Are you tired of constantly discarding used cooking oil because it’s become dirty from all the frying? Say goodbye to wasteful and costly oil replacements, and hello to easy and effective oil cleaning with cornstarch! I’ll show you how to clean your used frying oil with just a few simple ingredients, and how to reuse it up to 3 times before discarding it. Not only will this save you money, but it will also help reduce waste. Keep reading to find out how easy it is to clean your used frying oil and keep it in tip-top shape for your next cooking adventure.
Table of Contents
Mixing the Cornstarch Slurry
The process of cleaning your used cooking oil with cornstarch is simple and easy. You will need 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 cup of used cooking oil. In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the cornstarch and water together until it forms a slurry. This slurry will act as a natural clarifying agent, helping to remove any impurities or food particles that may be present in the oil.
Heating the Oil and Adding the Cornstarch Slurry
Next, turn the on the heat to medium-low. It’s important to start on medium-low heat to prevent splattering and fire hazards that can happen when adding water to oil on high heat. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the oil and stir constantly. This will ensure that the cornstarch is evenly distributed throughout the oil. Stir the mixture for 2 minutes, then increase the heat to medium and continue stirring for several more minutes.
Stirring and Straining the Oil
As the mixture heats up, the cornstarch will begin to thicken, which will help to remove any impurities or food particles that may be present in the oil due to frying. The thickening of the mixture is due to the starch granules in the cornstarch absorbing the impurities in the oil. This process effectively traps the impurities, making them much easier to remove from the oil. The mixture will begin to thicken as it reaches the right temperature and with enough stirring.
Once the mixture becomes gel-like, it’s time to strain the oil. To do this, use a fine mesh strainer to strain the oil into a clean container. Be sure to strain it while it is still hot.
The newly cleaned oil is now ready for use. Repeat the process as needed. It’s important to note that this method works best for oils that have been used for frying, but not for oils that have been used for baking or deep-frying. Additionally, it is worth noting that this method allows for cleaning and reusing cooking oil up to 3 times before discarding it. This not only saves money but also helps reduce waste.
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