What Exactly Is "Vegetable Oil" (And How Do I Clean It Up)?

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The differences in flavor between these oil varieties are mostly undetectable in quick-cooking recipes such as our Tomatillo Chicken Tostadas recipe. But once you subject the oil to a significant amount of sustained heat, like you would while deep frying, you’ll start to notice new flavors. The same is true for recipes in which the oil is a main component, such as mayonnaise or a vinaigrette. We don’t recommend using corn oil for these applications since it has a distinct and unpleasant flavor when used in large quantities. Instead, opt for canola, soybean, or a blend.

Have you ever accidentally spilled cooking oil on the kitchen floor? I have. The best way to get it up is to sprinkle the oil with flour or baking soda, let it sit for a minute, and then sweep it up. Follow that with a quick wipe with glass cleaner or soapy water. No trace left behind.