If you’ve ever found yourself in the middle of a recipe that calls for hazelnut oil and realized you’re fresh out, fear not! There are several fantastic alternatives that can step in and save the day.
Here are the four oils that work as the best alternatives to hazelnut oil:
- Macadamia oil
- Walnut oil
- Pecan oil
- Peanut oil
Now, let’s see which one will work best for your particular need…
Best all-around hazelnut oil substitute: Macadamia oil
Macadamia oil comes from the luscious macadamia nuts and shares a similar rich, buttery flavor profile with hazelnut oil. It’s an excellent all-around substitute that can be used in a wide range of dishes, from salad dressings to sautés.
What sets macadamia oil apart is its high smoke point, which means it can handle higher cooking temperatures without breaking down or developing a bitter taste.
So, whether you’re whipping up a batch of brownies, tossing a salad, or stir-frying some veggies, macadamia oil has your back. Give it a try, and you might just make macadamia oil a permanent resident in your kitchen.
Best hazelnut oil substitute for raw cooking: Walnut oil
Much like hazelnut oil, walnut oil boasts a distinctive nutty flavor that can elevate your salads, dressings, and marinades. Its rich, earthy taste pairs wonderfully with fresh greens, cheeses, and fruits.
It’s cold-pressed to preserve its delicate nuances, making it perfect for drizzling over cold dishes or using in no-cook recipes. Just a drizzle of walnut oil can transform a simple salad into a gourmet experience.
Best hazelnut oil substitute for regular cooking: Macadamia oil
Macadamia oil is an excellent substitute for regular cooking oil, due to its mild, buttery flavor and high smoke point of 410°F.
With a rich, nutty aroma and a smooth texture, macadamia oil complements a wide range of dishes, from sautéed vegetables to pan-seared meats, without overwhelming their natural flavors.
Additionally, its high smoke point makes it suitable for high-heat cooking methods such as frying and roasting, ensuring that it maintains its nutritional properties and doesn’t impart any off-flavors to the food.
Best hazelnut oil substitute for high-heat cooking: Pecan oil
For those recipes that require intense heat, like deep frying or high-temperature roasting, pecan oil steps up as the best hazelnut oil substitute. Pecan oil has a high smoke point, typically hovering around 470°F, which is higher than most cooking oils. This makes it perfect for high-heat cooking methods. While it’s not an exact match for hazelnut oil, it has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
Closest in flavor to hazelnut oil: Pecan or walnut oil
Both pecan and walnut oils provide a rich and nuanced nutty taste that’s hard to distinguish from hazelnut oil, making them excellent substitutes for those who want a near-identical flavor experience.
Pecan oil offers a mild sweetness that aligns with hazelnut oil’s subtle nuttiness. It’s a fantastic choice for recipes where the nutty flavor is the star of the show. Whether you’re making baked goods, sauces, or desserts, pecan oil can deliver the familiar hazelnut aroma and taste you crave.
On the other hand, walnut oil brings a slightly more earthy and intense nuttiness compared to hazelnut oil. It’s perfect for dishes that can benefit from a bolder nut flavor, such as pastries, dressings, and even ice creams.
Best neutral flavored hazelnut oil substitute: Peanut oil
Sometimes, you might not want the nutty flavor to take center stage in your cooking. In such cases, peanut oil comes to the rescue as the best neutral-flavored hazelnut oil substitute. Peanut oil is known for its mild taste, which allows the other ingredients in your dishes to shine while providing a hint of nuttiness in the background.
Peanut oil is a versatile cooking oil with a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying, stir-frying, and deep-frying. It’s commonly used in Asian cuisines for its ability to withstand the high temperatures required for wok cooking. Its neutral flavor won’t overpower the delicate balance of flavors in your dishes, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of recipes.
Best budget-friendly hazelnut oil substitute: Peanut oil
Another benefit if peanut oil is that it’s widely available and tends to be more budget-friendly compared to some of the other nut oils on the market. This makes it an excellent choice for home cooks who want to enjoy the benefits of a nut-based oil without the hefty price tag.
Healthiest hazelnut oil substitute: Walnut oil
Walnut oil is packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to its impressive health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and positive effects on heart health.
So, if you’re conscious of what goes into your body and want an oil that supports your well-being, reach for walnut oil.
Best hazelnut oil substitute for keto/paleo/whole30: Macadamia oil
Macadamia oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and has a low carb content, making it an excellent choice for those on a keto diet. It’s also free from additives and refined sugars, aligning perfectly with the paleo and Whole30 principles of clean eating.
So, if you’re committed to one of these dietary lifestyles and want a hazelnut oil substitute that ticks all the boxes, give macadamia oil a try.
FAQs
The flavors most similar to hazelnut are pecan and walnut. These nut-based oils share a nutty profile that closely resembles hazelnut oil. Pecan oil offers a mild sweetness, while walnut oil has a slightly earthier and more intense nuttiness.
Hazelnut oil has a distinct, rich, and nutty flavor, but it’s not overpoweringly strong. It adds a delightful nuttiness to dishes without overwhelming the other ingredients. It’s this unique flavor that makes it a sought-after ingredient in various recipes.
Hazelnut oil has a nutty, rich, and slightly sweet flavor profile. It’s often described as having a warm and comforting taste, which makes it a favorite choice for adding depth and complexity to both sweet and savory dishes.
The choice between hazelnut oil and olive oil depends on your culinary preferences and the specific recipe you’re preparing. Hazelnut oil has a distinct nutty flavor that works well in certain dishes, while olive oil has a milder, more versatile taste. Hazelnut oil is often used for its unique flavor, while olive oil is a staple in Mediterranean cooking and offers various health benefits.
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