When we think of shortening, it’s pure white Crisco that comes to mind, a.k.a. vegetable shortening. The true definition of shortening is a fat that is solid at room temperature, and that expands the list to butter and lard. For a deep dive into shortening, you can read our story What Is Shortening?. Before we dive into what to do if you dont have shortening, well walk you through what each type of shortening does in recipes so youll better understand how to substitute for them.
If a recipe calls for melted shortening, vegetable oil is a good swap. Just don’t use vegetable oil as a shortening substitute in recipes like pie dough, biscuits, or scones—you won’t get pockets of fat, so the dough won’t puff up properly.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lard-substitute-4155694_final-b20c635357a9408ba89c9176f4fb1888.png)
The Best Substitute for Shortening for Frying or Cooking
If you dont have vegetable shortening, you can always use lard – or visa versa.
However, under the assumption that you have neither on hand, you have a few good options. Vegetable oil, cocount oil, peanut oil, avocado oil and grapeseed oil all have high smoke points and can be used for frying – although vegetable oil will truly be your best bet because its inexpensive and flavorless.
A final option is clarified butter – see our article, What Is Clarified Butter? for more info. You cant use it for deep frying, but you could certainly pour an inch or so into a pan and use it to shallow fry with flavorful results.
What Does Butter Do In Recipes?
Butter is not the best for frying because it has a low smoke point and lots of water.
It is however, an excellent shortening for baking because of the flavor it brings to recipes. An all-butter pie crust is delicious, although some bakers use butter and vegetable shortening in equal parts for the best of both worlds. When creamed with sugar in cakes and cookies, butter is what brings the tenderness and, in some cases, the delicate crumb: Scottish shortbread is an excellent example of just how “short” a cookie can be.
Can I use oil instead of shortening?
FAQ
How much oil can I use instead of shortening?
What can I use if I don’t have shortening?
How much vegetable oil equals 1 2 cup shortening?
Can I substitute olive oil for shortening in baking?
Should you use oil instead of shortening?
One of the main benefits of using oil instead of shortening is that it is a healthier option. Shortening is high in trans fats, which are known to raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. In contrast, most oils are low in saturated fat and do not contain trans fats.
What is a good substitute for sunflower oil?
Sunflower oil is a type of vegetable oil that’s mostly used for cooking – especially deep-frying, shallow-frying, baking and roasting. Additionally sunflower oil contains healthy fats to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The best substitution that matchings both cooking needs and nutrient profile is olive oil. However, additional options are vegetable, peanut, canola, walnut, and avocado oil.
Can you use vegetable oil as a substitute for shortening?
Since shortening is made from vegetable oil, it makes sense that vegetable oil can be used as a substitute. While you can use an equal 1:1 ratio it is best to use this as a substitute for recipes that call for melted shortening. Vegetable oil has a similar bland taste as shortening so it will not impact the overall taste.
Can I substitute oil for shortening in baking?
When substituting oil for shortening in baking, it’s important to keep in mind that oil is a liquid, while shortening is a solid at room temperature. This means that substituting oil for shortening will alter the texture and consistency of the final product. Here are some tips to help ensure a successful substitution: 1.