What Is Vegetable Shortening?

Vegetable shortening is a semi-solid, white fat made from vegetable oils such as soybean, cottonseed, or palm. It is commonly used in baking, as well as in other food preparation methods such as frying and sautéing.

Vegetable shortening is often used as a substitute for butter or lard in recipes, as it has a neutral flavor and a higher smoke point than butter, which means it can be heated to higher temperatures without burning. It is also a popular ingredient in many processed foods, such as crackers, cookies, and other baked goods. This article will tell you what shortening is, how to use it in cooking, how to substitute shortening, and more.

The post may contain affiliate links. For more information, check my disclosure.

What Is Shortening?

Shortening is a type of fat that is used in cooking and baking. It is typically a semi-solid fat that is made from vegetable oils that have been hydrogenated. Hydrogenation is a process that turns liquid oils into semi-solid or solid fats by adding hydrogen to the oil molecules. This process creates a fat that is stable at room temperature and has a longer shelf life than liquid oils.

Related: Cream Of Tartar: What It Is And How To Use
Related: How to Cook Cinnamon Rolls in the Air Fryer

Shortening is a common ingredient in baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and pastries because it helps to create a tender and flaky texture in the finished product. It does this by coating the flour particles and preventing them from absorbing too much moisture, which can result in tough or dense baked goods. In the past, shortening was typically made from animal fats such as lard, but today vegetable shortening is more commonly used.

How Did Shortening Get Its Name?

The name “shortening” comes from its effect on baked goods. In baking, the term “short” refers to a crumbly or tender texture. Shortening got its name because it “shortens” or inhibits the formation of gluten strands in the dough, resulting in a more tender baked good. Gluten is a protein that gives baked goods their structure and chewiness. Shortening, due to its high-fat content, coats the flour particles and prevents gluten formation, resulting in a tender, crumbly texture.

The term “shortening” has been used to describe fats used in baking since at least the mid-1800s. Initially, animal fats such as lard were used as shortening. However, in the early 1900s, vegetable-based shortenings such as Crisco were introduced and quickly became popular due to their lower cost and longer shelf life.

When To Use Shortening

Shortening is a versatile ingredient that is commonly used in baking and cooking. Here are some situations where you might consider using shortening:

• Baking: Shortening is a popular ingredient in many baked goods, such as cakes, cookies, and pastries. It helps to create a tender and flaky texture in the finished product, as well as a moist and tender crumb. Shortening is especially useful in recipes that call for a tender, delicate crumb, such as biscuits, pie crusts, and scones.

• Frying: Shortening has a high smoke point, which makes it a good choice for frying foods at high temperatures. It is often used in place of butter or oil in recipes that call for deep frying or sautéing.
• Vegan Baking: Shortening is a great option for vegan baking, as it is a solid fat that can replace butter or lard in many recipes.
• Shelf Life: Shortening has a longer shelf life than butter or other oils, so it can be a good option for recipes that need to be stored for longer periods.
• Texture: Shortening can help create a smooth and creamy texture in some recipes, such as frosting or pie filling.

It’s important to note that while shortening has many benefits, it is also high in saturated fat and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How To Cut In Shortening

Cutting in shortening is a technique used in baking to incorporate the shortening into flour to create a crumbly or sandy texture in the finished product. Here are the steps to cut in shortening:

• Start with cold shortening: It’s important to use a chilled or frozen shortening, as this will help it stay solid and maintain its texture while you work it into the flour.
• Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, salt, sugar, and leavening agents) and stir them with a whisk or fork.
• Cut in the shortening: Cut the shortening into small pieces and add them to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender, a fork, or your fingertips to work the shortening into the flour until it resembles coarse sand or small peas.
• Incorporate liquid: If the recipe calls for it, add the liquid ingredients (such as milk or water) and mix until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough or dry baked goods.
• Shape and bake: Shape the dough as directed in the recipe and bake according to the instructions.

Cutting in shortening can take some practice, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time. The key is to work quickly and efficiently to keep the shortening from melting and becoming too soft.

Vegetable Shortening Substitutes

If you don’t have vegetable shortening on hand, several substitutes can be used in your recipe. Here are some options:

• Butter: Butter can be used as a substitute for shortening in many recipes, especially in baked goods. Keep in mind that butter has a lower melting point than shortening, which may affect the texture of the finished product. You may also need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe using butter instead of shortening.
• Margarine: Margarine is another option that can be used in place of shortening. Like butter, it has a lower melting point than shortening, so that it may affect the texture of the finished product. Choose a margarine that has a high-fat content and is solid at room temperature.
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a popular substitute for shortening in vegan baking. It has a similar texture and melting point to shortening, but it has a distinct coconut flavor that may affect the finished product’s taste.
• Lard: Lard is a traditional fat used in baking that can be used as a substitute for shortening. It has a similar texture and melting point, but it has a distinct flavor that may affect the finished product’s taste.
• Applesauce: In some recipes, applesauce can be used as a substitute for shortening to reduce the fat content. However, keep in mind that this will affect the texture and flavor of the finished product, so it may not be suitable for all recipes.

When substituting for shortening, it’s important to remember that the finished product’s texture and flavor may be affected. Experiment with different substitutions to find the one that works best for your recipe.

Shortening vs Butter

Shortening and butter are both fats that are commonly used in baking and cooking. Here are some differences between the two:

• Fat content: Shortening is 100% fat, while butter is about 80% fat and 20% water. This means that shortening has a higher fat content, which can affect the texture and tenderness of baked goods.
• Flavor: Butter has a distinct, rich flavor that can enhance the taste of baked goods, while shortening has a neutral flavor. This means that recipes that call for butter will have a different taste than those that use shortening.
• Texture: Shortening has a higher melting point than butter, which makes it a good choice for recipes that require a crumbly or sandy texture, such as pie crusts and biscuits. Butter has a lower melting point, which can affect the texture of the finished product.
• Health: Butter contains more saturated fat than shortening, which can contribute to high cholesterol and other health problems. Shortening is often made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, which contains trans fats that can also be harmful to health.

When deciding whether to use shortening or butter in a recipe, consider the specific characteristics of each ingredient and how they will affect the final product. In general, butter is a good choice for recipes that require a rich, flavorful taste, while shortening is better for creating a crumbly, tender texture.

Shortening vs Lard

Shortening and lard are solid fats that can be used in baking and cooking. Here are some differences between the two:

• Source: Shortening is made from vegetable oil, while lard is made from rendered pork fat.
• Flavor: Shortening has a neutral flavor, while lard has a distinct pork flavor that can affect the finished product’s taste. Lard is often used in savory dishes like pie crusts, biscuits, and pastries.
• Texture: Shortening has a higher melting point than lard, which makes it a good choice for recipes that require a crumbly or sandy texture, such as pie crusts and biscuits. Lard has a lower melting point, which can affect the texture of the finished product.
• Health: Lard has more saturated fat than shortening, which can contribute to high cholesterol and other health problems. However, lard also contains healthy monounsaturated fats, and some studies suggest that it may be healthier than partially hydrogenated vegetable shortening.

The Bottom Line

In summary, vegetable shortening is a type of fat that is commonly used in baking and cooking. It is made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil and has a neutral flavor and a high melting point, which makes it a good choice for creating a crumbly or sandy texture in baked goods.

While vegetable shortening is a popular ingredient, it may not be the healthiest choice, as it contains trans fats that can be harmful to health. Alternatives to vegetable shortening include butter, margarine, coconut oil, lard, and applesauce, each with its characteristics and benefits. When deciding which fat to use in a recipe, consider the specific requirements of the recipe and the taste and texture you want to achieve.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions