Olive oil has always been a staple in the kitchen, and it seems like there are more and more people who want to make sure they’re using the best olive oil possible. The problem is that olive oil is not meant for cooking—or at least not all olive oil is meant for cooking.
Most olive oils are actually used as a base for salad dressings, salsas, dips, and other condiments where a lighter oil would be desirable. But while this type of cooking is perfectly fine, using your regular ol’ extra-virgin olive oil in any kind of frying pan will result in an unevenly cooked food product—and no one wants that!
If you really want the benefits of natural oils without having to worry about how they’ll affect your food products, then vegetable oil is a great option. You can use vegetable oil instead of olive oil in many recipes, but it’s important to consider the flavor, nutritional profile, and other characteristics of the two oils before making a substitution.
Can You Use Vegetable Oil Instead of Olive Oil?
Vegetable oil is a great alternative to olive oil because it has the same fatty acids (and more) as olive oil, but it doesn’t have any of the stuff that makes olive oil taste bad. It also has a few other benefits—like being more stable than olive oil when it comes to storage and transportation.
So what do you need to know before you make the switch? Here are a few things you should know:
Is Vegetable Oil Same As Olive Oil?
Vegetable oil is a general term that can refer to a variety of oils made from plants, including olive oil. However, vegetable oil is not necessarily the same as olive oil. Olive oil is a type of vegetable oil that is made specifically from olives, while vegetable oil can be made from a wide range of plant sources, including soybeans, corn, sunflower seeds, and more. Olive oil has a distinct flavor and nutritional profile, and it is often used in cooking and baking. Vegetable oil, on the other hand, may be less flavorful and is often used in a variety of applications, including cooking, baking, and as a base for products such as margarine and shortening.
Vegetable Oil Vs Olive Oil – Key Differences
Smoke Point
Smoke Point
The smoke point of olive oil is high enough for any type of cooking. Olive oil smoke point is 468° F.
Extra virgin olive oil smoke point ranges between 350 – 410° F depending on the level of filtration and quality of the oil
The smoke point of vegetable oil is typically determined by the lowest smoke point of any oil blended into that particular bottle. Thus, vegetable oil smoke points can vary widely from 250 – 460° F.
In any case, smoke point is not a reliable indicator of cooking oil stability under heat. Refined, polyunsaturated fats have low oxidative stability which causes them to break down and release harmful compounds at temperatures below their smoke points. In contrast, extra virgin olive oil has been found to be the most stable cooking oil. This is due to the fact that it was minimally processed and is highest in naturally-occurring antioxidants.
Origin
Olive oil is made from pressed olives, while vegetable oil is made from a variety of plant sources, such as corn, soybeans, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and others.
Flavor and aroma
Olive oil has a distinct flavor and aroma, which is characteristic of olives. It can range from fruity and mild to robust and pungent, depending on the variety of olives and the production methods used. Vegetable oil, on the other hand, is generally neutral in flavor and aroma, making it suitable for a wide range of dishes.
Nutritional content
Olive oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids, which have been shown to have health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease. It also contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Vegetable oil, on the other hand, is a source of both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, but the specific nutrient content will vary depending on the type of vegetable oil used.
Uses
Olive oil is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, and it is also popular in dressings and marinades. Vegetable oil is versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes, from sautéing and frying to baking and grilling. It is also used in some non-food products, such as soap and candles.
Coconut Oil vs. Olive Oil: Which is Better?
Substituting Vegetable Oil For Olive Oil in Recipes.
You can substitute vegetable oil for olive oil in most recipes by using an equal amount of vegetable oil as the amount of olive oil called for in the recipe. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of olive oil, you can use 1 cup of vegetable oil instead. However, keep in mind that olive oil and vegetable oil have different flavors, so the finished dish may taste slightly different if you make this substitution.
If you are substituting vegetable oil for olive oil in a recipe that calls for a small amount of olive oil, such as a vinaigrette or marinade, you may not notice a significant difference in flavor. However, if the recipe calls for a large amount of olive oil, such as in a pasta sauce or baked goods, you may want to consider using a neutral-flavored oil, such as canola oil or grapeseed oil, instead of vegetable oil to avoid altering the flavor of the final dish.
It’s also worth noting that olive oil and vegetable oil have different fat profiles and smoke points, which may affect the texture and appearance of the finished dish. Olive oil has a lower smoke point than vegetable oil, so it may be more prone to burning or smoking when used in high-heat cooking methods, such as frying or grilling. On the other hand, vegetable oil has a higher smoke point, making it a better choice for high-heat cooking methods.
What Can You Use instead of Vegetable Oil in Cake, Brownies, and Muffins?
Typically, brownies call for the use of melted butter or vegetable oil as the fat in a recipe. Vegetable is the preferred oil because it has a mild flavor that you won’t be able to detect in the final product.
Melted butter, on the other hand, will add richness and produce a slightly chewier product. Both fats will produce traditional-tasting brownies, but many cooks stray from the box and incorporate other flavors.
Using olive oil instead of vegetable oil will give your brownies a fruity, slightly bitter taste that can be a great complement to chocolate. When choosing the right olive oil substitute, you may want to opt for a milder flavor so as not to overpower the brownies. To this end, refined olive oil makes a better choice than extra-virgin.
Typically, brownies call for the use of melted butter or vegetable oil as the fat in a recipe. Vegetable is the preferred oil because it has a mild flavor that you won’t be able to detect in the final product.
Melted butter, on the other hand, will add richness and produce a slightly chewier product. Both fats will produce traditional-tasting brownies, but many cooks stray from the box and incorporate other flavors.
Final Thoughts
If a recipe calls for vegetable oil, all that really means is that the recipe author wants you to choose a liquid, plant-based fat. The choice is yours. Vegetable oil will be good for your wallet in the short run, but olive oil may be better for your health in the long term and make the foods you prepare taste better. In summary, you can substitute vegetable oil for olive oil in most recipes on a 1:1 basis, but keep in mind that the finished dish may taste slightly different and that vegetable oil is a better choice for high-heat cooking methods.
I hope this article has helped you find the best vegetable oil substitutes for your food. These options are easy to use and will help you save money while still eating a delicious, healthy diet. You can also use these substitutes as part of a healthy lifestyle by incorporating them into your daily routine!
