Homemade Crispy Shallots Recipe – Quick & Easy

Whether sprinkled on salads, incorporated into recipes like homemade green bean casserole, or simply enjoyed as a snack, these golden, Crispy Shallots are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. This simple yet incredibly versatile topping is not only quick and easy to make but also adds a burst of flavor to many dishes, making them extra special for holidays and everyday meals alike. 

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Why You Will Love Making Crispy Fried Shallots

• Crispy fried shallots are no ordinary topping. The light, crispy texture and the sweet, caramelized flavor of shallots enhance everything from your salads and stir-fries to even a green bean casserole. They bring a gourmet touch to even the simplest dishes, making them next level, irresistibly delicious, and visually appealing.
• Time is precious, especially in the kitchen. The beauty of making crispy shallots lies in its simplicity and speed. With just shallots, oil, and a pinch of salt, you can create a delightful topping that transforms your dishes in under 15 minutes! Plus, the process is straightforward – slice, and fry until they reach that perfect light golden brown, and voila, your crispy shallots are ready to shine in your meals.
• Let’s not forget about the shallot-infused oil left behind in your pan. This byproduct is a secret weapon in many Asian dishes, offering a subtle, aromatic flavor that can be used in salad dressings, stir-fries, and more. So, not only do you get a scrumptious topping with your crispy shallots, but you also gain a flavorful shallot oil that can be used again and again.
• When you make your own homemade crispy fried shallots, you control the ingredients and ensure there are no unwanted additives or preservatives. Opt for your preferred oil, like olive oil or avocado oil, and enjoy a healthier, homemade version of this delightful topping. Plus, making them yourself means you can ensure they are cooked to your desired level of crispiness and seasoned to perfection with kosher salt or your seasoning of choice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll only need the simple ingredients shown in the photograph below.

How to Make Crispy Shallots with Step-by-Step Instructions

A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Slicing the Shallots Thinly

Making perfect crispy fried shallots begins with how you slice them. Using a sharp knife, slice the shallots thinly to ensure they cook evenly and attain that desired crispy texture.

Remember, the thinner the slices, the crisper they will be. But be cautious not to make them paper-thin as they might burn quickly in hot oil.

Frying to Perfection

Now, let’s get those shallots sizzling! Place them in a skillet or medium saucepan and pour in the oil until they are just about covered.

We love olive oil for this recipe, but feel free to try another neutral oil like avocado oil or vegetable oil.

Cook on medium-low heat, ensuring they don’t burn. Stir occasionally until they begin to turn a light golden color, which should take approximately 6 – 7 minutes.

Continue to cook, stirring frequently until they reach a deep, rich golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as shallots can go from perfectly golden to burnt quite swiftly!

Draining and Seasoning

Once your shallots have achieved that beautiful golden brown, it’s time to remove them from the oil.

Use a slotted spoon or a fine mesh strainer to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate.

This step ensures any excess oil is absorbed, keeping your shallots crisp. While they’re still hot, sprinkle them with a pinch of salt to enhance their natural sweetness.

Enjoying Immediately or Storing for Later

Your crispy fried shallots are now ready to be enjoyed!

Sprinkle them over your dishes and savor the crunchy, flavorful goodness they bring. If you’ve made a larger batch, ensure they cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.

Stored correctly, this crispy fried shallot recipe can be a quick and easy way to add a gourmet touch to your dishes anytime.

