Walnut oil is a product of pressing dried walnuts into bits and saving the oil that comes out of them. They have a lot of flavor and nutrients, and it doesn’t require heat to process.
The high cost of walnuts and the cold-pressing process make this oil a bit expensive to make.
Walnut extract oil can also turn bitter quickly. Walnut oil is an excellent choice for finishing food items such as pizza, fish, and meat. You can incorporate it into a mixture of salad dressing too.
Several suitable walnut oil substitutes can provide the same earthy flavor. Knowing these alternatives will help you create the perfect recipe at a more affordable price.
1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
One of the most widely used fats in the world is olive oil. While it doesn’t contain nuts, it’s still the best substitute for walnut oil.
It’s available everywhere. Also, it’s very convenient to have a bottle in your kitchen. You can use it when you want to sautee or bake something, and you want to have a smooth coating.
2. Sesame Oil
Most grocery stores carry sesame oil, a great alternative to walnut oil. It has a sweet taste and is versatile enough to be used in almost any recipe.
While walnut oil is excellent for cooking, a higher smoke point can allow you to use sesame oil in recipes that require heat. This oil is a perfect choice for keeping in your pantry.
3. Peanut Oil
This peanut oil is a versatile oil you can use in various dishes. It has a subdued taste and is still satisfying.
Although it doesn’t have a strong flavor, you can also use it as a stand-in for walnut oil. It has a very high smoke and is versatile enough to be used in various cooking situations like grilling meat and vegetables.
4. Hazelnut Oil
Unlike most nut-oil substitutes, hazelnut oil has a distinct flavor. Many people use it as a finishing oil for salads, baking, and other applications.
This oil works well in both savory and sweet recipes, but it can also be very pronounced in some dishes. Since it has a bold flavor, you can use it sparingly.
5. Sunflower Oil
A mild taste makes sunflower oil ideal for cooking, as it doesn’t require much oil to achieve its flavor. You can also use it in cold and low-heat dishes.
Sunflower oil does not contain a lot of saturated fat and has vitamin E. When baking, you can use it to bring more aroma to your cake or pastries.
6. Canola Oil
Canola oil is excellent for cooking and baking, as it has a neutral flavor that won’t overpower your food. However, it can also make particular food taste different.
If you replace walnuts with canola oil in your recipes, add more spices to your dish to add more flavor. Canola oil has 120 calories and 13 grams of fat, so you need to use it moderately.
7. Vegetable Oil
One of the most everyday oils is vegetable oil. It’s an affordable option, and you can find it in your local grocery store. Its neutral flavor can be a great asset when cooking overpowering food like curry and spicy dishes.
8. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is great as a replacement because it doesn’t taste like nuts. Grapeseed is the most common type of oil used for cooking and has a great neutral taste so that it can go with most recipes. Plus, it contains a small amount of omega 3 fatty acids.
9. Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seeds are used as vegetable oil, but you shouldn’t use them in cooking because they are too bitter. They are also very nutritious and contain many vitamins and minerals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Walnut Oil Healthy?
Walnut oil is super healthy! One of the most beneficial nutrients that you can find in walnuts is their antioxidant properties. They are also considered one of the world’s most nutritious nuts.
Many people think that they are bad for their health, but walnut oil has many health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is full of Omega 3 fatty acids that can help lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease.
Is Walnut Oil the Same as Olive Oil?
No, walnut oil and olive oil are different from each other. Although it’s not as sweet as olive oil, walnuts are high in healthy unsaturated fatty acids. Olive oil comprises monounsaturated fatty acids. On the other hand, walnuts have a higher concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Do Walnuts Have Oil in Them?
Walnuts have oil in them, which is healthy and good for the body. It is known to contain antioxidant properties, such as alpha-linolenic acid. This fat can help lower your risk of heart disease by 10%. It might be expensive, but the benefits are worth the price.