In a small pan over high heat add your oil and achiote seeds.
Cook for 5 minutes while constantly stirring. Turn off the heat and let the oil cool. Once is safe to do so, strain the oil and save the seeds. Transfer the oil to a container with a lid.
Notes
Substitution:
Fat- I used vegetable oil because it has a neutral flavor. A lot of people like using olive oil but that adds a different flavor to the result. Another great option is to use lard.
Achiote- While I use the seeds in this recipe you can use it in powder form. You just have to heat the oil and then add ¼ cup of the powder. You can remove the excess powder if you like.
Tips:
Use a caldero, steel, or aluminum pan to avoid staining your pan.
Let the oil cool before storing. I suggest storing the oil in a glass container with a lid.
It is important to know that achiote oil stains things quickly. It can stain your counter, utensils, and clothes if left even for a couple of minutes. So I suggest rinsing everything off with warm soapy water as quickly as possible.