Rapeseed Oil- Everything You Need to Know

Rapeseed oil has many health and flavor benefits, and it’s an excellent addition to any home cook’s pantry, particularly if you’re interested in making Chinese dishes. It is part of the cabbage family and can have traces of flavors like turnip or mustard but without overpowering fragrances or tastes. 

Rapeseed oil can be associated with canola oil, and while there are some similarities, there are key differences as well. The better you understand the uses and benefits of rapeseed oil and how it can enhance your dishes, the more delicious flavors you’ll be able to enjoy. 

Because here at Fly By Jing, we want to make cooking your favorite Chinese food dishes, from dumplings to noodles to stir fry, at home as easy as possible. We carry the ingredients you need to spice up great meals and offer the history and recipes that make home cooking a fun and exciting experience every time. 

What Is Rapeseed Oil?

Rapeseed naturally produces oil-rich seeds, which makes it excellent for both industrial use and culinary use. It is often mistaken for canola oil because they come from the same family of cabbage and mustard plants. They also both have bright yellow flowers, and oil is extracted from both plants in the same way. 

The key difference is the amount of erucic acid in each. In canola oil, scientists and farmers began crossbreeding it out since it can become inedible or even toxic in high doses. 

The two types of oils are often confused because they have a very similar chemical makeup and are often mislabeled during import and export. It’s important to check that the oil you’re using is actually what the label indicates to ensure proper cooking. 

What Are the Benefits of Rapeseed Oil?

There are many reasons you’ll want to consider substituting your traditional cooking oil with rapeseed oil. There are benefits to using rapeseed oil, both when it comes to the flavors you’re creating and to your personal health. Here are just a few. 

It Has a High Smoke Point

Many Chinese food dishes, like scallion pancakes and crispy tofu, require pan frying or deep frying, which uses a lot of oil. The smoke point of rapeseed oil is about 20-40 degrees Celsius higher than the smoke point of olive oil, which means you can cook it at a much higher temperature without losing any of the health benefits or creating that bitter burnt taste. 

It Has a Low Saturated Fat Content

Depending on your health, a little saturated fat in your diet is okay. But if you’re looking to pan fry or deep fry regularly or you want to try out new Chinese food dishes at home and need to pick a good oil, you don’t want a high saturated fat content. Too much saturated fat can lead to increased cholesterol, artery blockage, and more. 

With rapeseed oil, you have one of the lowest saturated fat contents, but you still get the great benefits of a rich and delicious oil that’s perfect for making your favorite Chinese food dishes. 

It Contains Healthy Vitamins

Within reason, oils can be very healthy for you, and it’s important to integrate essential vitamins into your diet. When you use rapeseed oil in your cooking, you’ll have easy access to important vitamins like vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that improves your immune system and strengthens the health of your hair and nails. 

It’s a Neutral Flavor

There are so many great flavors in Chinese cooking like ginger, oyster sauce, garlic, and more. You don’t want to see them overpowered by an oily or fatty taste, and that’s why rapeseed oil is such an excellent choice. It’s very neutral and can be easily used to cook up all your favorite dishes without taking away the focus from your main tastes. 

It’s Inexpensive

Some oils are more expensive than others. With dishes that call for a small amount of oil, that won’t make much of a difference, but the ones where you need to deep fry or use a significant amount of oil can become a financial burden quickly. Rapeseed oil is easy to afford and can be purchased inexpensively in bulk, so you don’t have to worry about spending too much on your next big cook. 

It Has Lots of Uses

There is often a lot of crossover in Chinese cooking, which is why there are some pantry staples every Chinese food home cook should have. Rapeseed oil is one of those great resources that can be used in all of your favorite dishes, no matter what kind of regional cuisine you’re cooking. It’s important to have oil like that always on hand.  

It Can Go in Hot or Cold Dishes

In addition to having a lot of great uses during the actual cooking process, rapeseed oil serves well as a condiment, too. You can use it in both hot and cold dishes and sauces on the side. Consider adding it to your favorite vegetable dishes for summer and achieve sharp and delicious flavors without an oily texture. 

Chinese Food Recipes Featuring Rapeseed Oil

When it comes to all the great benefits of rapeseed oil, you don’t need to take our word. Just check out the unique and delicious recipes you can make with rapeseed oil right in your kitchen today. Here at just a few. 

Chili Oil

Chili oil is an essential part of any Chinese home cook’s repertoire. It’s why we sell the spices and ingredients you need to make it at home, like Sichuan peppers and tribute peppers. Chili oil can last up to a few months when you store it properly, and depending on what you’re going to use it for, you’ll want to make a sizable batch at a time. 

In addition to dried chilis, adjusted for heat and flavor, you’ll need a substantial amount of oil. Rapeseed is an excellent choice for this recipe because it’s inexpensive and neutral and delivers on all of your favorite spicy flavors. 

Chinese Stir Fry

There are so many excellent stir fry recipes to pick from. We can’t choose our favorite! You can make a stir fry with pork, beef, chicken, and your favorite vegetables. Chinese food is also an excellent cuisine for vegan and vegetarian diets because it doesn’t use a lot of dairy, and you can easily exchange any meat for leafy vegetables and a veggie broth. 

Stir fry is extremely versatile and another excellent way to make the most of rapeseed oil. You’ll want to mix your meat and spices together, then heat your oil in a large wok or saucepan. Fry your meat for a few minutes, depending on your recipe and ingredient. Then add your vegetables in order of how quickly they cook, as well as any sauces. Cook until tender and serve over rice. 

Crispy Tofu Dishes

Tofu is another common ingredient that you’ll find in many Chinese food dishes. It’s an excellent way to make Chinese food vegan or vegetarian, and the textures and flavors that tofu can deliver on are delicious all on their own. 

When it comes to tofu, you have a wide variety of options, and you can substitute out meat dishes with tofu ingredients. When you need to pan-fry your tofu for crispy or fried tofu dishes, rapeseed is an excellent option to fit your needs. You’ll be able to keep the heat high, thanks to the rapeseed oil’s high smoke point, so you can achieve those wonderful crispy tofu textures. 

Conclusion

Like many ingredients, there are upsides and drawbacks to using rapeseed oil and similar products. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional and to make sure that you don’t have any adverse effects from using rapeseed oil. If you’re careful and watch for any reactions, rapeseed oil can be an excellent ingredient to use in your Chinese home cooking, from stir-fries to soups to sauces.

And for more excellent Chinese home cooking options, Fly By Jing has what you need to get started or to take your favorite flavors to the next level. We provide the spices and ingredients you need to bring classic Chinese flavors to your kitchen, as well as the recipes and history that will really make them stand out. Begin exploring our recipe book and creating your own personalized dishes today. 

Sources: 

The rise of rapeseed oil | Food | The Guardian

What’s the Difference Between Canola and Rapeseed Oil? | The Kitchn

Rapeseed Oil | Healthline