Rice bran oil, sometimes known as rice oil, is made from the outer layer of rice grains (the bran). It is versatile, light tasting, and has a high smoke point which make it a popular choice for things like deep frying. Unfortunately, rice bran oil can be expensive and hard to find in many parts of the world. If you’re looking for a substitute, here are our picks for the most suitable or similar alternatives to rice bran oil, depending on the situation.:
- Canola oil
- Virgin olive oil
- Safflower oil
- Vegetable oil
- Extra virgin olive oil
Best All-Around Substitute For Rice Bran Oil: Canola Oil
Canola oil is probably the most similar substitute for rice bran oil. It is versatile, neutral flavored, and the refined canola oil can usually handle temperatures up to 445 degrees. It is also widely available in supermarkets, whereas rice bran is less common and often more expensive.
Best Raw Cooking Substitute For Rice Bran Oil: Virgin Olive Oil
Are you looking for a go-to oil for cooking or salad dressings? Look no further than trusty virgin olive oil!
While it may have a slightly lower quality and flavor intensity than extra virgin olive oil, it still packs a punch in the kitchen. Use it raw in salad dressings, homemade mayo, dips, or as a finishing touch on soups, grilled meats, roasted veggies, or bread!
Best Rice Bran Oil Substitute for Regular Cooking: Virgin Olive Oil
Virgin olive oil typically has a smoke point of approximately 350 degrees, although this may vary depending on the brand. This makes it a great choice for everyday cooking with moderate heat! For muffins, cookies, cakes, or bread, swap out rice bran oil for olive oil to introduce moisture and healthy fats.
However, it’s important to note that olive oil should not be used for deep frying or high-heat cooking, as its smoke point of 350 degrees may be too low for those methods.
Best Rice Bran Oil Substitute for High-Heat Cooking: Safflower Oil
Rice bran oil has quite a high smoke point of around 450°F, but safflower oil has it beat at 510 degrees. Safflower oil also has a mild/neutral flavor that will not overpower your dishes, which is often essential when deep frying!
If you can’t find rice bran or safflower oil, then any other refined oil with a high smoke point could be suitable, such as soybean oil.
Rice Bran Oil Substitute that is Closest in Flavor: Canola Oil or Any Refined Oil
Rice bran oil has a mild and light taste, and canola oil is known for its mild flavor and light texture, making it a great option for a similar-tasting substitute.
Canola oil is refined, meaning it’s processed to remove impurities, resulting in a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point. Any refined oil will have similar properties; the important thing to check is the smoke point, so you do not use one that will set your kitchen on fire if you are high-heat cooking!
Refined oils are processed in a certain way to remove any “impurities, ” meaning all the things that give it flavor have been taken out. Any refined oil you use will be very neutral in taste.
Best Budget-Friendly Rice Bran Oil Substitute: Vegetable Oil
Rice bran oil can be found at $10 per gallon but can get quite expensive. I’ve seen over $30 for a gallon!! Vegetable oil is just under $9 or $10 per gallon and is much easier to find in most supermarkets and grocery stores.
The main thing to be aware of when substituting vegetable oil for rice bran oil is that vegetable oil often has a lower smoke point, so make sure you know how much heat the brand you buy can handle.
Best Healthy Rice Bran Oil Substitute: Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Rice bran oil is a highly refined oil, the process often using chemical solvents. This can strip it of nutrients and leave trace amounts of nasties in your oil. For a healthier choice, choose a cold-pressed, unrefined oil. There are many available, but one of the best and most accessible is extra virgin olive oil.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is renowned for its abundant polyphenols and antioxidants, making it the oil of choice in the Mediterranean Diet. Its distinctive flavor is often described as robust and grassy, while its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats offer plenty of health benefits.
Best Keto/Paleo/Whole30 Rice Bran Oil Substitute: Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is considered one of the best oils for the keto, paleo and Whole30 diets. Cold-pressed and unrefined, it contains abundant nutrients and is regarded as a whole food. Rice bran oil is unsuitable for keto, paleo and Whole30 diets as it is highly processed and refined.
FAQs
Rice bran oil is best used for high-heat cooking such as stir frying, deep frying and grilling. It has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for these types of cooking.
Rice bran oil is not a good source of Omega 3, which are polyunsaturated fats. The primary fatty acid it contains is oleic acid. This is an omega-9 fatty acid.
Rice bran oil is expensive because it is made from the outer layers of rice. It needs to go through a number of processes and refining steps in order to become a usable oil. This adds to its cost.
Rice bran oil should be stored in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard or pantry. Refrigeration is not recommended as it could cause the oil to become cloudy.
