Eating in China
An illustrative bowl of pale golden liquid vegetable oil.

Vegetable oil

食用植物油Shíyòng zhíwùyóu

Edible oil obtained from plants.

Type
Cooking fats and oils

A CLOSER LOOK

How to recognize it

A general category, not one particular seed oil. It is distinct from lard and other animal fats.

In the kitchen

Used in cooking, including frying. Follow the oil type specified by the recipe.

Plant source and processing vary. Check the product label for the specific oil; the general name does not identify it.

Ask about this ingredient

这道菜里有食用植物油吗?

Does this dish contain Vegetable oil?

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