10 Best Peanut Oil Substitutes That You Can Try
If you are a fan of deep-fried food like me, I am sure you must have used peanut oil while deep frying. Peanut oil is, in fact, also very popularly used in Asian cooking. So, let us discuss peanut oil today and the peanut oil substitutes.
Peanut oil is a great oil for deep frying and adds a lot of flavor to various Asian recipes. However, peanut oil may not be suitable for everyone, thanks to peanut allergies and its cost. So, for that, this article will help you with the best peanut oil substitutes.
Now I am sure you must be wondering, what are the best peanut oil substitutes? The best peanut oil substitutes are olive oil, corn oil, canola oil, soybean oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, almond oil, and vegetable oil.
However, before we discuss the substitutes, how about I tell you a little more about peanut oil itself? This will make it easier for you to pick your substitute.
What’s In The Post
Quick Peek: Peanut Oil
This section has all the information you need on peanut oil. You will also get to understand the ingredient itself, its flavor and texture profile, uses, and nutritional information. So, let us discover peanut oil together!
What Is Peanut Oil?
Peanut oil is a type of vegetable oil derived from peanuts. It also goes by the names groundnut oil and Arachis oil. It can be made from plain or roasted peanuts. It is produced vastly in many countries around the world. It became popular in the US during World War II.
Peanut oil is also known to many as groundnut oil, as peanuts develop underground. There are various types of peanut oils available in the market. These types are refined peanut oil, gourmet peanut oil, and peanut oil blends.
Describing Peanut Oil: Flavor And Texture
Peanut oil has a liquid consistency, similar to any other type of oil. It does not solidify at room temperature, similar to various other oils. The flavor of peanut oil varies depending upon how it is made.
Usually, peanut oil made from raw peanuts has a milder taste. However, peanut oil made with roasted peanuts is much stronger in flavor. The flavor of peanut oil is generally mild with a nutty aftertaste.
Uses Of Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is the most preferred oil when it comes to deep-frying. This is because peanut oil has an extremely high smoking point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Hence, peanut oil does not get rancid easily even after being projected to extremely high temperatures.
However, the uses of peanut oil are not limited to deep-frying! It is used extensively in various Asian countries, especially thanks to its flavor. Roasted peanut oil is usually used to add flavor to various foods, as it has a stronger flavor than regular peanut oil.
Peanut Oil On The Health Radar | Looking Through The Wellness Telescope
Peanut oil, being a type of oil, is very high in calories. However, it contains no amounts of cholesterol in it and has been linked to various health benefits. A tablespoon or around 15 grams of peanut oil contains 119 calories and has saturated fats.
Peanut oil is a great source of vitamin E, linked to reducing the risk of heart disease. Moreover, vitamin E in peanut oil also helps keep the immune system strong by protecting the body from bacteria and viruses.
Peanut oil is linked to reducing cholesterol levels, improving blood circulation, preventing acne problems, and is a remedy for constipation. However, it does contain an extremely high amount of omega-6 fats, which can be bad for health if consumed in high quantities.
Why Use A Substitute For Peanut Oil?
I am sure this question must have come to your mind, considering the number of peanut oil’s health benefits. While there are many reasons to use peanut oil, there are also a few reasons why you can consider using a substitute for the same.
First and the biggest reason for using a peanut oil substitute is peanut allergies. Even though peanut oil works extremely well for deep frying and adds flavor to various foods, peanut allergies can make it impossible to use peanut oil.
Hence, a substitute with similar properties can work extremely well in your recipes in a situation like this. Moreover, peanut oil is also quite expensive. So, using a budget-friendly substitute can work better for some.
Lastly, in case you just seem to be all out of peanut oil, why bother running to the store? You can use a substitute in this case that might already be present in your pantry! These are reasons good enough to consider using a peanut oil substitute.
I think I have given you ample information on peanut oil. Now, let me quickly introduce you to the best peanut oil substitutes without further ado!
10 Best Peanut Oil Substitutes
This section has all the best peanut oil substitutes. Moreover, you will also get to know how exactly you can use them as a substitute.
1. Canola Oil
Also known as rapeseed oil, canola oil is a very common kitchen staple. Though it does not have a very high smoking point, canola oil can be used for frying and makes a great peanut oil substitute.
Canola oil has a neutral flavor and can be infused with various other herbs and spices. If you are looking for an oil with a milder flavor than peanut oil, canola oil is the right pick for you.
Moreover, canola oil is a relatively healthier option than peanut oil. It works well as a substitute for peanut oil in deep frying or shallow frying and roasting. Moreover, it is also extremely affordable, making it a great choice for substitution.
2. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is extracted from the avocado pulp. This oil has a mild flavor and a high smoking point, similar to peanut oil. Hence, it makes a good peanut oil substitute for deep frying and in various other recipes.
Avocado oil is rich in vitamin E, similar to peanut oil. Moreover, it has healthy fats that help reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health. Avocado oil is also rich in antioxidants. It has a mild and neutral flavor as compared to peanut oil.
Avocado oil, considering its high smoking point, can work extremely well for deep-fried food and also for roasting or any other recipe. Moreover, it will not leave a lingering taste and gels well with various ingredients considering its neutral flavor.
3. Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is extracted from sunflower seeds. It has a high smoking point, similar to peanut oil, and also has a neutral taste. It can be used as a peanut oil substitute in various recipes.
Sunflower oil is great for deep frying, considering its high smoking point. Moreover, it won’t impart a flavor to food since it has a neutral flavor. This makes sunflower oil a great choice for recipes where you would not want a strong oil taste.
Sunflower oil, moreover, is rich in vitamin E, similar to peanut oil. However, it is important to remember that sunflower oil should not be reused too many times as it can turn rancid quickly. Sunflower oil is also a budget-friendly option.
4. Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is extracted from soybean seeds and has a neutral flavor. It also has a high smoking point and can work extremely well for deep frying. Hence, it makes a good substitute for peanut oil.
Soybean oil can withstand extremely high temperatures without turning rancid, a big plus. Moreover, considering the fact that it does not have a very strong flavor, it gels well with various other ingredients without giving an overpowering flavor.
Soybean oil is a great option for deep frying, for sure. However, it can also be used in various other recipes and for shallow, stir-frying, and baking. It is also linked to certain health benefits as it is rich in omega-6 fats.
5. Sesame Oil
Sesame oil has an intense flavor and a high smoking point. The flavor of sesame oil is quite similar to peanut oil; hence, it works as a great peanut oil substitute, especially if you are looking for a similar flavor.
Sesame oil comes in two varieties, dark and light sesame oil. While light sesame oil is made with plain sesame seeds and is good for frying, dark sesame oil is made with roasted sesame seeds and adds flavor to various dishes.
Dark sesame oil generally works well in stir-fried recipes and other recipes that are not subjected to very high heat. This is because dark sesame oil tends to lose its flavor if it is subjected to very high temperatures. It is also rich in antioxidants.
6. Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is made with a variety of different vegetables. However, vegetable oil generally has a high smoking point and is neutral in flavor despite the variety. It works as a great substitute for peanut oil.
Vegetable oil is another variety of oil with a neutral flavor. Hence, it works well in recipes where you would not want an overpowering flavor. Moreover, vegetable oil has a high smoking point, making it ideal for deep frying.
However, an important thing to remember with vegetable oil is that it quickly absorbs flavors. Hence, it cannot be reused too many times, especially when deep-frying. But, vegetable oil is very widely available and also affordable!
7. Almond Oil
Almond oil is extracted from almonds. It has a nutty and mild taste and has a high smoking point, similar to peanut oil. It works as a peanut oil substitute in various recipes.
Almond oil is a great option if you want an oil with added flavor. It has a nutty flavor that gels extremely well with various ingredients. Moreover, it can be used for frying, too, considering its high smoking point.
Almond oil is moreover rich in antioxidants and healthy fats too. However, the downside to using almond oil is that it is really expensive. Moreover, it should be avoided by people with certain nut allergies.
8. Walnut Oil
Walnut oil is extracted from walnuts. It has a great nutty flavor that works extremely well in recipes and can be used as a substitute for peanut oil in certain recipes.
Walnut oil is generally a great option for salad dressings or to be drizzled over dips. As it is extremely expensive, it might not make the best substitute for deep frying or any sort of bulk cooking.
However, walnut oil is extremely rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It has various health benefits linked to it, similar to peanut oil. So, it makes a great peanut oil substitute in those terms.
9. Safflower Oil
Safflower oil is extracted from crushed safflower seeds. It has a high smoking point similar to peanut oil and works as a great substitute for the same in various recipes.
Safflower oil is a great substitute for peanut oil when it comes to deep-frying, thanks to its high smoking point. Moreover, the oil has no flavor, so it works extremely well in recipes where you would not want an overpowering flavor.
Moreover, safflower oil is another variety of oil that is not very expensive. So, that makes it ideal for deep frying or any sort of bulk cooking. You can also positively use safflower oil in baking.
10. Rice Bran Oil
Rice bran oil is made from the outer layer of brown rice. It has a high smoking point and a neutral flavor that works extremely well in various recipes. Hence, it makes a good peanut oil substitute.
Rice bran oil may not be very commonly used everywhere. However, considering its high smoking point, it works well for deep frying. Moreover, rice bran oil is another inexpensive substitute option.
Rice bran oil moreover has a mild nutty flavor, which means it will not overpower your dish with its flavor. It can be used in baking and to drizzle over salads as well.
Short Recap For Best Peanut Oil Substitutes
I am sure you must have gone through the extensive list of best peanut oil substitutes by now. However, there may be chances that you are still confused about which one to use. For that, I have broken it down further into three categories for you.
Most Suitable: The most suitable substitute for peanut oil is canola oil.
Easily Available: Sunflower oil and vegetable oil are easily available peanut oil substitutes.
Best Flavor Profile: Sesame oil will give the best flavor profile when used as a peanut oil substitute.
Final Word
Now that we have come to the end of this article, I hope you were able to find the best peanut oil substitute for your recipe! Peanut oil is a healthy ingredient with a lot of health benefits. However, it is very rich in omega-6 fatty acids.
When consumed in extremely high quantities, these fatty acids can be bad for health. So, peanut oil must be eaten in moderation. However, saying that, you can easily pick a healthier substitute than peanut oil.
All the substitute options given above are extremely worthy alternatives for peanut oil. You can choose what works best for your recipe, depending on the smoking points and flavors of the substitute options. I am sure you will pick a great option, so happy cooking to you!
How To Substitute The Above Mentioned Ingredients For Peanut Oil
Peanut Oil Substitutes
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- Canola Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Soybean Oil
- Sesame Oil
- Vegetable Oil
- Almond Oil
- Walnut Oil
- Safflower Oil
- Rice Bran Oil
- Go through the substitutes and see which one seems fit for the recipe
- Collect your ingredients and use your preferred substitute.
- Use the substitute in the required amount and proceed to make the dish according to the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is peanut oil healthy to cook with?
Peanut oil is high in antioxidants and good fats which makes it a healthy variety of oil.
What is peanut oil best used for?
Peanut oil is great for deep frying and sauteing and also great for adding flavor.
Can you fry eggs in peanut oil?
Yes, peanut oil is great for frying eggs.
Is peanut oil as healthy as olive oil?
Yes, peanut oil is as healthy as olive oil.