vegetable oil
Vegetable oil is calorie-dense at approximately 120 calories per tablespoon and contains primarily unsaturated fats, including both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated varieties, with minimal saturated fat content depending on the source oil.
About
Vegetable oil is a triglyceride derived from plant sources, most commonly extracted from seeds, nuts, and legumes through mechanical pressing or chemical solvent extraction. The term encompasses a diverse group of oils extracted from plants such as soybeans, canola (rapeseed), sunflowers, corn, peanuts, and safflower, among others. These oils are characterized by their neutral flavor, high smoke points (typically 350–450°F depending on refinement level), and liquid state at room temperature. Vegetable oils are predominantly composed of unsaturated fatty acids, with varying proportions of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats depending on the source plant. Commercial vegetable oil is typically refined, bleached, and deodorized to achieve a neutral taste and extended shelf life, making it a staple in modern kitchens worldwide.
Culinary Uses
Vegetable oil serves as a versatile cooking medium across virtually all culinary traditions, employed for sautéing, deep-frying, shallow-frying, and roasting due to its neutral flavor profile and high heat tolerance. It is essential in baking for cakes, muffins, and quick breads, and functions as a base for mayonnaise, vinaigrettes, and emulsified sauces. The oil's mild taste makes it suitable for both savory and sweet applications, and it is valued in commercial food production for consistency and cost-effectiveness. In home kitchens, vegetable oil is often the primary cooking fat for everyday meal preparation, offering reliable performance across a wide range of temperatures and cooking methods.
Used In
Recipes Using vegetable oil (1,004)
Beef Continental with Rice
Makes 6 servings.
Beef Enchilada Pie
Beef Enchilada Pie is a hearty meal that may be stacked, rolled or folded.
Beef Fajitas
When I visited San Antonio, TX, years ago, my cousin took me to the Texas Folklife Festival, where he introduced me to fajitas, telling me that they were originated by poor people who cut "beef skirts" (skirt steak) across the grain to make this tough cut much more tender.
Beef in Madeira Sauce
Makes 6 servings.
Beef Ranchero
Makes 6 servings
Beef Stew with Rice
Makes 8 servings
Beef Tenderloin Medallions with Rice Pilaf
Makes 8 servings.
Beefy Black Bean Game Day Chili
Makes 6 servings
Beer and Wings Casserole
Beer and Wings Casserole from the Recidemia collection
Beer Batter for Fritters
Beer Batter for Fritters from the Recidemia collection
Beer Batter III
Beer! whether it's ale, lager, pilsener, or stout, is terrific for cooking. Beer makes a batter for deep frying and smooths a french onion soup.
Beer-braised Lamb Shanks
Purchased from the Cummings estate in Durant, Oklahoma in 1987. Dated 1968. Another used by my catering partner. He loves it and says it always a big hit when he serves this.
Behili Palov
Pilaf with quinces
Beignets
Beignets is a puffy crusty sweet treat that New Orleans is famous for.
Belizean Carrot Cake
Belizean Carrot Cake from the Recidemia collection
Belizean Chocolate Cake
Belizean Chocolate Cake from the Recidemia collection
Berry Chocolate Shortcake
Berry Chocolate Shortcake from the Recidemia collection
Best-ever Fried Chicken
Combine flour, salt, thyme, paprika. Combine egg,milk, lemon juice. Roll chicken in flour mixture, dip into egg mixture, then back in flour again. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Heat ½ inch of oil to 375°F in electric skillet.
Binagoongang Baboy
Pork cooked with Shrimp paste.
Bindaetuk
Bindaetuk
Biscuits for Two
This recipe comes from an Estate Sale and were obtained when The Family Collection from The Wetzel Estate in Plano, Texas was purchased in 1982.
Bison Stew
A River of Recipes: Native American Recipes Using Commodity Foods by the USDA Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, public domain government resource—original source of recipe
Black Bean Chili Pot Pie
Black Bean Chili Pot Pie from the Recidemia collection
Black Beans and Rice
Black Beans and Rice from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 4
Black Bean Soup with Tomato-Tomatillo Salsa
Black Bean Soup with Tomato-Tomatillo Salsa
Blueberry Cake
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Blueberry Granola Bars
Blueberry Granola Bars from the Recidemia collection
Blue Corn Muffins
A River of Recipes: Native American Recipes Using Commodity Foods by the USDA Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, public domain government resource—original source of recipe
Bolivian Carrot Salad
Bolivian Carrot Salad from the Recidemia collection
Bouljol
Bouljol from the Recidemia collection
Braised Duck with Orange-and-Lime Sauce
Braised Duck with Orange-and-Lime Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Braised Lamb Shanks in Merlot with Figs
Purchased from the Patterson Estate in Tyler, Texas in 1992. Dated 1944.
Breaded Fried Oysters
Breaded Fried Oysters from the Recidemia collection
British Beef in Guinness
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 4 to 6.
Broccoli and Mushroom Dip
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 2½ Cups.
Broccoli Chicken over Rice
Makes 4 servings.
Broccoli with Five-spice Tofu
Broccoli with Five-spice Tofu from the Recidemia collection
Broiled Tofu
A salty, spicy treat that is also perfect for low carbers! This recipe is for 4 servings. Preparing time: 20 minutes.
Browned Green Beans
Browned Green Beans from the Recidemia collection
Brownie Bites with Magic Frosting
Brownie Bites with Magic Frosting from the Recidemia collection
Brownie Cookies
Brownie Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Brownies and Chocolate-Raspberry Fondue
Double your chocolate pleasure with a two-ingredient microwave chocolate fondue and fudgy brownie dippers.
Brown Rice Bread
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Brown Rice O'Brien
Makes 6 servings.
Brown Rice Royal
Makes 6 servings.
Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Vinaigrette
Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Vinaigrette from the Recidemia collection
Buddha's Delight
Buddha's Delight from the Recidemia collection
Bulgher Burger
A is a tasty vegetarian patty for use in sandwiches.
Bulgur with Cabbage and Three Onions
A zesty black bean salad is the perfect fast accompaniment. Drain and rinse a 16-oz. can of black beans, then toss with strips of green and/or red bell peppers, lots of chopped fresh parsley and a natural, low-fat vinaigrette.
Bunuelos
Bunuelos