helpful 21 Not Helpful 13
- Never store garlic oil at room temperature or for longer than 5 to 7 days. It can lead to botulism, which is a bacteria that grows on preserved or canned foods. It causes food poisoning that can be fatal. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 7
Things You’ll Need
Stovetop Garlic Oil
- Saucepan
- Garlic press
- Spoon
- Airtight container
No-Cook Garlic Oil
- Large, wide knife
- Cutting board (ceramic, plastic, or glass)
- Jar with lid
You Might Also Like
How toMake Basil Oil 
The Best Ways to Store Fresh Garlic So It Stays Strong 
How toFreeze Garlic How toRoast Garlic 
How toPreserve Fresh Garlic How toCook Garlic 
How toCaramelize Garlic 
How toSauté Garlic How toMake Chili Oil 
How toMake Garlic Cream Sauce 
How to Make Garlic Juice How toMake Garlic Powder 
How toMake Olive Oil How toStore Roasted Garlic 
Advertisement References
- ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/ingredients/how-to-make-garlic-infused-olive-oil-article
- ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/diy-flavored-oil
- ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/ingredients/how-to-make-garlic-infused-olive-oil-article
- ↑ https://www.abeautifulplate.com/garlic-confit-and-homemade-garlic-oil/
- ↑ https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2017/03/garlic-infused-olive-oil.html
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/working-ahead-to-keep-things-easy-in-the-kitchen-194147
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/245910/garlic-oil/
- ↑ https://www.taste.com.au/quick-easy/articles/how-to-crush-garlic/VwaSr48L
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/245910/garlic-oil/
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/245910/garlic-oil/
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/245910/garlic-oil/
- ↑ https://www.fromthegrapevine.com/israeli-kitchen/recipes/garlic-and-herb-infused-olive-oil
About This Article
Reviewed by: Chef Jeff Woodward Private Chef This article was reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward. Jeff Woodward is a Private Chef and the Owner of The Rogue Chef based in Branson, Missouri. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he has cooked for esteemed clients including The Harlem Globetrotters, Peyton Manning, Mark Wahlberg, and Justin Timberlake. Chef Jeff won the Branson Tri-Lakes News Reader's Choice Award 2023 for Best Catering. He has been the Featured Chef Demonstrator for 2 years in a row for The Women's Show in Springfield, MO. The Rogue Chef has been the Hollister Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Chef, an award published in Tri-Lakes News. Chef Jeff's food has been featured on KY3 Television. He publishes a recipe weekly in the Branson Globe newspaper and monthly in Lost on the Lake Magazine. He published a feature article for Chef Talks in Discover Home and Style Magazine. He has an associate’s degree from Southwestern Illinois College and a Culinary Arts degree with a Certification in Baking from Ozark Technical College. This article has been viewed 509,731 times. 31 votes - 95% Co-authors: 14 Updated: August 2, 2025 Views: 509,731 Categories: Featured Articles | Garlic Article SummaryXTo make garlic oil, start by putting 4 crushed cloves of garlic and 1/2 cup of olive oil in a saucepan. Then, heat the garlic and oil over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes or until the garlic is light brown and a little crispy. Next, pour the mixture directly into an airtight container, or strain it through a colander or sieve first if you don't want bits of garlic in your oil. Keep in mind that leaving the garlic in the oil will give the oil a stronger flavor over time. Finally, store the oil in your fridge for up to 5 days. To learn how to make garlic oil without cooking the garlic, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Spanish Italian Portuguese German Russian Chinese French Indonesian Arabic Dutch Japanese- Send fan mail to authors
Reader Success Stories
-
Carmen Dean
Jun 14, 2016
"Simply and easy. Great directions. Looks like I'll be making my own garlic oil to cook and use in recipes. Thank you, wikiHow."..." more
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Chef Jeff Woodward Private Chef Co-authors: 14 Updated: August 2, 2025 Views: 509,731 95% of readers found this article helpful. 31 votes - 95% Click a star to add your vote Carmen Dean
Jun 14, 2016
"Simply and easy. Great directions. Looks like I'll be making my own garlic oil to cook and use in recipes. Thank you, wikiHow."..." more Aaron Garrison
Jul 10, 2017
"Thank you so much for the post, very good information and very well presented."
Catherine Brennan
Aug 4, 2016
"Love the step by step instructions on how to make garlic oil." Si Xup
Aug 9, 2017
"Super clear instructions and great photos! :)" K. S.
Oct 19, 2017
"I found it easy with an awesome flavor." Share yours! More success stories Hide success storiesQuizzes & Games
What Should I Eat for Dinner QuizTake Quiz
Pizza Calculator
What Pasta Shape Am I QuizTake Quiz
What Food Am I QuizTake Quiz
Random Recipe GeneratorGenerate
What Should I Bake QuizTake Quiz You Might Also Like
How toMake Basil Oil
The Best Ways to Store Fresh Garlic So It Stays Strong
How toFreeze Garlic
How toRoast Garlic Trending Articles
Am I Good at Flirting Quiz
How Sexual Am I Quiz
How Many Secret Admirers Do I Have Quiz
Rank My Attractiveness Quiz
5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape
What Would My Nickname Be QuizWatch Articles
How toImpress a Girl on a First Date
What Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?
How toWear a Hoodie
How toChiffonade
How toMake a Fabric Rose
How toConfront a BullyTrending Articles
What Is My Intelligence Type Quiz
210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing
How toTell That Your Crush Likes You Back
Depression Test for Teens
SCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?
Am I Autistic QuizQuizzes & Games
What's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake Quiz
How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake Quiz
What Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake Quiz
What Perfume Note Am I QuizTake Quiz
What Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake Quiz
The Potion Game: Brew The Perfect PotionPlay 
- Categories
- Food and Entertaining
- Herbs and Spices
- Garlic
- Home
- About wikiHow
- Experts
- Jobs
- Contact Us
- Site Map
- Terms of Use
- Privacy Policy
- Do Not Sell or Share My Info
- Not Selling Info
- Contribute
Follow Us
×Don’t miss out! Sign up for
wikiHow’s newsletter
Subscribe You're all set! X --Tag » How To Make Garlic Oil
-
How To Make Garlic Oil - The Mom 100
-
How To Make Garlic Confit And Homemade Garlic Oil
-
How To Make Garlic Oil - Lovefood
-
Cooking Ah Pa - Homemade Garlic Oil - YouTube
-
Crispy Fried Garlic And Garlic Oil Recipe - Serious Eats
-
How To Make Your Own Homemade Garlic Oil - Larder Love
-
Crispy Garlic Oil Recipe
-
Garlic Oil Recipe | Ina Garten - Food Network
-
Garlic Oil - Secret Recipe - Tiffy Cooks
-
Garlic-Infused Olive Oil | For The Love Of Cooking
-
How To Make Garlic Confit (& Garlic Oil) - Alphafoodie
-
Garlic Confit (and Homemade Garlic Oil) - Host The Toast
-
Garlic Oil Recipe | Martha Stewart