Peanut Oil Substitute

Peanut oil is extracted by pressing and processing peanuts and their kernels. The kernels contain most of the oil and undergo different extraction processes. It has a high smoking point, which means, the temperature at which it starts to burn and give out smoke is considerably higher than other oils, which makes it one of the most widely used oils for deep frying. Peanut oil is healthy to consume as it does not contain any fats that could prove detrimental to the heart. To maintain a decent shelf life of peanut oil, it is stored under refrigeration. The oil may thicken up but once it's back to room temperature, it's suitable for cooking again! However, sometimes the need to use a substitute for this wonderful oil may arise. The reasons could ranger from an allergy to unavailability. In this Buzzle article, you'll get to know some oils that can be used a substitute for peanut oil, mostly other vegetable oils, that you can use for all your deep frying needs!

Canola Oil
Canola oil is a good substitute for peanut oil. It is extracted from a type of rapeseed. It is an edible oil that does not contain much saturated fat. Hence, it is heart friendly and one of the safest oils to be used as a peanut oil substitute. It is a highly versatile oil as it can tolerate extreme temperatures as well. It does not have a very strong flavor, much like peanut oil, which makes it a favorite for cooking and even baking.

Safflower Oil
Safflower blooms are bright red, yellow or orange in color. They are spiny, and a single branch holds around 5 blooms which have at least 20 - 25 seeds each. These seeds are crushed and processed to extract oil that is used for cooking. The types of safflower oil are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Monounsaturated safflower oil is a good substitute for peanut oil as it is low in saturated fat content and high in oleic acid. It is a stable oil that can be used for foods that require high heating levels or for deep frying. Polyunsaturated safflower oil is used more for cold foods like salads.

Corn Oil
Corn oil is another good peanut oil substitute. Extracted from the seed of corn (maize), corn oil also has a high smoking point just like peanut oil. This makes it perfect for deep frying. It can also be used in salad dressings and to make margarine. It does not have a rancid taste. This is another plus point that makes it a favorite cooking oil. What's more is, corn oil is generally less expensive compared to other edible oils. So it's light on the pocket as well.

Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is extracted from the seeds of sunflowers. It too, has a high smoking point, which makes it a good peanut oil substitute. Sunflower oil is rich in Vitamin E. It is also a non-fat oil and is high in oleic acid. This makes it healthy since it reduces cholesterol levels and does not contribute to coronary diseases. It also has a considerable shelf life which makes it more useful as a cooking oil. Besides, sunflower oil has a lot of other benefits as well.

This was a list of peanut oil substitutes that you can think of using the next time you think of peanut allergies, high cholesterol, high smoking points and deep frying! So go ahead, gorge on your favorite fried chicken, French fries, and other homemade chips and crisps without worrying too much about it!