7 Substitutes for Vegetable Oil in Cooking & Baking
Vegetable oil is an essential ingredient in cooking and baking. You might not realize the importance of it until you run out. If the vegetable oil at your house always seems to be gone (or almost gone), and you’re looking for alternatives to finish a dish or to try something new, this is the article for you.
1. Peanut Oil
Look no further than peanut oil if you need a vegetable oil substitute for the fryer. This substance works great for frying because of its high smoking point, and, contrary to its name, it doesn’t actually taste like peanuts.
2. Olive Oil
There are two types of olive oil: regular and extra-virgin.
Regular olive oil is a good substitute for frying because it’s processed and it has a higher smoking point. Extra-virgin olive oil, on the other hand, is better used for salad dressing or as a finishing oil because of its flavor.
Because olive oil contains vitamin E and polyphenols, baked breads, pastries, and the like will last longer if you substitute olive oil for butter.
Who else would be surprised to know it takes about 11 pounds of olives to make one quart of extra virgin olive oil?
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil makes it a great substitute for vegetable oil. Note that you may detect notes of coconut in this ingredient, and it solidifies as it cools, so always make sure to measure it in liquid form.
It might surprise you to know… Coconut oil can be used for almost anything. With antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral properties it could help you fight off all kinds of nasty things…
Plus, coconut oil is excellent for repairing damaged hair, and restoring hydration & shine to your hair follicles.
4. Butter
Using butter instead of vegetable oil will make your dish richer, especially when baking. Yet, it’s not recommended as a substitute when you’re frying or cooking with high heat.
Did you know you can make butter at home using a decent blender?
I do it all the time…
Add organic, grass fed heavy cream to your blender, and blend. After a short time, the butter will separate out from the butter milk. Careful… if you go too far, you’ll turn it into whipped cream.
Do you want a full walk through? Let us know in the comments.
5. Applesauce
While you have your blender out, you can make Applesauce. It works when you need a vegetable oil substitute. Obviously, it’s not ideal for frying chicken or sauteing veggies. When it comes to baking, applesauce adds moisture and cuts back on the fat in your recipe.
6. Greek Yogurt
Much like applesauce, Greek yogurt probably isn’t the best choice for frying or sauteing, but it’s another great option while baking. It will add moisture, richness, and a pleasant tang to whatever you’re making, and, depending on the Greek yogurt fat content, it could lower the overall fat as well.
7. Mayonnaise
This is yet another great vegetable oil substitute for baking. This is a trick that is tried and true, and it can make baked goods moist and rich.
Try Something New and Exciting
Whether you’re switching out vegetable oil in favor of a healthier option or simply because you ran out at the last minute, these vegetable oil substitutes will work wonders. Try it out for yourself the next time you’re busy in the kitchen.