Annatto oil is a natural orange-red food dye used to make a variety of Asian and Latin cuisines. The oil is very easy to make and can be made by using only 2 ingredients.

Annatto oil is made by adding oil and annatto seeds in a pan over medium heat for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat when the color of the seeds changes to golden. Cool the mixture for 4 hours and strain the seeds. The oil is ready!
This is also be made by mixing annatto seeds with vegetable oil, canola oil, or corn oil.
This was just an overview of the recipe and the step-by-step procedure is mentioned below. So, don’t forget to follow the detailed recipe below. Before that, check out the other sauce recipes as well.
Other Sauce Recipes That You Can Try
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What Equipment Will You Need To Make Annatto Oil?
- Pan – In a pan, prepare annatto oil over medium heat for 5 minutes until the color change to golden.
- Strainer – Use a strainer to filter-out the annatto seeds.
- Container – Transfer the oil to a container before straining.
How Much Time Will You Need To Make Annatto Oil?
Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|
2 Minutes | 5 Minutes | 7 Minutes |
What Ingredients Will You Need To Make Annatto Oil?
- Annatto Seeds – These small seeds are sold dried. It will add mild, sweet, and peppery flavor.
- Olive Oil – A neutral oil like olive oil will be best for the best flavors and color to come out.

Steps To Make Annatto Oil
1. It’s A long Way
Take a pan and add olive oil in it. Once heated, add one and a half tablespoons of annatto seeds over medium heat for five minutes until the color changes to golden.
Maintain the heat to medium. When bubbles start to form around the annatto seeds, turn off the heat and let the seeds soak in oil for a minute or two.
Make sure you don’t overheat. When the color changes to golden, remove the pan from heat and cool the mixture for four hours.
Transfer the oil to a container. Use a strainer to filter-out the annatto seeds.
You are now ready to use annatto oil as an ingredient to any dish that requires it.
Nutritional Information
Calories | 190.4 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 0.8 g |
Protein | 0.2 g |
Fat | 14 g |
Sodium | 4.3 mg |
How Will Annatto Oil Look And Taste Like?
Annatto oil has a subtle nutty smell, but it won’t add any flavor to dishes. It is made from annatto seeds which come from Achiote trees.
It can be used in all sorts of cooking to impart a beautiful, deep golden-red color, subtle peppery flavor and earthy aroma into foods.
Recipe Card
Annatto Oil Recipe
Equipment
- Pan
- Strainer
- Container
Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoon Annatto Seeds
- ¼ cup Olive oil
Instructions
- In a pan, add oil and annatto seeds over medium heat for 5 minutes or until the color change to golden.
- Make sure you don't overheat.
- When the color changes to golden, remove the pan from heat and cool the mixture for 4 hours.
- Remove or strain the seeds and store them in the container.
Video
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much seeds should I use?
Use a ratio of 3 parts oil for one part of annatto seeds. For example, ⅓ cup of seeds per cup of oil. You can obviously use less seeds if you want a lighter color.
Can I make annatto oil from annatto powder?
Yes, however you will have to place the powder in a tea bag if you want the oil to stay clear. I highly recommend using seeds instead of powder, it’s easier and yields better results.
What is the best way to store annatto oil?
Keep it at room temperature, in a glass container.
How long does annatto oil keep?
Annatto oil will keep for up to 1 month at room temperature.
Conclusion
I hope you have liked this recipe of annatto oil. Make sure to share this recipe with your friends and family, so they can also add some flavorful twist to their food.