Common oils used for frying food include vegetable oil, canola oil, and peanut oil. These oils have high smoke points and neutral flavors, making them suitable for frying at high temperatures without imparting a strong taste to the food.
What kind of oil do you fry food in?
When it comes to frying food, various types of oil can be used depending on personal preference and the specific dish being prepared. Commonly used oils for frying include vegetable oil, canola oil, and peanut oil. These oils are known for their high smoke points and neutral flavors, which make them ideal for frying at high temperatures without overwhelming the taste of the food.
JULIA CHILD, the renowned American chef and cookbook author, once said, “With enough butter, anything is good.” While butter is indeed a flavorful option for cooking, it is not typically recommended for frying due to its lower smoke point. However, oils like vegetable, canola, and peanut oil provide an excellent alternative for achieving that perfect crispiness in fried foods.
Here are some interesting facts about oils used for frying:
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Vegetable oil is a popular choice for frying due to its versatility. It is often made from a blend of different plant oils such as soybean, corn, sunflower, or safflower. Its mild taste allows the flavors of the ingredients to shine through.
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Canola oil is derived from the seeds of the canola plant, which is a type of rapeseed. It has a neutral flavor profile, making it suitable for a wide range of dishes. Canola oil is also low in saturated fat and contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
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Peanut oil, also known as groundnut oil, is made from the legumes that grow beneath the ground. It has a distinct nutty flavor that can enhance the taste of fried foods. Additionally, it has a high smoke point, making it a popular choice for deep frying.
Table: Smoke Points of Commonly Used Oils for Frying
Oil Smoke Point (°F)
Vegetable oil 400-450°F
Canola oil 400-450°F
Peanut oil 450-475°F
Please note that smoke points can vary depending on the specific brand and refinement process of the oil. It is always advisable to check the packaging or manufacturer’s recommendations for the exact smoke point.
In conclusion, when it comes to frying food, vegetable oil, canola oil, and peanut oil are commonly used due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors. As Julia Child once said, let the butter add its magic to other culinary delights while these oils work their wonders to achieve the perfect crunch and taste in fried dishes.
Associated video
In the YouTube video “Can You Deep Fry Food in Engine Oil?”, the YouTuber attempts to deep-fry various foods in engine oil and concludes that while it is possible to achieve crispy results, it’s not recommended due to the toxicity of the oil and the smoke it produces. The YouTuber fries Oreos, Twinkies, and pickles, finding that the Oreos and Twinkies turn out well but the pickles are still gross. They also share a bizarre recipe involving pickles and Oreos. In the end, the YouTuber states that deep-frying in engine oil is not worth the risk.
On the Internet, there are additional viewpoints
vegetable oilThe refined oils that are most often used for deep frying include safflower and soybean oil, the latter of which is often labeled as vegetable oil. Decker says the most stable picks are high in a fat called oleic acid, and recommends using peanut or canola oil.
I’m sure you will be interested
So what is the best oil for frying? The answer is simple: If you’re frying at home, you’ll probably want to use vegetable oil. While vegetable oil is a term that can be applied to any plant-based oil, what we’re talking about are the bottles that spell out “vegetable oil” on the label.
It’s great for all different methods of frying and all kinds of foods, like breaded chicken, fries, and more. It has a high smoke point (around 400˚ to 450˚), which means it can withstand a high temperature before it starts to burn.