Have you been using the same cooking oil when frying? Do you know that there are different kinds of oils that you can choose from to make your frying experience much better and healthier?
Let me introduce to you some of the choices from the vast number of cooking oils that are available on the market today. I will explain their advantages and uses to give you a hint as to what is the best oil for frying fish. So, keep reading!
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Best Oils For Frying Fish
What Are The Different Kinds Of Cooking Oil?
First, let me say that there are four types of cooking oil that you need to always keep in your pantry. What are these oils for? When you are cooking every day, choosing can be a little mind-boggling.
Here are the four categories of oil that we commonly use and what they are best used for.
1
Olive Oil
This is praised for having the best flavor and it certainly is a regular in my pantry. It easily burns at a low heat so it is best used for recipes that do not require a high heat.
It is available everywhere and has a different range of prices, according to its brand and quality. I keep 2 kinds in my kitchen. The cheaper one is for cooking and the expensive one is reserved for making salads or recipes that do not require cooking.
2
High-Heat, Neutral Tasting Oil
These are called vegetable oils and are not to be confused with olive oil, which is a vegetable too. Technically, it means oils that have a high smoke point and a neutral taste. So, this kind of oil is recommended for recipes that require high heat and when you don’t want to taste the oil.
Vegetable oil is cheap, so great for your budget, and is best for deep-frying and baking. Examples are canola, sunflower, corn and peanut oil.
3
Coconut Oil
This is extracted from the fruit of the palm tree. It has a low smoking point and is stable at room temperature. It adds a coconut flavor to the cooked food and is the best choice for vegan groups. Best used for roasting, popcorns, sautéing and even some baking.
4
Finishing Oils
These are strong in flavor so you may like to use them for salads or to garnish your food before serving it so you can appreciate its taste. This oil will lose its flavor when it’s exposed to heat. Best for adding another flavor to a dish. Example are toasted sesame seed, herb-infused, garlic and nut oils.
What Is The Best Oil For Frying Fish?
You can cook fish in so many different ways. You need to take the utmost care during cooking since it is more delicate than other meats, like chicken, pork or beef. It easily becomes parched and tough when cooked at the wrong temperature.
The best oils for frying are those that can be used on a high heat or high “smoking point”. To cook fish right, the temperature needs to range range from 180-200 degrees Celsius.
Here is a list of the best oils for frying fish:
1
Avocado Oil
This is a high-quality oil that is recommended for healthy cooking. It is extracted from the fleshy pulp around the avocado pit and offers many health benefits. It is the newest addition to a few edible oils that do not come from seeds. However, it is expensive if you buy it in the market.
2
Extra Light Olive Oil
This type of olive oil is also labeled as “pomace” in the oil section. It has a high smoke point compared to the more expensive kind. This is a good healthy alternative when you are frying fish.
3
Safflower Oil
Another healthy type of oil that can lower your cholesterol, sugar level and improve the immune system. The market for this expensive oil is now higher than it was in the last decade.
4
Soy Bean Oil
This vegetable oil has a remarkably high smoking point and an indistinct flavor, so it’s good for frying fish. A vegetable oil that offers a lot of health benefits, it is known to take care of your heart.
5
Sunflower Oil
Because of its high smoking point, sunflower oil does not break down when it’s used at a high temperature even when you’re using it the second time around. It is best for frying fish and is a cheaper price. The downside, however, is it does not have many health benefits.
6
Grapeseed Oil
As with sunflower oil, there has been some controversy over the health benefits of grapeseed oil. This oil is one of the best cooking oils for frying because of its neutral taste and high smoking point. Use only a minimal amount.
7
Corn Oil
This is an acceptable option whose main use is for cooking. It has a high smoking point and health benefits too, as it is better at lowering cholesterol than olive oil.
How To Fry Fish
Since we are on the subject of frying fish, I might as well include some information about it for those of you who are new to this cooking method. Here is a video teaching you the right way to fry fish.
A Few Tips To Help You Get By
- Use a significant amount of oil when frying so that you can maintain the hot temperature when frying.
- If you have a small fryer, only cook one or two fish at a time.
- If you do not have a fryer, use a deep pan or pot. Also use a frying thermometer that will show you the right time to fry the fish.
- It is dangerous to use an open pot or pan to deep fry, as they may tip over and burn anybody near you. Keep children or pets away when you’re frying.
- The fresher the fish, the best tasting it will be when fried.
- Make sure that you have either water or fire extinguisher nearby when frying food.
- It is best to put the fish in the pan when it has reached the right temperature.
- Fry the fish for an average of 8 minutes (4 minutes on each side).
- Drain the fish using a kitchen towel to get rid of any excess oil.
There you go, now you know how to fry fish and as well as the best oil for frying fish. I bet you’re surprised about the different kinds of cooking oil that we need to use. I was overwhelmed too and immediately stocked up on some of them in my pantry.
I hope this article has served as a good guide and shown you what oil to use when you are frying. If you think your friends will also benefit from this article, just hit share!
