Can you fry with olive oil?
When it comes to frying, nothing matches the versatility and flavor of olive oil, but that’s not all. Enhancing the flavor of fried foods is just one of its qualities, but more importantly, it’s a healthier alternative to other oils. A recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health found that cooking with olive oil instead of common alternatives which are high in saturated fats reduced the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease by 15 and 21% respectively. Furthermore, olive oil, in all its varieties, is one of the most stable oils to cook with, even at high temperatures.
How to Fry with Olive Oil
Olive oil is a healthy option for cooking that takes fried dishes up a notch due to its unique flavor. What’s more, it contains healthy fats that studies have linked to improved heart health.
Pan Frying
Shallow pan frying is a great way to cook with olive oil. Simply coat the surface of the pan with olive oil and place your ingredients inside so that they are sitting in a shallow pool of oil. For meats and fish, turn midway through the cooking process so that the ingredients cook evenly. A good rule of thumb for pan-frying is to cook at low to medium heat, or approximately 350°F or 180°C. Pan-frying is the most efficient way to put your olive oil to good use, as less oil is required in the cooking process and is mostly absorbed by the ingredients, meaning you won’t have to discard it afterward.
Deep Frying
The difference between pan-frying and deep-frying is that in the latter, the ingredients are fully submerged in oil, giving them a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. When deep-frying with olive oil, it’s best to follow these simple steps.
- Ensure you use enough oil so that all ingredients are fully covered.
- Use a thermometer to ensure you are cooking the ingredients at the optimal temperature.
- Do not deep-fry with the lid on. Doing so will mean that the moisture gathers on the inner surface of the lid and seeps down into the oil, creating a burn hazard once removed, as the water may splash in the general vicinity of the stove.
- Add ingredients carefully to avoid splashing. Do not pour the entire contents of your recipe in at the same time. In addition, consider cooking ingredients in batches to ensure the temperatura of the oil remains stable throughout the cooking process.
- Monitor at all times. Adjust the heat when necessary.
Make sure ingredients are dry before adding them. If you’re planning on deep-frying frozen food, brush off any excess ice flakes before frying.
Can you use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Olive oil is not only good for cooking, it’s also a healthier alternative to most vegetable oils due to the healthy fats it contains. Olive oil can do anything vegetable oil can do and more! Best of all, it adds its unique flavor and texture to a variety of dishes, from salads and soups, to baked recipes and sautéed meats and fish.
Substituting Cooking Oil Varieties with Olive Oil
If you’re looking to make a change in the kitchen that will enhance both the flavor and healthiness of your creations, start cooking with olive oil today. Here is a list of common vegetable oils you can substitute with olive oil. à ¿Merece la pena hablar de la mantequilla aquí? Nuestro Light in Colour también se usa mucho para la repostería, para sustituir la mantequilla, ya que no aporta sabor pero sí la untuosidad del producto. De hecho en la página de este producto, se incluye una tabla de sustitución de mantequilla por aceite.
- Sunflower oil
- Vegetable oil
- Rapeseed or canola oil
- Margarine
- Palm oil
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Olive oil acts as a superb substitute for butter in a variety of dishes. La Española’s Mild & Light Olive Oil is particularly suitable for baked desserts such as cakes, pies, cookies, and brownies. Best of all, using olive oil in place of butter is great way to make your sweet treats healthier. Wondering how you can adapt your favorite baked recipes to include our wholesome and delicious Mild & Light Olive Oil? Our simple butter-to-olive oil conversion chart shows you how to make the switch effortlessly.
For more expert advice on how best to use olive oil in your kitchen, check out La Española’s Guide to Olive Oil.