Neutral oil is a type of cooking oil that has a neutral flavor and aroma, meaning it wont impact the taste of the final product. Neutral oils are often used in baking recipes like muffins or banana bread, where a strong-flavored oil like olive oil or avocado oil would be too overpowering. Neutral oils are also preferred for Asian cooking, such as Japanese, Chinese, Korean, or Southeast Asian cuisines, as they are suitable for the typical cooking applications used in these cuisines.
Some examples of neutral oils include:
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Grapeseed oil: This is the preferred neutral oil for cooking because it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point. It is also rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which can be a heart-friendlier option than butter, margarine, or shortening.
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Organic vegetable oil or canola oil: These oils are great for most cooking and baking needs and are often already in your pantry.
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"Light" olive oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil: These oils are light-flavored, but they do have a stronger flavor than grapeseed or vegetable oil.
Neutral oils are also preferred for some savory applications, such as homemade mayonnaise or aioli, where a neutral oil is preferable because it is just one of a few uncooked ingredients with little to hide behind. Neutral oils also have high smoke points, which is the point at which they will begin to produce smoke. This makes them ideal for high-heat cooking methods like frying or roasting.