The allure of PF Chang's is undeniable. With its iconic horse statues beckoning patrons and the interior exuding a mix of traditional Asian aesthetic with contemporary flair, the restaurant stands as a testament to the fusion of cultures. While its menu promises a symphony of flavors spanning the vast expanse of Asia, there's a small detail that might strike a discordant note for the health-conscious: the omnipresence of soybean oil.
The Tale of the Ubiquitous Soybean Oil
Soybean oil, often celebrated in the culinary world for its neutral taste and adaptability, has, in recent years, become a topic of intense debate. Nestled within the seed oil family, it carries with it concerns about its omega-6 to omega-3 ratios, potential inflammatory properties, and processing methodologies. For those aiming to pivot towards optimal health, soybean oil is usually on the list of ingredients to sidestep.
PF Chang's Culinary Canvas: A Glimpse
A deep dive into PF Chang's menu reveals a gastronomic landscape painted with broad strokes of soybean oil. It's not just a minor player; it takes center stage in the preparation of an array of dishes. Whether you're tempted by the crispy fried offerings, tantalized by the stir-fries, or charmed by the aromatic sauces, soybean oil is an ingredient that's hard to escape here.
For the discerning diner, direct communication with the server might be the key. While the possibility of a completely seed oil-free dish seems distant given the culinary ethos of PF Chang's, it's always beneficial to inquire. There's a chance some dishes might be amenable to slight modifications or perhaps the staff can guide you towards the lesser 'offending' options on the menu.
Seed Oil Scout's Verdict: Tread Lightly at PF Chang's
As a bastion of Asian fusion cuisine, PF Chang's offers a tantalizing array of dishes that dance on the palate. However, for those who prioritize health alongside flavor, the widespread use of soybean oil serves as a caveat. Our judgment? "Dine shamefully" at PF Chang's. But remember, the dining experience is multifaceted, encompassing ambiance, service, taste, and health. Navigate with informed choices, savor the ambiance, and ensure your dining aligns with your well-being goals.
FAQs
Additionally, the chain uses soybean oil – not peanut oil – for cooking.
Is seed oil scout free? ›
Seed Oil Scout comes with a 7 day free trial. This trial is only redeemable once. The subscription will automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours prior to the end of the subscription period. Seed Oil Scout is available as a monthly or yearly subscription.
How to avoid seed oils at restaurants? ›
5 Ways To Avoid Seed Oils At Restaurants
- Request a custom order.
- Choose grilled or steamed options.
- Avoid fried foods.
- Ask for dressing on the side.
- When in doubt, ask.
At the end of the day, if you want to avoid seed oils just in case, that's fine. The evidence so far suggests that there are no issues with them, but everyone gets to choose. Many seed oil detractors suggest replacing them with animal-based fats, like tallow or butter.
What oil do Chinese restaurants fry in? ›
Chinese cooks normally use soybean oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil, all of which have a high smoke point. Peanut oil usually has a pleasant nutty flavor and is suitable not only for stir-frying but also for deep-frying. Canola oil, which has a high smoke point but a neutral flavor, is also a good choice.
Does PF Chang's use MSG in their food? ›
We do not use any MSG in our food.
Is olive oil a seed oil? ›
is olive oil a seed oil? Olive oil is not considered to be a seed oil. It is considered a vegetable oil because it is made by pressing whole olives. And while some versions of olive oils may not remove seeds before pressing, it is still a higher ratio of olive to pit in the finished product.
What's the big deal with seed oils? ›
Higher omega-6 intake from industrial seed oils consistently increases the risk of many chronic Western diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and many others.
Is avocado oil a seed oil? ›
Avocado oil is one of few edible oils not derived from seeds; it is pressed from the fleshy pulp surrounding the avocado pit.
Does Chick Fil use seed oil? ›
The Chick-fil-a menu features items such as salads, wraps, burgers, and chicken nuggets. But many of these items contain seed oils. For example, the grilled chicken patty and bun both contain soybean oil. The chicken nuggets are also coated in a mixture of soybean and peanut oils.
In general, the buns used for McDonald's burgers contain soybean oil. The fries are usually made in a blend of canola and other oils. The patties and sausages do not contain seed oils, but the crispy patties do. This means that if you're ordering a burger with a crispy patty, it will likely be fried in seed oil.
How long does it take to get seed oils out of the body? ›
It's roughly two years. That means if you stop consuming all oils and all high omega-6 foods and there are others, we can get into that, it's probably going to take you quite a few months, if not 2 or 3 years, to get these entirely out of your system.
What is the healthiest oil to cook with? ›
The healthiest oil to cook with is olive oil. It's versatile, being used in everything from frying to finishing. It's also rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and polyphenols, all of which have shown protective effects against cancer and liver, heart, and neurodegenerative diseases (27, 28).
Is peanut oil considered a seed oil? ›
Seed oils include canola, corn, cottonseed, grapeseed, soybean, sunflower, rice bran and peanut oils.
What kind of cooking oil is used in China? ›
Chinese wok cooking calls for oil that can withstand extremely high temperatures without burning or smoking. Usually, this would be peanut oil but lard is also common. Sesame oil is used primarily as a seasoning and is only added to the food after cooking due to it's low smoking temperature.
What is the best oil for Indo Chinese cooking? ›
Sesame oil is often used for an added punch. A few drops of sesame oil would be added to a noodle soup or a stir fry to add a whole new dimension to the dishes. Sesame oil has a wonderful flavour and you won't be getting enough of it once you taste the dishes made with sesame oil.
Is Pao a synthetic oil? ›
PAO fluids are the common synthetic base stock used in automotive lubricants. They were developed in the first half of the 1930s and have been used commercially since the 1970s for engine oils. They are classified as a Group IV base oil and are made by a two-step process using linear alpha-olefins like 1-decene.
Do Chinese use sunflower oil? ›
In 2019, sunflower oil import in China increased significantly by 74.8% to 1.23 million MT, overtaking soybean oil as the 3rd highest imported oil in the same year, which saw the consumption of sunflower oil surging to 1.36 million MT.
