Peanut Oil: High-Heat Hero Rich in Vitamin E
One tablespoon supplies 120 kcal, 14 g heart-friendly fats and 13 % DV vitamin E—and its 232 °C smoke point makes wok-frying a breeze.
What Makes Peanut Oil Special?
Pressed from **Arachis hypogaea** kernels, peanut oil has a naturally nutty aroma and a smoke point up to **450 °F / 232 °C** in the refined form, out-performing most common seed oils when stir-frying or deep-frying.
Nutrition per Tbsp (14 g)
|Calories|Fat|Saturated|Mono-|Poly-|Omega-6|Omega-3|Vitamin E|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|120 kcal|14 g|2.3 g|6.4 g|4.5 g|4.3 g|0 g|2 mg (13 % DV)|
Why Use Peanut Oil
- **High smoke point** means fewer free radicals at frying temps.
- Mostly **monounsaturated fat** (oleic acid) linked to better HDL:LDL ratios.
- **Vitamin E** protects cell membranes and prolongs shelf life.
- Distinct but delicate **roasted-nut flavour** enhances Asian and Cajun dishes.
Drawbacks & Cautions
- Major **allergen** for people with peanut allergy—verify refined-oil tolerance.
- **Omega-6-to-3 ratio** is high; balance with omega-3-rich foods.
- Calorie-dense; portion control matters if watching energy intake.
- Re-using oil repeatedly can generate aldehydes—filter and limit reuse cycles.
Kitchen Uses & Pairings
- **Stir-fry & wok**: heat oil first, then add aromatics.
- Deep-fry tempura or fries for extra-crisp crust.
- Whisk with rice-vinegar, soy sauce & ginger for a quick Asian vinaigrette.
- Blend 3 parts peanut : 1 part sesame oil for fragrant satay marinades.
Buying & Storage
- Choose **refined/expeller-pressed** for high-heat work; pick **roasted/cold-pressed** when you want flavour.
- Store unopened bottles cool & dark up to **12 months**; opened bottles 6 months.
- Refrigeration extends freshness but may cause harmless cloudiness—return to room temp before use.
- 1. Peanut Oil