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What is neutral oil? What’s the best one to use in recipes that call for it? Here’s what I recommend and why.
Baking recipes like my healthy banana muffins or banana bread typically call for neutral oils. What are they? A neutral oil is a cooking oil with a neutral flavor, like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed. This sets them apart from stronger flavored oils like olive oil and avocado oil, which often aren’t used in baked goods because of their intense flavor.
If you’re making a recipe that calls for neutral oil, which should you use? Here are my top recommendations.
My favorite neutral oils
1. Grapeseed oil
I have grapeseed oil at the top because it’s made with a natural processing method. It has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point. Grapeseed oil is an anti-inflammatory rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which can be a heart-friendlier option than butter, margarine, or shortening.
2. Organic vegetable oil or canola oil
These are the neutral oils you may already have in your pantry. They work great for most cooking and baking needs. Look for organic versions to ensure the best quality.
3. “Light” olive oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil (in a pinch)
Light olive oil, sunflower, and peanut oil are light-flavored oils, though they do have a stronger flavor than grapeseed or vegetable oil. They still work, though, and their flavor likely won’t have a large effect on the overall recipe.
Related recipes
Here are some recipes that use these types of oils:
- Healthy Banana Muffins
- Our Best Banana Bread Recipe
- Apple Bread Recipe
- Apple Cinnamon Muffins
- Zucchini Bread
- Zucchini Muffins or Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
- Zucchini Brownies
- Sour Cream Pancakes or Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes
- Cranberry Orange Bread
- Homemade Granola
What temperature should be used to sear the scallops… gas and electric? I use electric most of the time.
We use high heat and sear them quickly.
HI, Just found your site – looks great! I’m going to try the muffin recipes right away. Best site I’ve found for healthy cooking that has recipes that use foods I am familiar with.
Love this! Let us know what recipes you enjoy :)
Would you recommend using rapeseed oil as a neutral oil at all?
Yes, rapeseed is another name for canola oil and works great!
Oh my lawdsamercy RAPESEED OIL IS THE BEST!!!!! Can not go wrong with it ;]