The oils are important for cooking different recipes. However, there are some oils that are used solely for garnishing or dressing purposes. One such oil is hazelnut oil, but it’s hard to find and can be expensive. For this reason, we are sharing the hazelnut oil substitutes to help you out!
Hazelnut Oil Substitutes
As the name suggests, it is the oil extracted from hazelnut through the press. It is used for salad dressings, but some people use it for cooking purposes as well. It is made when the hazelnuts are pressed in the press. Hazelnut oil tends to have an intense flavor with a nutty, sweet, and roasted flavor. That being said, even the smallest quantity of hazelnut will lead to an intense flavor.
It is usually used for making baked goods, inclusive of cakes and cookies. When added to salad dressings or sauces, it adds a nutty flavor. However, if you don’t want the hazelnut flavor to dominate the dish, you can mix it with other oils with a mild flavor. It can go rancid, which is why it is stored in a cool and dark place. Now, let’s start with the substitutes!
1) Olive Oil
In the majority of recipes, olive oil can easily replace hazelnut oil. The users can opt for light olive oil as well as regular olive oil. However, it has to be used in the dishes that need to be cooked. Some people also use extra virgin olive oil, but the flavor will be fruity and unique. Olive oil has a lower smoke point which is why it cannot be used with recipes that have to be cooked at higher heating temperatures.
2) Walnut Oil
This is a highly flavorful oil that has a high antioxidant count. In addition, it is rich in minerals and will be great for people who struggle with heart health issues. Coming back to the topic, walnut oil is suitable for sauteing, grilling, stirring, baking, frying, and for salad dressings. However, it’s not readily available and has an expensive price tag. It’s essential to note down that hazelnut oil has different varieties, and you can opt for any variant that’s available to you.
3) Almond Oil
This is the nut oil which intense flavor. It is suitable for cold dishes as well as salads. It complements the desserts, but the flavor might not be almond-like. Almond oil has a high smoke point which makes it suitable for the dishes that have to be cooked at high temperatures. Almond oil is a rich source of vitamin E and monounsaturated fats.
Since it’s a nut oil, it has a nutty flavor and is suitable for recipes that have complementary tastes. It can be used in cakes, muffins, and cookies. Also, it’s perfect for pan-frying.
4) Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is enriched with monounsaturated fatty acids, along with oleic acid, lutein, carotenoids, and vitamin E. It can help reduce inflammation. You might feel the mild and grassy flavor. As for the texture, avocado oil has a buttery texture that turns neutral. Avocado oil is suitable for curries, salads, and soups. Also, it’s perfect for sauteing, baking, and grilling.
5) Grapeseed Oil
If you want cholesterol-free oil, grapeseed oil is a suitable choice with a lesser saturated fat content. It can help with heart health and cholesterol. It is soluble with fats, and the flavor is light and clean. The clean and light flavor makes it suitable for creamy dressing as it will not separate upon chilling. It is suitable for the sauteed and fried dishes. It can be used for roasting vegetables and making mayonnaise.
6) Sunflower Oil
If you don’t have hazelnut oil and are still looking for substitutes, sunflower oil is the last option. Sunflower oil tends to have a mild flavor and taste. This taste makes it suitable for recipes that don’t rely on an intense flavor. It is perfect for the dishes that have to be cooked at higher temperatures. That being said, it’s suitable for frying.
Even more, sunflower oil is perfect for cold dishes as well as low-heat dishes. As compared to other oils, sunflower oil has a low saturated fat content. All in all, it’s suitable in four forms, so choose whichever you want!