Have you run out of vegetable oil at home and are looking to replace it with something else? Or maybe you are looking for a new type of cooking oil altogether.
Vegetable oil is made from the extraction of oils from plant materials. This can be done with a mechanical press or chemical extraction using a solvent.
Vegetable oils aren’t necessarily unhealthy, but some can have high amounts of unhealthy trans fats or polyunsaturated omega-6 fats leading to potential health concerns if consumed in large quantities.
Here we have compiled a list of the best alternatives to use if you don’t have any or want to try an alternative to vegetable oil.
1. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is mostly composed of monounsaturated fat, whereas vegetable contains polyunsaturated fat. Cold-press avocado oil tends to retain more flavor than those extracted at high temperatures.
Its high smoke point means it’s great for frying and baking, in particular, it’s good for pan-frying steaks as it doesn’t burn the steak.
2. Sesame Oil & Canola Oil
Sesame oil and canola oil are both types of vegetable oil. Sesame oil is derived from sesame seeds and is perfect for sauteing meats and vegetables and can be used as the base for certain dressings and marinades.
Light and toasted forms are extremely popular in Asian cooking as they have a nutty flavor.
Canola oil is derived from the canola plant and is typically chemically processed using synthetic chemicals such as hexane.
It is lower in saturated fat than vegetable oil so is generally thought to be healthier. Canola oil can be used in any type of cooking, from baking to stir-frying and replacing solid fats.
3. Yogurt
Yogurt is another great substitute for vegetable oil, but this only works in baking. Plain or flavored yogurts both work well to complement the flavors you’re using in your baking.
Generally, you can swap one cup of oil for three-quarters of a cup of yogurt. Flatbreads, brownies, and many plant-based recipes all work well with some tasty yogurt.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an excellent substitute for vegetable oil as it’s extremely versatile and can be substituted in exact amounts.
As coconut oil can solidify at room temperature, melt the amount of oil you need in the recipe. The sweet, nutty flavor of the coconut oil (see also ‘7 Substitutes For Coconut Oil‘) is great in baking, frying, and drizzling over popcorn.
This oil is very popular, especially with those that adopt a vegan or plant-based diet as it works well when in place of dairy products.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil (see also ‘7 Olive Oil Substitutes‘) has been a staple for centuries, used to cook with, to make a salad dressing, or simply for dipping a delicious piece of crusty bread in.
Although it’s perfect to use in savory cooking, it can be an acquired taste if used in baking. This oil is super versatile and can provide you with several health benefits that come with consuming healthy fats.
6. Applesauce
Applesauce can replace fats in many baking recipes. You can use applesauce instead of butter or oil, this not only adds fiber to the dish but also can help to reduce calories in cakes, muffins, and bread.
This substitute also helps to keep the baked goods moist and fresh due to the water content.
If you decide to replace vegetable oil for applesauce (see also ‘16 + Super Tasty Recipes Using Applesauce‘) when baking, simply replace it on a 1:1 ratio.
7. Butter
Butter (see also ‘13 Best Butter Substitutes‘) is a great substitute for vegetable oil when used in baking, you can swap out the oil for the same quantity of butter and still achieve the same result.
Make sure to melt the oil and let it cool a little before using it. When sauteing or pan-frying the butter also needs to be melted before you chuck in your ingredients.
One thing you can’t use butter for instead of oil is stir-frying as it can’t withstand high temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Substitute For Vegetable Oil In A Cake Mix?
Nearly all types of oil can be substituted for vegetable oil in a cake mix. Oils such as canola, olive, or avocado work well to replace vegetable oil and can be used in equal measures.
Final Thoughts
Many different types of oil can be used to substitute vegetable oil, so there’s no need to panic! We hope you found this article interesting and informative, helping you to identify which types of oil can be used in what type of cooking.
What Can You Substitute For Vegetable Oil?
Vegetable oil is an oil used in cooking that’s derived from plants. Here we have listed the different substitutes you can use instead of vegetable oil.
Ingredients
Avocado Oil
Sesame Oil & Canola Oil
Yogurt
Coconut Oil
Olive Oil
Applesauce
Butter
Directions
- Decided on what substitute you need
- Pick a substitute from the list above
- Read what you need to substitute with
- Create the recipe and enjoy
Recipe Video
Cooking is great for your mental, physical, and emotional health. What’s the worst that could happen? Find a recipe that you like the sound of and cook it along with me. You might even unlock a new passion!
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