The smoke point of cooking oil refers to the temperature at which the oil starts to smoke during the heating process and is a key factor to pay special attention to when cooking. Here are a few things to pay attention to when cooking with regard to cooking oil smoke points:
1. Choose the right edible oil
Know the smoke point of different cooking oils, different kinds of cooking oil have different smoke points. For example, olive oil has a low smoke point, making it suitable for low-temperature cooking, cold dressing, and dipping sauces, among other things; Peanut oil and canola oil, on the other hand, have a higher smoke point, making them ideal for stir-frying and high-temperature cooking. Therefore, when choosing an edible oil, it is necessary to choose according to the cooking method and temperature needs.
Consider ingredients and tastes, and in addition to smoke points, you also need to consider the characteristics and taste preferences of the ingredients. Some ingredients are sensitive to temperature, such as vegetables and seafood, and should be stir-fried in cooking oil with a low smoke point to avoid overcooking or burning.
2. Control the cooking temperature
Avoid exceeding the smoke point, and the temperature when cooking should be lower than the smoke point of cooking oil to avoid the production of harmful substances. Generally speaking, stir-frying over low heat will reach about 100°C, stir-frying over medium heat will reach 160-180°C, and the temperature of stir-frying or frying over high heat often exceeds 200°C. Therefore, when stir-frying, it is necessary to choose the right heat according to the smoke point of the cooking oil.
Preheat the pots and pans, before adding cooking oil. This reduces the contact time between the cooking oil and the ingredients, reducing the impact of the smoke point.
Adjust the heat at the right time, during the cooking process, adjust the heat according to the changes in ingredients and cooking needs. Generally speaking, you should choose medium-low heat when stir-frying to avoid overheating the cooking oil.
3. Respond to common problems
If the cooking oil is overheated, you can try adding some ingredients, such as onions, minced garlic, etc., to lower the temperature of the oil. At the same time, it is necessary to pay close attention to the change of oil temperature and avoid exceeding the smoke point of the edible oil.
If there is a lot of fume, you can place the pot under the kitchen exhaust fan or open the window for ventilation. In addition, you can also try to choose cooking oils with a higher smoke point for stir-frying.
Fourth, pay attention to the quality of edible oil
High-quality cooking oil not only has a high smoke point, but is also rich in nutrients. Therefore, when buying edible oil, it is necessary to choose regular brands and channels to ensure the quality of the oil.
Pay attention to the storage of cooking oil: Edible oil should be stored in a cool, dry and dark place, away from direct sunlight and high temperature environments. At the same time, pay attention to the shelf life of edible oil and avoid using expired or spoiled edible oil.
When cooking, it is necessary to pay attention to choosing the right cooking oil, controlling the cooking temperature, dealing with common problems, and paying attention to the quality of the cooking oil. With the rational selection and use of cooking oil, the quality and health of the dishes can be guaranteed.