It probably goes without saying that not all cooking oils are created equal.
With varying smoke points and flavours, you need to make sure you are choosing the best oil for the job (and to suit your personal preferences!)
So, whilst there are many cooking oils to choose from, we’ve selected 7 of the most commonly used oils and covered off their key uses for you!
#1 Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or EVOO as its often called) is often thought to be a poor choice for cooking.
The reason it’s often regarded in this way is because it has a smoke point of 190°C, which is the lowest of the oils included in this article.
However, it’s actually pretty well suited to most everyday cooking styles.
Best For: Low heat cooking, drizzling, salad dressings and dips
#2 Light Olive Oil
Light Olive Oil has a higher smoke point than its Extra Virgin counterpart, which makes it better for high heat cooking.
Its neutral flavour means it won’t impact the flavour of your meat.
Best For: Baking, roasting, grilling and high heat pan-frying
#3 Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is great if you want to add a bit of flavour to whatever it is you’re cooking, thanks to its rich, nutty flavours and aroma.
It’s also good for lowering cholesterol and preventing heart disease.
Best For: Stir-frying, sautéing and mid-high heat pan-frying
#4 Coconut Oil
Unlike all of the other oils featured in this article, coconut oil is solid in its natural state. This means it can also be used as a replacement for butter in certain recipes.
It has a relatively high smoke point, making it ideal for medium-high heat cooking and will add a lovely tropical flavour to your dish.
Best For: Stir-frying, sautéing and mid-high heat pan-frying
#5 Avocado Oil
Avocado oil has the highest smoke point of all the oils included in this article, which makes it perfect for high heat cooking.
It has very little flavour and comes with certain health benefits, including lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and helping to regulate blood pressure.
Best For: Grilling and high heat pan-frying
#6 Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is often a favourite when it comes to cooking – its smoke point makes it ideal for mid-high heat cooking, it has a mild flavour and it’s cheap.
Best For: Sautéing and mid-high heat pan-frying
#7 Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is a common favourite in Asian dishes. Its smoke point makes it ideal for medium-high heat cooking.
For extra flavour, you could even try Toasted Sesame Oil.
Best For: Stir-frying, sautéing and mid-high heat pan-frying
Whatever it is you’re cooking, there’s an oil for that! You just need to weigh up the best oil for the job.
So, whether you’re going for a delicious steak cooked to perfection, or a flavoursome chicken stir fry… choose wisely!
We’d love to know which oils you find the best for cooking with. Let us know in the comments below!
