In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in one red pepper flake. If the flake floats without burning, add the additional pepper. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Cover saucepan and allow the pepper flakes to steep for 30 minutes. Strain the oil into a small bowl, and allow the oil cool.
In a small bowl, mix the hot pepper oil and lemon juice using a whisk. Add garlic, salt, and black pepper.
The dressing can be served chilled or at room temperature over various vegetables or seafood. If the dressing is too spicy, it can be diluted with additional olive oil.
