Vegetables and canola oil are two of the most common oils you’ll find in your kitchen. They’re both great for cooking—vegetable oil for frying, canola for sautéing, and so on. But what happens when you use them together? And is it safe to mix vegetable and canola oil in the same pan?
Yes, you can mix canola oil and vegetable oil. Many people do this to save money or create a cooking oil with a specific flavor. Canola oil and vegetable oil are both commonly used cooking oils that are relatively inexpensive and widely available. They also have similar nutritional profiles, with both oils containing a good balance of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fats.
So if you want to add a little more flavor and nutrition to your cooking but don’t want to break the bank on specialty oils, you can mix canola oil and vegetable oil or use them interchangeably. However, it’s important to consider the flavors and smoke points of the two oils to ensure that the finished dish will be suitable for your intended use.
In today’s article, I’ll share everything you need to know about mixing oils for cooking.
Can you safely use canola oil and vegetable oil in the same recipe?
You can safely use canola oil and vegetable oil in the same recipe, but there are a few things to remember.
Flavor Profile
First, it’s important to consider the flavors of the two oils. Canola oil has a neutral flavor, while vegetable oil can have a more pronounced taste. This can affect the overall flavor of the finished dish.
Smoke Point & Heat Stability
Another thing you need to know is that the two oils have different smoking points. Canola oil has a high smoke point of 400-450°F, while vegetable oil has a slightly lower smoke point of around 350-400°F. This means that canola oil is generally better suited for high-heat cooking methods like deep-frying, while vegetable oil is better for lower-heat methods like sautéing or baking.
The difference in smoke points also means you’ll need to adjust your cooking times accordingly, but once you understand this difference and make the adjustments, it won’t take much time at all.
In general, mixing canola oil and vegetable oil can be a good way to create a versatile, affordable cooking oil that can be used in various dishes. However, it’s important to consider the flavors and smoke points of the two oils to ensure that the finished dish will be suitable for your intended use.
Are canola oil and vegetable oil the same thing?
Canola oil and vegetable oil are not the same thing. It’s is a type of cooking oil made from the crushed seeds of the rapeseed plant. It’s often called “vegetable oil” because it is plant-based, but it is a specific type of vegetable oil.
Vegetable oil, on the other hand, is a more general term that refers to any oil made from a plant source. This includes various oils made from seeds, nuts, and other plant materials, including canola oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, and soybean oil, among others. Vegetable oil can be used as a cooking oil, but it can also be used in other applications, such as cosmetics.
Canola oil is a popular cooking oil because it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for many dishes. It is also relatively inexpensive and widely available. Vegetable oil is also a popular choice for cooking because it is generally inexpensive and widely available, but it may have a more pronounced flavor and a lower smoke point than canola oil, depending on the specific brand of vegetable oil being used.
Key Nutritional Differences between Canola Oil and Vegetable Oil
Both canola oil and vegetable oil are plant-based oils that contain a good balance of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fats. However, the specific nutritional profiles of these oils can vary depending on the vegetable oil used.
Here are some general nutritional differences between canola oil and vegetable oil:
Saturated fat content
Canola oil contains a low amount of saturated fat, with an average of 7% of its fat content coming from saturated fat. On the other hand, vegetable oil can have a higher or lower amount of saturated fat depending on the specific type of vegetable oil being used. For example, olive oil has a low amount of saturated fat (around 14%). In comparison, coconut oil has a high amount of saturated fat (around 87%).
Monounsaturated fat content
Canola oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are known to be heart-healthy. It contains an average of 63% monounsaturated fat. Vegetable oil can also be a good source of monounsaturated fat, depending on the specific vegetable oil used. For example, olive oil is high in monounsaturated fat (around 73%).
Polyunsaturated fat content
Both canola oil and vegetable oil have polyunsaturated fats, which are known to be heart-healthy. Canola oil contains an average of 28% polyunsaturated fat, while vegetable oil can contain a higher or lower amount of polyunsaturated fat, depending on the specific type of vegetable oil used.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Canola oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are heart-healthy and have anti-inflammatory properties. It contains an average of 10% omega-3 fatty acids. Vegetable oil may also contain omega-3 fatty acids depending on the specific vegetable oil used. For example, flaxseed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids (around 57%).
