When it comes to choosing the right cooking oil, versatility and performance matter. You need an oil that can handle high heat, deliver crispy textures, and enhance flavours—without overpowering the dish. Enter peanut oil, the unsung hero of the kitchen!
Loved by chefs and home cooks alike, peanut oil’s high smoke point, light texture, and subtle nutty taste make it the perfect oil for deep-frying, wok cooking, and grilling. If you’re not using it yet, here’s why you should start.
What Makes Peanut Oil Special?
Peanut oil stands out from other cooking oils for three key reasons:
✔ High Smoke Point: At 230°C (450°F), peanut oil can handle extreme heat without breaking down or burning, making it ideal for deep-frying and stir-frying.
✔ Crispy, Crunchy Perfection: If you want golden, crispy textures (think fried chicken, samoosas, or crispy tofu), peanut oil ensures the perfect crunch.
✔ Light & Mildly Nutty: While peanut oil has a subtle nutty essence, it doesn’t overpower dishes, making it an excellent all-purpose cooking oil.
Beyond performance, peanut oil is also naturally cholesterol-free, trans-fat-free, and rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats—making it a better alternative to processed vegetable oils when used in moderation.
How to Cook with Peanut Oil Like a Pro
1️⃣ Deep-Frying Like a Pro 🍟
Ever wonder why your homemade fries or fried chicken never turn out as light and crispy as your favourite takeout? The secret is in the oil.
Peanut oil’s high heat resistance ensures that food fries evenly, crisps up beautifully, and doesn’t absorb excess grease—a must for:
🔥 Crispy chicken wings with a golden, crunchy crust
🔥 Samoosas & spring rolls with a perfectly flaky bite
🔥 Deep-fried calamari that stays light and tender
🔥 Vetkoek & koeksisters with a crisp outside and fluffy inside
💡 Pro Tip: Always heat peanut oil slowly and use a thermometer to maintain the perfect frying temperature of 175–190°C (350–375°F). Overheating oil not only ruins food but can also break down nutrients.
2️⃣ The Ultimate Wok Oil for Stir-Fries 🍜
If you’ve ever had a restaurant-quality stir-fry and wondered why yours never tastes quite as good, the answer is likely the oil. Stir-frying is all about high heat and fast cooking, and peanut oil excels under pressure.
Because of its heat stability and clean flavour, peanut oil allows the natural taste of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and fresh vegetables to shine through. It’s a game-changer for:
🔥 Beef & broccoli stir-fry with a caramelised sear
🔥 Classic egg-fried rice with perfectly separated grains
🔥 Spicy Thai curries with deep, fragrant flavours
🔥 Chow mein & noodle bowls that feel light, not greasy
💡 Pro Tip: Heat your wok until it’s smoking hot before adding peanut oil. This technique creates a quick sear and locks in flavour, colour, and texture instantly.
3️⃣ Braai & Grilling with Peanut Oil 🔥
Peanut oil isn’t just for frying—it’s also an excellent choice for the braai. Thanks to its high smoke point, it can withstand direct heat without burning, making it ideal for basting, marinating, and grilling.
🔥 Brush peanut oil onto vegetables before grilling for a perfect char
🔥 Mix peanut oil with lime juice, soy sauce, and garlic for a next-level meat basting sauce
🔥 Use peanut oil in homemade chicken or beef marinades for added depth
💡 Pro Tip: For the juiciest grilled prawns or steak, marinate in peanut oil, lime, and peri-peri before searing over high heat.
Is Peanut Oil a Healthy Choice?
While all oils should be used in moderation, peanut oil is considered a healthier choice compared to many refined vegetable oils. It contains:
✔ Monounsaturated fats, the heart-healthy fats found in avocados and olive oil
✔ Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that supports skin and immune health
✔ Zero cholesterol and trans fats, making it a better alternative for high-heat cooking
Because peanut oil retains its nutrients even at high temperatures, it remains a stable and safe choice for deep-frying and grilling.
Why Peanut Oil is a Must-Have in Your Kitchen
Cooking with peanut oil is all about elevating flavour and texture while making sure your dishes come out golden, crispy, and packed with goodness. Whether you’re deep-frying, stir-frying, or braaing, this oil has everything you need for next-level cooking.
Now’s the time to upgrade your pantry and experience the difference!
🛒 Shop Wilson’s Peanut Oil now
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