The Secret to Easily Restoring Clarity to Used Cooking Oil with Kitchen Ingredients

Kapanlagi.com - Cooking oil is a loyal companion in the kitchen, often reused for various dishes. However, food residues that settle make the oil quickly cloudy and dirty. Unfortunately, many people choose to throw away their used oil because they find it difficult to clean. But wait! There is an easy way you can try to clarify the oil.

A creative TikTok user, @nurul.fauziah1327, recently shared an effective trick to restore the clarity of used oil using tapioca flour. This method is not only practical and quick, but it can also help you save money by not needing to buy new oil every time you cook. So, don’t rush to throw away your used oil! Try this trick and see the results for yourself!

1. Dissolve Tapioca Flour in Water to Start the Cleaning Process

Quoted on Friday, November 1, a smart step to clarify used oil begins with preparing a tapioca flour solution. Simply mix tapioca flour with half a glass of water, then stir until fully dissolved. This solution will act as a "catcher" for impurities that interfere during the oil heating process. Make sure the flour is completely dissolved so that the impurities can be maximally captured when mixed into the oil.

According to Instagram user @nurul.fauziah1327, the use of this tapioca flour solution has proven to be more efficient due to its ability to clump easily when heated with oil. With this method, used oil, which is often considered useless, can be cleaned and ready for use again, providing a practical solution for many people who want to reduce waste and make use of existing resources.

2. Heat Used Oil Until Hot Enough to Mix with the Flour Solution

Next, heat the used oil over medium heat until it reaches the right temperature. This heating process is crucial to optimize the flour solution's ability to bind all the dirt present in the oil. When the oil starts to emit thin smoke, carefully pour in the tapioca flour solution, so that all parts of the oil can mix evenly.

As the flour solution touches the hot oil, magic happens! The flour will clump together and deftly absorb the remaining impurities, making the oil look clearer and cleaner. "Look, the flour is clumping and all the dirt is sticking to it," explained Nurul in a video that is going viral on TikTok, sharing this simple yet effective trick with many people.

3. Stir Oil and Flour Solution Until Dirt is Absorbed

After pouring the flour solution into the oil, take a spatula and stir with a motion similar to frying. This technique is very effective for capturing floating dirt that clings to the bottom of the oil. In no time, you will see the flour begin to clump, as if it is actively cleaning all the leftover dirt that is bothering you.

Nurul explains, "Continue to stir until all the dirt sticks to the flour. Later, the flour will change color and absorb the dirt perfectly." Once enough dirt has stuck, it’s time to separate the flour from the oil, so your oil will be clean again and ready to use!

4. Filter and Discard Flour Containing Dirt

The next step is to filter the oil to separate the clumps of flour that contain dirt. Use a fine strainer or slotted spoon to facilitate the separation. After filtering, the oil will be clear again and ready to be used for cooking.

This suggestion from Nurul is a practical and economical solution that can be tried at home. The resulting oil will appear clearer and free of dirt without having to discard used oil that can still be utilized.

5. Another Alternative: Clarify Oil with Rice or Butter

If you don't have tapioca flour, you can try using rice as an alternative. The method is similar to the previous flour technique: take a handful of rice that has been compacted, then put it into hot oil and stir until all the dirt sticks.

In the comments section, other netizens suggested using butter for oil that has started to darken. "Try mixing in butter if the oil is a bit dark in color," suggested TikTok account @vanillacookies8. This tip is very useful for maintaining the quality of cooking oil that is often reused.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About How to Clarify Used Cooking Oil

Is tapioca flour safe to use for clarifying oil? Yes, tapioca flour is safe to use because it only acts as a dirt absorber and does not leave residue in the oil.

7. Is rice effective for cleaning used cooking oil?

Rice is quite effective at binding dirt in oil due to its sticky nature, similar to a tapioca starch solution.

8. How long does it take to clarify oil with tapioca flour?

This process only takes a few minutes, from heating the oil to filtering the flour clumps.

9. Why does cooking oil often change color after being used several times?

Oil changes color due to food residues and dirt left after cooking, which can affect the quality of the oil.

10. Is clarified used oil safe to use for frying again?

Yes, oil that has been clarified from impurities can be reused, but it is best suited for light cooking that doesn't take too long.

(kpl/mnd)