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Peanut oil is among the most widely used oils in any kitchen in the world, primarily because of its light nutty flavour and very high smoke point. Yet, for some, its uses may seem limited to frying or stir-frying. Truth is, peanut oil can subtly enhance most cooking techniques, making it versatile beyond its usual frying and stir-frying jobs.
The beauty of peanut oil is that it will retain flavour even at high temperatures, making it a good choice for deep frying. With a few simple techniques, you can use peanut oil to enhance everything from roasted vegetables to marinades and baked goods.
Here are five easy and effective ways to get that peanut oil into your culinary repertoire: whether it is a quick stir-fry or an experiment with some new flavour in baking, let's dive right into discovering how peanut oil might change the face of some of these dishes.
Deep Frying
Peanut oil’s high smoke point, around 450°F (232°C), makes it an excellent choice for deep frying. Fried chicken, pakoras, and French fries would cook evenly and not burn. Its mild flavour also doesn't overpower your food. To really experience the benefits of peanut oil for frying, make sure to heat the oil to the right temperature before adding your ingredients; otherwise, your food absorbs too much oil. Being very stable at high temperatures, peanut oil is going to make your fried food very crispy and light in taste.
Stir-Frying
The nutty flavour of peanut oil makes it one of the favourite oils used in stir-frying by Asian cooks because they can stand up to such high heat levels. Splashing peanut oil into stir-fried vegetables, meat, or tofu adds great depth to your dish. Heat the peanut oil in your wok or pan at high heat then add in your ingredients. The oil’s subtle flavour pairs well with spices like ginger and garlic, giving stir-fries an extra layer of aroma. Peanut oil enhances the taste of classic Asian dishes like fried rice, noodles, and vegetable stir-fries, giving them an authentic touch.
Roasting Vegetables
Since it is nutty it makes it best suited to roast vegetables. Toss your favourite vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers, in a drizzle of peanut oil with salt and spices, then roast them in the oven. The richness of the oil brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and gives a crispy, golden finish. Unlike some other oils, peanut oil does not overpower the flavours of roasted vegetables, making it perfect for creating a well-balanced, flavourful dish.
Marinades and Salad Dressings
Peanut oil has a very distinct flavour that is well suited to a marinade and salad dressing. A quick marinade is created by combining peanut oil, soy sauce, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice or vinegar. It's great for marinating chicken, fish, or tofu, and will give your dish a savoury, well-balanced flavour. Peanut oil has a delicate nutty flavour that goes well with leafy greens and Asian-style salads, making it a great choice for salad dressings. This is a creative way to enhance the richness of dishes without overpowering them.
Baking for Moisture and Flavour
Use peanut oil in baking recipes that require a subtle nutty undertone. This particular oil works well with moistened muffins and bread, even cookies for that matter, by merely infusing moisture into what would otherwise be a dry result without turning that product greasy. For baked goods recipes like peanut butter cookies or banana bread, replace your everyday cooking oil with peanut oil for a flavour you crave in your baked good delights. Its flavour pairs interestingly with the sweetness you expect from baked treats giving a delicious twist, albeit lightweight and flavourful.
