Can You Microwave Canola Oil? Yes, but Should You?
Canola oil is a common kitchen staple. It’s an affordable vegetable oil that serves many purposes! It is typically used to deep fry foods, use it in stir fry, or in a skillet when frying food. It has a high smoke point of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which is necessary for cooking.
With all the available options to cook these days, you may have caught yourself wondering, can you microwave canola oil? Well, today we are going to answer that question. Yes, you CAN microwave canola oil, but why would you want to? You really shouldn’t have any need to microwave canola oil.
Let’s delve in further and see why! And just in case you ever do find yourself in a situation in which you DO need to microwave canola oil, we’ll give you a detailed guide on how to do so!
What is Canola Oil?
Canola oil is derived from a plant in Canada, created through the crossbreeding of rapeseed plants. There are many varieties available. Farmers use genetically modified organisms to increase their pesticide and herbicide resistance and to increase the number of crops produced. This is a highly refined and processed oil, containing high amounts of saturated and trans fats.
Canola Oil Uses
How might you use canola oil? In several ways!
- Sauteing, stir frying, or frying in a skillet
- As a salad dressing
- In a sauce
- Added to a marinade
- Coat the skillet prior to frying
- Replace butter in a recipe
In the above scenarios, you should not have to microwave canola oil. Canola oil is typically used in other cooking methods, such as frying or baking.
Step by Step How to Microwave Canola Oil
If you need heated canola oil on its own, follow these steps.
Step 1: How much canola oil do you need? Measure out the exact amount.
Step 2: Place in a microwave safe dish or container. We recommend glass or Pyrex. Stay away from plastics, even Tupperware.
Step 3: Microwave on the lowest setting in 5 second intervals. Oil will get hotter quicker than other liquids and food.
Step 4: Once it reaches the desired temperature, take out, let cool, and add to your recipe!
If you need to reheat a dish that has canola oil in it, follow these steps.
Step 1: Place food in a microwave safe dish or container. We recommend glass or Pyrex. Even if the food is in Tupperware.
Step 2: Microwave on the lowest setting in 30 to 1-minute intervals depending on size of dish.
Step 3: Grab a food thermometer. Take the internal temperature of the food. Aim for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Canola oil has a smoke point of 400 degrees, which is highly unlikely to reach in the microwave.
Step 4: Take out and enjoy!
Final Thoughts on Microwaving Canola Oil
It is perfectly acceptable to microwave canola oil, but before you do, think about why you should. You should really never need to microwave canola oil due to how it’s typically used. And that is for frying, baking, stir frying, or sauteing foods.
How do you use canola oil? Can you think of a situation in which you’d need to microwave it? Let us know in the comments!
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