If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy cooking oil, you should definitely try peanut oil. The basic flavor of peanut oil is nutty, which is delicious in both savory and sweet dishes.
Peanut oil is a healthy monounsaturated fat that is rich in antioxidants. It has a high smoke point, which makes it perfect for frying. Based on the production process, two versions of peanut oil are roasted and regular peanut oil.
The main difference between the two is, the oil derived from roasted peanuts to get a brown oil with a nutty taste is roasted peanut oil, and the regular is derived from raw or steamed peanuts.
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How Is Roasted Peanut Oil Different From Peanut Oil?
Roasted peanut oil and peanut oil are two types of the same oil, with varying characteristics. Below are some differences:
- The main difference between roasted peanut oil and regular peanut oil is the production process. Roasted peanut oil is made from roasted peanuts, while regular peanut oil is made from peanuts other than roasted.
- The roasted peanut oil is extracted by pressing roasted peanuts. The regular peanut oil is extracted by either pressing or solvent extraction. In the pressing method, the peanuts are ground and then squeezed to extract the oil. With the solvent extraction method, a solvent such as hexane is used to extract the oil from the peanuts.
- The roasted peanut oil is a deeper golden brown color than the regular peanut oil. This is because the peanuts are roasted before being pressed to extract the oil. And the color of the regular peanut oil is lighter because the peanuts are steamed and not roasted before being pressed.
- The roasting process in roasted peanut oil gives the oil a nuttier flavor and a darker color. Whereas, regular peanut oil has a milder flavor because it is not roasted.
- The roasted peanut oil is costlier because the peanuts are roasted before being pressed to extract the oil. This process takes more time and effort than extracting regular peanut oil from raw or steamed peanuts.
- Roasted peanut oil is usually used for low-heat cooking or flavoring such as salads, dippings, vinaigrette, etc. And peanut oil is used in almost any type of cooking, mainly high-heat such as stir-frying, deep-frying, cooking, etc.
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Uses of Both Oils in Different Cuisines
Roasted peanut oil is most commonly used in Asian cuisine, especially Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. The nutty flavor of roasted peanut oil pairs well with the flavors of these cuisines. Regular peanut oil is used in cuisines all over the world.
The use of roasted peanut oil and regular peanut oil varies from cuisine to cuisine. Here are some examples:
In Thai cuisine, roasted peanut oil is used in curries, as well as for dipping sauces such as satay sauce. And regular peanut oil is used in frying chicken or pork stir-fries.
In Indian cuisine, roasted peanut oil is used in the traditional dish, Tadka Dal. The roasted peanuts are ground and then tempered with spices in hot oil.
This gives the roasted peanut oil a spicy flavor that pairs well with Indian dishes. And regular peanut oil is used for deep frying samosas or pakoras.
In Japanese cuisine, roasted peanut oil is used in tempura. The oil has a light flavor that doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors of the seafood and vegetables. And regular peanut oil is used for general cooking such as stir-frying or sautéing.
In Western cuisine, roasted peanut oil is not commonly used. However, it can be substituted for other oils in recipes. For example, roasted peanut oil can be used in place of olive oil when making a salad dressing. And regular peanut oil is used for frying or baking.
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Using the Roasted and Regular Peanut Oil in Your Cooking
Roasted Peanut Oil
Roasted peanut oil has a delicious nutty flavor that makes it perfect for both savory and sweet recipes. Here are a few ways to use roasted peanut oil in your cooking:
- Salads – Add a tablespoon of roasted peanut oil to your favorite salad dressing for a nutty flavor and deep golden color.
- Dipping sauces – Mix roasted peanut oil with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar for a delicious dipping sauce for sushi or spring rolls.
- Stir-fries – Add a tablespoon of roasted peanut oil to your favorite stir-fry recipe for a richer flavor and darker color.
- Baked goods – Replace some of the butter or olive oil in your baking recipes with roasted peanut oil for a nuttier flavor.
Regular Peanut Oil
Regular peanut oil has a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the flavors of the food you are cooking. And it has a high smoke point, which means it can be heated to a high temperature without burning.
Here are a few recipes that use regular peanut oil:
- Chicken-Fried Steak – Coat your steak in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. Then fry it in hot peanut oil until it is golden brown and cooked through.
- Deep-Fried Onion Rings – Soak the onion rings in buttermilk for 30 minutes before coating them in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. Fry them in hot peanut oil until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Pecan Pie – Make your favorite pecan pie recipe, but replace the butter with regular peanut oil. The oil will give the pie a crispier crust.
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Benefits of Using Roasted Peanut Oil Over Peanut Oil
There are a few reasons why roasted peanut oil is a better choice than peanut oil:
Flavor – Roasted peanut oil has a delicious nutty flavor that enhances the flavors of the food you are cooking.
Nutrition – Roasted peanut oil is high in monounsaturated fats, which are known to be healthy for the heart.
Shelf life – Roasted peanut oil has a longer shelf life than regular peanut oil. It can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to two years.
Versatility – Roasted peanut oil can be used in both savory and sweet recipes.
Price – Roasted peanut oil is a little more expensive than regular peanut oil, but it is worth the investment.
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Downsides of Using Roasted Peanut Oil Over Peanut Oil
There are a few downsides to using roasted peanut oil over peanut oil:
- Flavor – Some people may not like the nutty flavor of roasted peanut oil.
- Availability – Roasted peanut oil is not as widely available as regular peanut oil.
- Price – Roasted peanut oil is a little more expensive than regular peanut oil.
Which Oil Is Best for You?
Both roasted peanut oil and regular peanut oil have their benefits. So which oil is best for you? It really depends on your cooking needs and preferences. If you are looking for a nutty flavor to enhance the flavors of your food, roasted peanut oil is the better choice.
And if you need an oil with a high smoke point that can be heated to a high temperature without burning, then regular peanut oil is the better choice. Whichever oil you choose, be sure to use high-quality oils.
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Conclusion
According to the American Heart Association, “Most of the fats you eat should be the ‘better’ fats – monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats.” One of the sources of these fats is peanut oil.
However, if you are not allergic to peanuts, you can have both roasted and regular peanut oil. But if you are allergic and want a mild flavor oil, it is better to go with regular or refined peanut oil matching your preferences.
