Reusing vegetable oil?

[danimarie0820]

Is it ok to reuse vegetable oil? If so, how do I store it properly?

[Ceashels]

My Mom would fry potatoes in her oil to "clean" it then pour it over into a jar when cool. I don't remember if she kept it in the fridge or not. I do know that when oil gets too hot it breaks down into nasty things it also darkens as it gets used so I guess you need to keep an eye on the color as well.

[danimarie0820]

Thank you! I originally fried potatoes in it so I guess it is safe. I will keep an eye on it.

[djbout]

I strain my oil through cheese cloth or coffee filters then store in an airtight container in the back ( coldest) part of my fridge. I will use it a few times before disposing of.

[Contrary Housewife]

I found this on another website: (http://whatscookingamerica.net/Q-A/CookingOil.htm)

To re-use oil safely, use these tips:

· Strain it through a few layers of cheesecloth to catch any food particles. Be careful with hot oil, though, because you can easily get burned.

· Shake off excess batter from food before frying it.

· Use a good thermometer to fry foods at 190°C.

· Turn off the heat after you are done cooking. Exposing oil to prolonged heat accelerates rancidity.

· Don't mix different types of oil.

· Store oil in a cool, dark place.

· Avoid iron or copper pots or pans for frying oil that is to be reused. These metals also accelerate rancidity.


Signs of Deteriorated Oil:

· Oil darkens with use because the oil and food molecules burn when subjected to high/prolonged heat.

· The more you use an oil, the more slowly it will pour. Its viscosity changes because of changes to the oil's molecular structure.

· Loose absorbent particles accumulate as sediment at the bottom of the storage container or are suspended in the oil.

· When smoke appears on the oils' surface before the temperature reaches 190 degrees C (375 degrees F), your oil will no longer deep-fry effectively.

· If the oil has a rancid or "off" smell or if it smells like the foods you've cooked in it, it should be discarded.

[HandyMom]

I've reused oil that I fried potatoes in but not oil from frying chicken or fish. I never stored it in the fridge before. Thanks for the tips!

[winner]

I do re-use oil as well for fries or other cooking. I save all meat juices and freeze, when I have enough I make a couple jars of gravy.

[RetiredVeryEarly]

We reuse oil for frying. You just have to consider what has previously been fried in it and what will be fried next. We don't cook fish ever but certainly if you fried fish in oil you wouldn't want to make doughnuts in that same oil. :-) We filter it through coffee filters, although that gets very slow as the oil has more particles in it.

[Ceashels]

Can I have a cream filled haddock kreuller ... please?