Omega-6 fatty acids
Both canola oil and vegetable oil contain omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining the structure and function of cells. Canola oil contains an average of 62% omega-6 fatty acids, while vegetable oil can contain a higher or lower amount of omega-6 fatty acids depending on the specific type of vegetable oil used.
It’s important to note that the nutritional content of canola oil and vegetable oil can vary depending on the specific oil used and how it is processed and stored. It’s always a good idea to check the nutritional label on the package to get a more accurate understanding of the nutritional content of a particular oil.
Benefits of Mixing Oils For Cooking
Vegetable oils are a healthy addition to our diets. They contain many nutrients and antioxidants, which can help us live longer and healthier lives. Here are 3 benefits of mixing vegetable oils:
Improved Flavor
Mixing different oils can create a cooking oil with a specific flavor profile. For example, you could mix vegetable oil, which has a strong, distinctive flavor, with a neutral-tasting oil like canola oil to create a cooking oil with a milder flavor rich in monounsaturated fats.
Enhanced Nutritional Profile
Mixing oils can also create a cooking oil with a specific balance of fats or other nutrients. For example, you could mix canola oil, which is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, with olive oil, which is high in monounsaturated fats, to create a cooking oil that is rich in both of these nutrients.
Increased versatility
Mixing oils can also help you create a cooking oil that is suitable for a wider range of dishes and cooking methods. For example, you could mix canola oil, which has a high smoke point, with olive oil (a type of vegetable oil), which has a lower smoke point, to create a cooking oil that is suitable for both high-heat and low-heat cooking methods.
Note: Mixing oils can also have potential drawbacks, depending on the specific oils used and the finished product’s intended use. For example, mixing oils with different smoke points can affect the suitability of the finished product for different cooking methods, and mixing oils with strong flavors can affect the overall flavor of the finished dish. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to consider the specific properties and flavors of the oils being mixed to ensure that the finished product will be what you have expected it to be.
Mixing Canola Oil and Vegetable Oil For Frying
Mixing oils is a great way to save money and add extra flavor to your food. You can make your own blend by mixing different types of oil together. For example, you could use olive oil with melted butter to fry some potatoes or onions. It will give them a more complex flavor than just using one kind of oil alone.
If you want to learn more about what makes oils so good at helping us cook, check out this article.
Here’s how to mix these two oils for deep frying:
- Heat a pot or skillet over medium heat on your stovetop.
- Add 1/4 cup of canola oil and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil to the hot pan and stir until they are melted together into one liquid form (about 2 minutes).
- Transfer the mixture into a mixing bowl so that you have 2 equal parts of each type of oil, then add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to each portion (you can omit this step if you wish).
Mixing Canola Oil and Vegetable Oil For Baking
To mix canola oil and vegetable oil for baking, you can follow these steps:
- Gather your ingredients: You will need canola oil and vegetable oil. You can use any type of vegetable oil you like, but keep in mind that it may affect the flavor and nutritional profile of the finished mixture.
- Determine the proportions: Decide on the proportions of canola oil and vegetable oil that you want to use. A common ratio is to use equal parts of both oils. However, you can adjust the proportions to suit your specific needs and preferences.
- Combine the oils: Pour the canola oil and vegetable oil into a measuring cup or bowl. Use a whisk or fork to mix the oils together until they are well combined.
Use the oil mixture as desired: Once the oils are mixed, you can use the mixture as you would any other cooking oil. It can be used for baking, frying, sautéing, or any other cooking method that you prefer.
Final Thoughts
While there’s no harm in mixing canola and vegetable oil, it’s important to keep in mind that mixing two oils can affect the finished product’s smoke point, flavor, and nutritional profile. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to consider these factors when using the oil mixture to ensure that it is suitable for your intended use.
