Crispy Fried Shallots

Jarred crispy fried shallots are one of the most underrated pantry items a home cook can keep on hand. Made from thin slices of shallot fried in neutral oil until they reach a deep golden colour and shatter at a bite, they deliver concentrated allium sweetness with a textural crunch no fresh shallot can match. They're widely used across Southeast Asian and Indian cooking — typically found in jars (often labelled bawang goreng or fried red onions) at Asian grocery stores, and increasingly in the international aisle of larger supermarkets. They keep for months in a sealed jar in the pantry. Beyond sloppy joes, scatter them over fried rice, congee, ramen, salads, soups, scrambled eggs, or mashed potatoes - anywhere a dish wants a savoury, sweet-edged crunch. Add them off the heat or as a finishing garnish to keep their texture intact; sustained heat softens them and dulls the snap that makes them special.