Cooking oil is a staple in every kitchen, but constantly discarding it can be wasteful and expensive. Reusing oil is possible if done safely, and it can help you save money, reduce waste, and stay eco-friendly. Here are five practical hacks to make the most of your cooking oil.
1. Strain the oil After Cooking
How to do it: Once your oil cools down after frying, pour it through a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or coffee filter to remove leftover food particles.
Why it works: Food particles left in the oil can burn and make the oil taste bitter or degrade faster.
Tip: Store strained oil in a clean, airtight glass jar away from sunlight to keep it fresh longer.
2. Use oil for Similar Foods
How to do it: Only reuse oil for the same type of cooking. For example, if you fried potatoes, reuse the oil for more potatoes or other vegetables, not for fish or meat.
Why it works: Different foods impart flavors that can mix and spoil taste if reused across dishes.
3. Add Herbs or Spices
How to do it: Before storing your used oil, you can add a bay leaf, a few peppercorns, or a clove of garlic.
Why it works: This helps maintain flavor and can slightly preserve the oil by limiting oxidation.
Tip: Avoid adding fresh herbs as they may introduce moisture, which reduces shelf life.
4. Keep It Cool and Dark
How to do it: Store oil in a cool, dark place or even in the refrigerator if it’s light-colored oil like sunflower or canola.
Why it works: Exposure to light, heat, and air accelerates oxidation, which causes the oil to go rancid.
5. Check Before Reusing
Signs your oil is safe to reuse:
Clear or slightly golden color (not dark brown)
No foul or rancid smell
No excessive foaming when reheated
Tip: If any of these signs appear, it’s best to discard the oil to avoid health risks.
💡 Extra Tips
Avoid reheating oil more than 2–3 times, depending on what was cooked.
Deep-frying releases more impurities than shallow frying, so extra filtration may be needed.
Using smokeless oils like refined sunflower or rice bran oil often allows for safer reuse.
✅ Benefits of Reusing Cooking Oil
Saves money by reducing the frequency of buying fresh oil.
Reduces kitchen waste, contributing to eco-friendliness.
Maintains flavor for similar dishes when done properly.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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