As much as we hate to admit it, we’re creatures of habit. Sometimes we get stuck in the same cooking routines because they’re comfortable. Our grandmother used extra virgin olive oil for everything, so we use extra virgin olive oil for everything. Even if it just keeps burning when we try to fry our Nut Crumb-breaded goodies.
The truth is, olive oil isn’t the end-all be-all of oils. There are SO MANY cooking oils out there, all with different ranges of flavors and smoke points. So, here’s a little guide to cooking oils that will help you experiment and maybe even find a new favorite. Plus a couple new Nut Crumb recipes to try-- because you can only make that same old casserole so many times.
So what’s a smoke point, anyway?
The smoke point is the temperature at which an oil starts to burn and smoke. The real question here is, does it really matter?
Yes! When an oil is cooked past its smoke point it does more than just transfer a burnt taste to your Southern-Fried Spicy Nut Crumb Okra. You’ll have to keep reading for this delish recipe.
When the oil hits its smoke point it begins to lose nutrients and phytochemicals - and trust us, you definitely want those. Phytochemicals stimulate the immune system, help block the substances we eat from becoming carcinogens, and reduce inflammations that make cancer growth more likely.
The Breakdown
Low Smoke Point
Oils with LOW smoke points shouldn’t cook above 350 degrees fahrenheit.
That means using notches 1-4 on your stove burner. These oils are great for drizzling over dressing or adding a punch of flavor after cooking. They’re also options for recipes that call for low to medium-low heat.
These include:
Coconut Oil
Sesame Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Flaxseed Oil
Nut Crumbs & Sesame Salad
This bright yet simple salad will be calling your name on a hot day. The duo of sesame oil and Original Nut Crumbs adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor to your dressing while delivering a satisfying crunch.
Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 4 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1-2 Tbsp Original Nut Crumbs
- Your favorite salad mix!
Mix all of the ingredients (sans salad) into a bowl and give it a thorough whisk. Drizzle or drench your greens and chow down!
Medium Smoke Point
Oils with MEDIUM smoke points shouldn’t cook above 425 degrees fahrenheit.
That means using notches 5-6 on your stove burner. They’re options for recipes that call for medium to medium-high heat. These oils are the in-betweeners, so be careful if you’re using them on medium-high!
These include:
Almond Oil
Macadamia Oil
Hazelnut Oil
Zucchini Meatballs
These zucchini meatballs are a great vegetarian alternative! The Italian Nut Crumbs act like a mold, holding the delicious meatballs together and giving them that golden sear.
Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 1 tsp oil (your choice!)
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 zucchini, grated
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup Italian Nut Crumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
Place the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once your oil starts to shimmer and sizzle add the garlic and saute until golden. About 30 seconds.
Add the grated zucchini, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and cook on until the water evaporates from the skillet. You’re looking at around 7 minutes.
Strain the zucchini in a colander, then transfer to a large bowl. Add your Italian Nut Crumbs, beaten egg, and cheese.
Form the zucchini mixture into meatless balls, your size of choice, rolling tightly. Drop them into your still hot pan and flip them as they start brown.
High Smoke Point
Oils with HIGH smoke points use notches 6-9 on your stove burner. They’re options for recipes that call for medium-high to high heat. These oils are champs when it comes to enduring heat.
These include:
Safflower Oil
Avocado Oil
Peanut Oil
Sunflower Oil
Now introducing the recipe you’ve been waiting for...
Southern-Fried Spicy Nut Crumbs Okra
Break out of your comfort zone and get ready to make an appetizer that’ll steal the show at any gathering. Okra is SO underrated, and paired with Spicy Nut Crumbs, this summer veggie delivers a welcome punch to your taste buds!
If you want a quick refresh on breading with Nut Crumbs, check out our recent blog with tips, tricks, and techniques!
Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 1 pound okra, caps cut off and sliced
- 1 cup Spicy Nut Crumbs
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- Avocado oil
Mix together Nut Crumbs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. In another small bowl, whisk together egg and milk. Bread your okra, covering generously in Nut Crumbs.
Pour about 1 inch of Avocado oil in a large cast iron skillet, Dutch oven, or Wok. Heat on high heat.
Carefully place okra in hot oil and stir continuously. Once the first side brown reduce the heat to medium. Cook until golden all over. Drain on paper towels.
If you couldn’t fit all of the okra at once, make sure to add more oil to the pan before continuing!
Whichever new oil you try, rest assured there’s a package full of Nut Crumbs dying to dip their toes in it.