Tips On Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil For Frying Or Sautéing
Updated April 13th 2023
Are you looking for a healthier way to fry food? Extra virgin olive oil is an ideal choice, as it contains a variety of beneficial fatty acids and vitamins that can help boost your health.
Frying with extra virgin olive oil can add flavour and texture to many dishes, from french fries and egg rolls to grilled cheese sandwiches and even delicate fish fillets. In this blog post, we will discuss how extra virgin olive oil can be used in various cooking methods, along with tips on what types of fats work best and how to store the oil so its freshness remains intact. So whether you’re searching for healthful ways to cook delicious meals or simply want some ideas on using extra virgin olive oil in frying techniques—read on!
Contents:
- Select a high-quality cold pressed olive oil for frying
- Why We Shouldn’t Rule Out Extra Virgin Olive Oil For Frying Food.
- Frying With Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The Myths Exposed
- Store your oil properly to ensure the best flavour and quality
- Preheat the oil to the desired temperature before adding in food
- Add food to the pan in batches to prevent uneven cooking
Select A High-Quality Cold-Pressed Olive Oil For Frying
There are number of factors to consider when selecting the best olive oil for frying – whether that’s deep frying, shallow frying, and pan frying. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is full of flavour, and can be used to drizzle over salads, meats, breads, as well as being ideal for light cooking such as sautéing and stir frying.
A new report from Insider this month encourages everyone to think carefully about factors including flavour, smoke point and price when choosing the best olive oil for cooking.
When choosing an oil for frying, aim for a smoke point at least 25 degrees above the cooking temperature. Most frying is done at 325 degrees Fahrenheit to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, so oil with a 400 degrees Fahrenheit spoke point and above is a good choice.”
Insider
While we agree that smoke point is one of many considerations in choosing the best cooking oil for any recipe, we think extra virgin olive oil such as Morocco Gold has its place in the frying kitchen!
Why We Shouldn’t Rule Out Extra Virgin Olive Oil For Frying Food.
While the report from Insider guards against frying with an oil that has a low smoke point, it is a common myth that you can’t use extra virgin olive oil to fry. And here’s why!
With so many different varieties of olive oil on the market, each with its own properties, acidity levels, and oleic acid content, you just need to know which is the best choice for frying.
Frying With Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The Myths Exposed
Extra virgin olive oil is considered the highest grade and the best quality olive oil. It is extracted from fresh olives harvested not more than a day ago. The process doesn’t use excessive heat, chemicals or mechanisms during the extraction. . And, contrary to some beliefs, you can enjoy the health benefits of cooking with extra virgin olive oil, even with high-temperature methods including frying and sautéing.
According to the oliveoiltimes, a study revealed that frying vegetables in extra virgin olive oil was actually healthier than boiling them. This method retains the nutrients in the veggies and the extra virgin olive oil helps your body absorb them and the high content of disease fighting polyphenols.
Read the full article from the Olive Oil Times which dispels the long-held misconceptions about using extra virgin olive oil for frying and sautéing.
Store your oil properly to ensure the best flavor and quality
Are you tired of your expensive oil going rancid too quickly? Well fear not, because we’ve got a few tips to ensure your oil stays fresh and tasty for longer:
Firstly, it’s important to store your oil in a cool, dark place away from any heat sources, like stoves or windows. Next, try to use a dark, airtight container to prevent exposure to sunlight and air, which speeds up the oxidation process. And finally, make sure to always use a clean, dry spoon or pour spout every time you use your oil, to prevent any water or contaminants from entering. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your favourite oil for longer and save some money in the process.
Preheat the oil to the desired temperature before adding in food
If you want to cook up a delicious meal, it’s important to preheat your oil to the right temperature before adding in your ingredients. Whether you’re frying up some crispy chicken or stir-frying veggies, getting the oil to the right temperature ensures that your food cooks evenly and doesn’t end up greasy or undercooked. Most oils should be heated to between 350°F-375°F, but be sure to check the specific recommendations for the type of oil you’re using. So, next time you’re whipping up a tasty dish, remember to give your oil a little preheating TLC!
Add food to the pan in batches to prevent uneven cooking
Cooking can be therapeutic or frenzied, depending on the type of cook you are. However, if uneven cooking is a struggle for you while preparing your favourite meals, then adding food to the pan in batches is one technique you could use. This simple but effective cooking tip helps prevent your meal from cooking unevenly. By adding food ingredients like vegetables or meat in smaller amounts, you avoid overcrowding the pan, which can often result in uncooked or overcooked food. So, next time you’re cooking, take a deep breath, take a step back, and consider adding your ingredients in batches. You’ll find the outcome to be even more delicious and enjoyable.
And finally, If you are opting to use a quality extra virgin olive oil for frying your dishes, remember to monitor the oil temperature throughout frying and always turn off the heat source when finished cooking and leave the pan to cool. Happy frying!
