Are you overwhelmed by all the different types of oil? Learn which ones you need with his chef’s guide to the different types of cooking oils.
Did you know that you can order burgers cooked in 100-year old-grease at a restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee?
When it comes to choosing your own preferred cooking oil, there are plenty of standard and eclectic options that can make any chef feel overwhelmed. Since the fats we use in our food have a big impact on the final flavor, learning about the different types of cooking oils is important.
Are you ready to become a better chef? Keep reading for a guide on the most popular cooking oils.
Canola and Vegetable Oil
The two most common types of oils are canola and vegetable. Although these oils are made with different ingredients, they both have a neutral flavor and high smoke point, which makes them interchangeable and ideal for frying.
However, lots of people tend to choose canola over vegetable oil when given the chance because canola oil does have less saturated fat.
Olive Oil
If you’re looking for the healthiest type of oil for cooking, you can never go wrong with olive oil.
The best olive oil can be used to both panfry and create a tasty dip for bread. Olive oil may not have as high of a smoke point as canola or vegetable oil, but its unique flavor adds more depth to the food.
Peanut Oil
Another one of the best types of cooking oil is peanut oil. Peanut oil is available in refined, unrefined, and toasted varieties, though most people opt for refined due to its high smoke point. If you’re interested in adding a nuttier flavor to your meal, roasted peanut oil can amp up the decadence.
Coconut Oil
Out of all of the different types of cooking oil, coconut oil is one of the most unique on this list. The reason why is because coconut oil is solid at room temperature, but it melts easily.
Aside from adding a slightly sweet flavor to dishes, coconut oil has other uses outside of the kitchen, such as moisturizing skin and hair.
Soybean Oil
Have you ever noticed that soy is listed as an ingredient on almost every packaged food at the store? The reason why is because almost every manufacturer likes to use soybean oil as their added fat. Soybean oil has a neutral taste, which makes it versatile in salty snacks, baked goods, frozen dinners, and even condiments.
Sesame Oil
Like toasted peanut oil, sesame oil is often used as a flavor enhancer rather than a fat for frying. It’s most often found in Asian dishes, but you can add a splash of sesame oil in any meal for some aromatic and rich depth.
Now You Know More About the Types of Cooking Oils
Now that you know about six of the most popular types of cooking oils, you can become a master of the kitchen in no time. It may not sound like much, but learning how to choose the right oil for the job makes all the difference in the final product.
Are you ready to start cooking? Make sure you check out our site to find more inspiring tips and delicious recipes.
