How To Make Garlic Cilantro Olive Oil

To make garlic cilantro olive oil, you infuse olive oil with fresh garlic cloves and vibrant cilantro leaves, creating a flavorful condiment that elevates almost any dish.
 
This garlic cilantro olive oil recipe is simple, quick, and uses just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
 
Whether you call it garlic cilantro infused olive oil or cilantro garlic oil, the process is the same, and the results are absolutely delicious.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make garlic cilantro olive oil at home, you’re in the right place because it’s easier than you think.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through why this garlic cilantro olive oil works so well, the best way to prepare it, and a few tasty variations to try.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why Garlic Cilantro Olive Oil Works So Well

Garlic cilantro olive oil works so well because the flavors complement each other perfectly.
 
Here’s why this combination is a winner:
 

1. Garlic Brings a Savory Punch

Garlic adds a bold, savory depth to garlic cilantro olive oil that makes everything it touches taste richer.
 
When you make garlic cilantro olive oil, the garlic’s natural oils blend into the olive oil, creating a robust base.
 
Fresh garlic cloves, when gently heated or infused, release their pungent aroma without turning bitter.
 
That’s why garlic cilantro olive oil is such a staple in so many kitchens.
 

2. Cilantro Adds a Bright, Herbaceous Note

Cilantro brings a fresh, citrusy kick to garlic cilantro olive oil that balances the garlic’s intensity.
 
The leaves are packed with volatile oils that infuse beautifully into olive oil.
 
This is why garlic cilantro olive oil tastes so vibrant and lively.
 
If you love cilantro, this garlic cilantro olive oil will quickly become your go-to condiment.
 

3. Olive Oil Is the Perfect Carrier

Olive oil is ideal for making garlic cilantro olive oil because it’s rich in flavor yet neutral enough to let the garlic and cilantro shine.
 
Extra virgin olive oil, in particular, adds a peppery finish that enhances garlic cilantro olive oil.
 
Its healthy fats also help extract and preserve the flavors of both the garlic and cilantro.
 
So when you make garlic cilantro olive oil, you’re getting the best of all three ingredients.
 

How to Make Garlic Cilantro Olive Oil Step by Step

Making garlic cilantro olive oil at home is straightforward when you follow these steps.
 

1. Gather Your Ingredients

To make garlic cilantro olive oil, you’ll need one cup of extra virgin olive oil, four to five fresh garlic cloves, and one tightly packed cup of fresh cilantro leaves.
 
You’ll also want a pinch of salt to taste and a clean glass bottle or jar for storage.
 
Fresh ingredients are key here because garlic cilantro olive oil is only as good as what goes into it.
 

2. Prepare the Garlic and Cilantro

Peel the garlic cloves and smash them gently with the flat side of a knife to release their oils.
 
Rinse the cilantro and pat it completely dry because excess water can spoil your garlic cilantro olive oil.
 
Roughly chop the cilantro leaves, discarding the thick stems.
 

3. Infuse the Olive Oil

For a quick garlic cilantro olive oil, combine the olive oil, garlic, and cilantro in a blender and pulse until smooth.
 
For a clearer, more traditional garlic cilantro olive oil, gently warm the olive oil in a saucepan over low heat.
 
Add the garlic and let it infuse for about five minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the cilantro.
 
Let the mixture cool completely before straining, if desired.
 

4. Store Your Garlic Cilantro Olive Oil

Pour your finished garlic cilantro olive oil into a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
 
Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to one week.
 
Because fresh garlic and cilantro are low-acid ingredients, always refrigerate your garlic cilantro olive oil to keep it safe.
 
Bring it to room temperature before using so the oil flows freely.
 

Ways to Use Garlic Cilantro Olive Oil

Once you’ve made garlic cilantro olive oil, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy it.
 
Here are a few of our favorites:
 

1. Drizzle It Over Grilled Meats and Seafood

Garlic cilantro olive oil is fantastic drizzled over grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or fish.
 
It adds instant flavor without any extra work.
 

2. Toss It With Vegetables or Pasta

Use your garlic cilantro olive oil to dress roasted vegetables, pasta, or grain bowls.
 
A little goes a long way, and it transforms simple dishes into something special.
 

3. Use It as a Dipping Oil

Serve garlic cilantro olive oil with crusty bread for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
 
You can also use it as a marinade or a finishing oil for soups and stews.
 

So, How Do You Make Garlic Cilantro Olive Oil?

You make garlic cilantro olive oil by infusing extra virgin olive oil with fresh garlic cloves and cilantro leaves, then storing it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
 
This garlic cilantro olive oil recipe is quick, versatile, and packed with bold flavor.
 
Whether you blend it smooth or infuse it gently, your homemade garlic cilantro olive oil will quickly become a kitchen favorite.
 
Give this garlic cilantro olive oil a try, and you’ll never look at plain olive oil the same way again.