How Much Vegetable Oil to Substitute for Olive Oil
Works for baking, sauteing, and frying. Vegetable Oil comes across milder than Olive Oil.
How much vegetable oil equals one Olive Oil?
Use 1 cup Vegetable Oil per cup of Olive Oil
Health notes
Compared with Olive Oil, Vegetable Oil has: more saturated fat (15.3g vs 13.8g per 100g in Olive Oil).
Using vegetable oil as an olive oil substitute in baking
1:1 swap. Cakes and quick breads stay just as moist with a slightly paler crumb.
Other cooking methods
- Sauteing
1:1; higher smoke point means less watching, but you lose the fruity finish.
- Frying
1:1; crisps just as well, with a neutral taste and slightly higher smoke point.
- Slow Cook
1:1; adds body without competing with other flavors in the pot.
- Grilling
Brush on at 1:1 for proteins and vegetables that need a neutral coating.
- Raw Cold
1:1 in dressings, though you lose the peppery, fruity edge olive oil brings.
Methods to avoid (2)
- Steaming
Not recommended: oil doesn't work with steam heat.
- Drinks
Not recommended: oil doesn't mix into drinks.
FAQ
- Can I substitute vegetable oil for Olive Oil in baking?
Yes. 1:1 swap. Cakes and quick breads stay just as moist with a slightly paler crumb. Not recommended: oil doesn't work with steam heat.
- How much vegetable oil to use as an olive oil substitute?
Flat and neutral; add lemon juice or herbs to bring back some character.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Vegetable Oil for Olive Oil?
Vegetable oil comes across milder than olive oil.
- How does texture change when substituting Vegetable Oil for Olive Oil?
Vegetable oil nearly identical crumb, browning, and crispness since both are pure liquid fats.
- What else should I know about substituting Vegetable Oil for Olive Oil?
For frying, sauteing, grilling, and most baking, use vegetable oil 1:1 for olive oil. Expect the same moisture and browning with a flatter, neutral taste. Skip dressings and finishing drizzles where olive oil flavor is the point. Add lemon or herbs if you miss brightness.
- What still works when substituting Vegetable Oil for Olive Oil?
Vegetable oil still works as a fat and flavor carrier.
- What won't work when substituting Vegetable Oil for Olive Oil?
Vegetable oil won't work as a texture.
- How well does Vegetable Oil match Olive Oil?
Vegetable oil is strong on structure, strong on heat, and stretch on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Vegetable Oil for Olive Oil?
Vegetable oil is slightly higher in sat. fat. Overall, calories, fat, and protein are similar.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Vegetable Oil for Olive Oil?
The flavor shifts toward less acidic, less bitter, less pungent, and less umami notes.