How to Make Annatto Oil
Annatto oil is also known as Achiote Oil and Atsuete Oil. This is made by mixing annatto seeds with olive oil; vegetable oil, canola oil, and corn oil can also be used. The main purpose of this red oil is to provide color to different dishes to make it more visually appealing.
Since annatto oil is not always available in grocery stores, learning how to make it will surely be beneficial to you. Annatto seeds, which are one of the ingredients, can be found in Asian stores. If in case the nearest Asian store in your place is not that close, you can head directly to the nearest Mexican store in your area to purchase it (you should be looking for a package labeled “Achiote”).
Making Annatto oil is very simple. Here are the details to get you started.
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Annatto oil is also known as Achiote Oil and Atsuete Oil. This is made by mixing annatto seeds with olive oil; vegetable oil, canola oil, and corn oil can also be used. The main purpose of this red oil is to provide color to different dishes to make it more visually appealing.

Since annatto oil is not always available in grocery stores, learning how to make it will surely be beneficial to you. Annatto seeds, which are one of the ingredients, can be found in Asian stores. If in case the nearest Asian store in your place is not that close, you can head directly to the nearest Mexican store in your area to purchase it (you should be looking for a package labeled “Achiote”).
Making Annatto oil is very simple. Here are the details to get you started.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag us on Instagram at @panlasangpinoy or hashtag #panlasangpinoy so we can see your creations!

How to Make Annatto Oil
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons annatto seeds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Combine the annatto seeds and olive oil in a saucepan then apply heat.
- 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 1 to 2 minutes (Do not overcook the seeds because it will produce a bitter taste).
- 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.



Jhing Golez says
Thanks for this video chef..
after po ma extract yung annato seeds..let it cool then refrigerate for the next recipe tama po ba.. pang ilang ulit po
NenengVDy says
Served the purpose
Matthew Calaycay says
Hi, wondering if I can make the two batches of oil the anatto seeds can yeild at once. Any disadvantages to just doubling the oil amount on the first boil? Thanks. Big fans from Toronto.
Rox says
Hi,
How long can you preserve the annatto oil?
Pheng jcwook says
Para saan po ba yan anato oil pwd po b yan s spageti sauce ihalo?
Cora de Lara says
Hi Chef Vanjo, salamat ho sa pag share ng mga niluluto ninyong ulam , ang sasarap ho , sa tingin palang ho e nakaka gutom na , kaya binabalikan or isini save ko iyong mga luto ninyo para sa pag luto ko , e baka ho meron kayong recipes ng roast or peking duck iyong hong easy gawin, hhhi thank you ho .
Cora
Marial says
Hi! Is it ok to use extra virgin olive oil? Thanks.
Elena dG says
No Annatto seed where i live. Any substitute? Thank you
Logan48X says
It is used to give color to dishes. Such as rice, and meats. But I forget how long the shelf life is. Some people say 5-6 months refrigerated in a jar. Others say 4-5 days at room temeperature and refrigerated.
Marcus Johns says
Is Annatto oil used for flavour, colour, heat or a combination of the three. Could chilli oil be substituted? (Having a LOT of difficulty finding Annatto seed or oil in China).
Many thanks.
Vanjo Merano says
Annatto oil is just used to add color to the food. It has no flavor and it is not spicy at all.
luchie mccann says
what if lemon grass is not available ,what herbs can i substitute for that??
Sin Soriano says
any substitute sa olive oil sir vanjo?
Panlasang Pinoy says
Sin, other types of cooking oil such as vegetable oil and canola oil can be used.
Marjorie says
If I can use annatto powder, can I put the annatto powder in a tea bag first and let it seat in a hot oil. That can works too, sir Vanjo? Thanks in advance.
kaye says
can i use powdered annatto? we dont have annatto seed here. tnx!
Panlasang Pinoy says
sure kaye, you can use it too if you don’t have the seeds around.
Joanne T Ferguson says
G’day! I am subscribed to your blog and find the various ingredients and dishes excited to see (LOVE the photos and step by step) as well as the videos.
I was wondering could you suggest some of your dishes this oil can be used with? Thank you in advance and hope you have a good day!
Panlasang Pinoy says
I used that for the Chicken Inasal that I posted today. You may also use annatto oil for pancit palabok and molo soup.