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

• Uniform Thin Slices: Ensuring your shallots are sliced uniformly is crucial for even cooking. A mandoline slicer can be your best friend in achieving consistently thin slices. However, if you’re using a knife, take your time to ensure each slice is as even as possible. This will help you avoid some pieces burning while others are yet to crisp up.
• Watch the Heat: Shallots can transition from perfectly golden brown to a burnt crisp in moments, especially since you’re working with thinly sliced pieces. Maintaining a medium heat and keeping a vigilant eye during the frying process will prevent them from burning. If you notice the shallots browning too quickly, don’t hesitate to adjust the heat.
• Make Sure the Shallots are Dry: For that perfect crispiness, make sure your sliced shallots are as dry as possible before they hit the oil. Any moisture can inhibit them from reaching their full crispy potential and can also cause the oil to splatter. A quick pat between layers of paper towels can help remove any excess moisture.
• Reusing Shallot-Infused Oil: The leftover shallot oil is a treasure trove of flavor, perfect for enhancing various dishes. Store it in a glass container, and it will be ready to use in salad dressings, stir-fries, and any recipe where a hint of shallot could elevate the dish. Strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any bits and store it in a cool, dark place.
• Add Other Flavors: While classic crispy shallots are made with just shallots, oil, and salt, don’t be afraid to experiment with additional flavors. A dash of garlic powder, a sprinkle of paprika, or even a hint of cayenne can add a new dimension to your crispy fried shallots.
• Can I Make Crispy Shallots in the Oven? Absolutely! To make crispy fried shallots in the oven, spread the thinly sliced shallots on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at a low temperature, around 275°F (135°C), stirring occasionally until they are golden and crisp. This method might take longer than frying but is a great option if you prefer to avoid frying.

How to Store Crispy Shallots

We want to preserve that crunch, don’t we? Storing them properly is key to maintaining their delightful texture and flavor.

Keeping Them Crispy

Once your crispy shallots have cooled completely to room temperature, store them in an airtight container for later.

To avoid soggy shallots, make sure that no moisture can sneak in, as it’s the arch-nemesis of crispiness! If you want to go the extra mile, toss in a piece of bread to absorb any excess moisture.

Longevity and Quality

Stored properly, your crispy fried shallots should maintain their quality and crispness for up to two weeks at room temperature.

But remember, the fresher, the better when it comes to enjoying their optimal flavor and crunch. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, or if the shallots lose their crispness, it’s best to whip up a fresh batch.

Freezing for Extended Use

If you’ve made a large batch and want to save some for future culinary adventures, freezing is an option.

Place your crispy shallots in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them before transferring them to a freezer-safe airtight container.

This method helps prevent them from clumping together, ensuring you can easily grab a handful whenever you need them.

While they may lose a bit of their crunch, they can be quickly revived in a hot oven or a quick sauté in a pan.

Reusing Them in Various Dishes

When you’re ready to use your stored crispy shallots, sprinkle them on your desired dish as is or give them a quick refresh in a hot oven to bring back any lost crispness.

Whether they’re enhancing a creamy soup, adding crunch to a salad or roasted vegetables, or being folded into a stir fry, your stored crispy shallots will bring that beloved crispy texture and sweet, caramelized flavor to your meals.

What to Serve with Crispy Shallots

Now you’ve made these deliciously moreish crispy shallots, you’ll be wondering what to serve them with – right?

Elevate Your Salads

Crispy shallots can turn a simple salad into an extraordinary one with their delightful crunch and sweet, oniony flavor.

Whether it’s a magnificent 7 layer salad, fresh green salad with beetroot and feta, a tangy coleslaw, or a hearty potato salad, a sprinkle of crispy shallots can add delicious texture contrast.

Plus, if you’ve saved the shallot-infused oil, use it to whip up a flavorful vinaigrette to dress your salads.

A Crunchy Soup Topper

A generous sprinkle of crispy shallots goes perfectly on top of a creamy soup. Our spicy tomato bisque or rich sweet potato soup are perfect options.

They add a beautiful visual contrast and also provide a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the smoothness of the soup.

Their sweet and savory notes elevate the flavor profile of your soups, making them feel even more comforting and indulgent.

Enhancing Main Dishes

Whether it’s a juicy cauliflower steak, a flavorful stir fry, fried rice, or a cozy casserole,

Crispy shallots can add that extra something to make your main dishes shine. Imagine your homemade green bean casserole topped with a generous handful of crispy shallots, or a creamy pasta dish given an extra layer of complexity with their sweet, caramelized flavor.

The possibilities are endless, and with crispy shallots on hand, you’re ready to elevate your main courses with ease.

More Delicious Recipes For You To Try

• Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings
• Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Onions
• Indian Onion Salad
• Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber Salad
• Easy Zucchini Fritters

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