If youre looking for an alternative to peanut oil, these are the 5 best peanut oil substitutes. These oils have a similar flavor and high smoking point and can be used in recipes that call for peanut oil.
Most peanut oil youll see at the grocery store is refined. Refined peanut oil has been processed to make it more shelf-stable and heat-stable. This process also diminishes the flavor, giving refined peanut oil a very neutral flavor.
Refined peanut oil is mild-flavored and has a high smoke point – meaning it can be used to cook at high temperatures. It is mainly used for deep-frying, sautéeing and stir-fry dishes like ground chicken stir-fry. It is also used in salad dressing because it has a neutral flavor.
However, you can also buy unrefined peanut oil. Unrefined peanut oil has the flavor of peanuts and a lower smoke point. It is usually more expensive. Like roasted peanut oil, it is generally used to add a nutty flavor to food or salad dressing and drizzled on after food has been cooked.
To learn more about how oils are refined, check out this handy chart about choosing the right cooking oil and learn about the difference between naturally and industrially refined oils, cold-pressed and expeller pressed oils.
In this article, were talking about the best substitutions for refined peanut oil, which is used most often for cooking.
The best substitutes for refined peanut oil are oils that are also refined and have a high smoke point and neutral flavor. [feast_advanced_jump_to]
Widely available and inexpensive, canola oil is the best alternative and a great substitute for peanut oil. It has a neutral flavor, making it a good option for salad dressing. The smoke point of canola oil is around 400º F, which is slightly lower than peanut oil but still high enough to use for deep frying or stir-frying.
Safflower oil is also a good choice. Made from the seeds of the safflower plant, refined safflower oil has a very high smoke point (510º F) and almost no detectable flavor. Its a good oil for deep-frying or high heat cooking. However, It is usually more expensive than peanut oil.
Sunflower oil is easy to find in stores and fairly affordable, making it a good peanut oil substitute. It has a neutral flavor, making a good option for most recipes. Its smoke point is around 440º F.
Frying a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner has become a beloved tradition for many families across the United States. Deep frying a turkey produces a bird with crispy, golden brown skin enveloping tender, juicy meat. It’s a surefire way to wow your guests!
However, peanut oil has traditionally been the oil of choice for frying whole turkeys. Some people may need to avoid peanut oil due to allergies or other health concerns. The good news is that there are several excellent peanut oil alternatives for deep frying a turkey!
In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of various oils that can be used to fry a turkey instead of peanut oil We will cover smoke points, flavors, and pricing so you can determine the best peanut oil alternative for your needs. Let’s get started!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Peanut Oil Substitute
When selecting an oil for deep frying a turkey there are a few key factors to keep in mind
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Smoke Point – The smoke point refers to the temperature at which an oil begins to burn and smoke. For deep frying a whole turkey, you need an oil with a smoke point of at least 450°F. Many peanut oil alternatives meet this requirement.
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Flavor – The flavor of the frying oil will impart subtle flavors to the turkey. You want an oil with a neutral taste.
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Price – Some oils are more economical than others. Make sure to factor in the amount of oil needed for frying when comparing prices.
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Availability – Check that the oil you want to use is easy to find at your local grocery store. Some alternatives may need to be ordered online.
Now let’s look at some of the best oils to use when frying a turkey!
Refined Avocado Oil
Refined avocado oil has gained popularity in recent years as a high heat cooking oil. It has a very high smoke point of 520°F, making it an excellent choice for deep frying.
Advantages of avocado oil:
- Neutral flavor that won’t impact the taste of the turkey
- High smoke point means very low risk of burning
- Rich source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
- Adds glossy sheen to fried turkey skin
The downside is that avocado oil tends to be more expensive than other alternatives. But if you’re willing to splurge, it’s one of the best options.
Refined Soybean Oil
Refined soybean oil is another neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point of 450°F. This makes it suitable for frying a turkey.
Pros of soybean oil:
- Widely available at any grocery store
- Very affordable option
- Light color won’t greatly alter appearance of turkey
- High smoke point for frying
Cons to consider:
- Not as heat stable as other options
- Some find flavor too neutral
Still, for an accessible and budget-friendly oil, refined soybean oil gets the job done.
Safflower Oil
Like soybean oil, safflower oil has a neutral taste profile. But it boasts an even higher smoke point of 510°F.
Benefits of safflower oil:
- Very high smoke point
- Neutral flavor doesn’t compete with turkey
- Relatively affordable
- Low saturated fat content
Downsides:
- Can be harder to find than soybean oil
- Needs to be replenished frequently when frying
But if you don’t mind replenishing the oil, safflower is an excellent high-heat choice.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil has a light taste and appearance. It has a smoke point of 450°F, which meets the minimum requirement for frying whole turkeys.
Why choose sunflower oil?
- Light, neutral flavor
- Relatively affordable
- Contains vitamin E for antioxidant benefits
- Pleasant golden color
Potential issues:
- Lower smoke point than other options
- Needs to be replaced frequently during frying
- Can impart slight nutty taste
While not the most optimal choice, sunflower oil will work in a pinch. Monitor it closely during frying.
Peanut Oil Alternatives Quick Comparison
| Oil | Smoke Point | Flavor | Price per Gallon |
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Refined, Light or Blended Olive Oil
Refined, or light, olive oil is different than extra virgin olive oil. Refined olive oil undergoes additional processing that usually involves high heat and/or chemicals that diminish the flavor and odor of the olive oil.
Sometimes, extra virgin olive oil is blended back in to add flavor. You can also find refined olive oil that is blended with canola or other vegetable oils.
The neutral flavor and fairly high smoke point (around 460º F) of light olive oil can make refined/light olive oil a fine substitute for peanut oil.
Corn oil is a type of vegetable oil. Very affordable and easy to find, corn oil is also a good alternative to peanut oil. Corn oil has a neutral taste. It can be used with high heat and the smoke point is the same as peanut oil (450º F).
Rice bran oil, avocado oil, grape seed oil and soybean oil are also fine substitutes for peanut oil. All three have high smoke points. Rice bran and grape seed oil have neutral flavors, while avocado has a stronger flavor and more buttery texture. You can use all 3 of these oils to make salad dressings.
However, they are all quite a bit more expensive. This makes these oils less ideal substitutes, especially if you are using them in larger amounts for deep-frying.
Curious about other oil substitutes? Read about the best substitutes for sesame oil.
The Best Way To Deep Fry A Turkey In Peanut Oil For Any Holiday.
FAQ
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