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Can I add water to cooking oil?

Published in Cooking Safety 2 mins read

No, you should not add water to cooking oil.

Adding water to cooking oil is generally a bad idea due to several reasons:

  • Oil and water don't mix: They are immiscible, meaning they don't dissolve into each other. Instead, the water will sink to the bottom of the hot oil.

  • Splattering and potential burns: When water reaches the hot oil, it rapidly turns into steam, causing the oil to splatter violently. This can result in serious burns.

  • Foaming: Excess water can cause the oil to foam, which can overflow and create a mess.

  • Reduced oil quality: Water can degrade the oil over time, reducing its quality and lifespan. This can negatively impact the flavor of the food you are cooking.

Why would you even consider adding water?

Sometimes, people might think about adding water to clean a pan with hot oil. However, this is dangerous. A safer way is to carefully let the oil cool down and then dispose of it properly. Never pour hot oil down the drain.

In summary, introducing water to cooking oil poses safety risks and compromises the quality of the oil.

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