Fat, Baking Ingredient | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free

Vegetable Shortening

Glycine max / Elaeis guineensis Allergen-Free
vegetable shortening

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Varies (e.g., Fabaceae for soy, Arecaceae for palm)
  • Primary Cuisine American (Baking)
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Soybean oil, Palm oil, Cottonseed oil

The Forktionary Angle

"The unsung hero of many baked goods, ensuring unparalleled flakiness and tenderness where butter might fall short."

Definition

A solid fat made from hydrogenated vegetable oils, primarily used in baking for its high melting point and ability to create flaky textures.

Sensory Profile

TasteNeutral, Bland
TextureFirm, Waxy, Smooth
AromaNeutral
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Fat Content

~100%

Shelf Life (Unopened)

Up to 2 years (room temperature)

Smoke Point

~360°F (182°C)

Nutrition Facts

Per 13g (1 tbsp)
Calories884 kcal
Total Fat100g
Saturated Fat26g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein0g
Total Carbohydrate0g
Dietary Fiber0g
Total Sugars0g
Calcium0mg
Iron0mg
Potassium0mg

Chef’s Secret

For ultra-flaky pie crusts, keep shortening and all ingredients very cold, and handle the dough minimally to prevent gluten development.

Substitutions

Best Match

Butter

1:1 (by weight, adjust salt if unsalted)

Adds flavor, creates flakiness, but lower melting point.

Margarine

1:1

Similar properties to shortening, often contains water.

Coconut Oil (solidified)

1:1

Good for flaky crusts, adds a subtle coconut flavor.

Lard

1:1

Excellent for flakiness, distinct savory flavor, not vegetarian/vegan.

Buying Guide

Choose trans-fat-free versions. Look for brands that specify their oil sources.

Flavor Pairings

Pie crusts Biscuits Frying

Recipes Using Vegetable Shortening

Vegetarian Time To Make Vegetables Lunch

Now And Later Vegetarian Empanadas

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Citrus Preparation Course Easy

2Bleu's Pecan Danish

Indulge in this incredibly easy 2-Bleu cheese and pecan Danish recipe! This delectable treat can be baked as individual rolls or a stunning ring. For a super-speedy version, we're using crescent roll dough for a melt-in-your-mouth pastry that requires NO rising time! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible treat. Get ready for a flavor explosion of creamy blue cheese and crunchy pecans!

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Dietary Cakes North American Cuisine

A Quick And Easy White Cake

This recipe delivers a moist and fluffy white cake in just 50 minutes! Perfect for beginners, this easy white cake recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps. Get ready to impress with this unbelievably delicious and surprisingly simple dessert.

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High Calcium High In Something Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less

Afternoon Ruby Tea Biscuits

A taste of Green Gables! Learn to bake these delightful, melt-in-your-mouth Ruby Tea Biscuits – a beloved recipe perfect for kids and adults alike. This classic recipe, inspired by Anne of Green Gables, is easy to follow and results in incredibly delicious biscuits that are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for afternoon tea the Anne of Green Gables way!

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Cuisine Small Appliance Desserts Refrigerator

All Purpose Easy Shortening Pie Dough

Conquer flaky, melt-in-your-mouth pie crusts with this foolproof recipe! No pastry blender needed – this easy method uses two knives for perfectly crumbly results. Perfect for both sweet and savory pies, this recipe ensures a delicious base for all your baking creations. Get ready to impress!

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Course Meat Time To Make Preparation

American Turkey Turnovers

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Tropical Fruit Cakes 4 Hours Or Less Fruit

Amish Banana Nut Cake With Penuche Frosting

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Drop Cookies Cookies And Brownies North American American

Amish Oatmeal Whoopie Pie Cookies

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Angel Food Candy

Indulge in this heavenly, crunchy Angel Food Candy! A classic recipe made easy, this recipe delivers a delightful blend of sweet and crunchy textures, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Crispy candy pieces dipped in rich, melted chocolate – a truly unforgettable treat!

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Snacks 4 Hours Or Less Snacks Chinese

Anman Steamed Buns With Azuki Sweet Red Bean Paste

Fluffy Anman steamed buns filled with luscious sweet azuki red bean paste – a delightful treat popular in China and Japan! These melt-in-your-mouth buns are perfect fresh from the steamer, but also delicious cold or reheated. Make a big batch – they keep for days! Leftover azuki paste can be refrigerated, frozen, or enjoyed as a spread. This recipe uses a modified azuki paste recipe and a fantastic bun recipe adapted from Recipezaar (credit: Ms. See). Prepare to be amazed!

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Preparation Course Kid Friendly Time To Make

Applesauce Spice Cake

Indulge in this moist and delicious Applesauce Spice Cake, a family favorite since 1985! This recipe, originally featured in Bon Appetit (February 1985), delivers warm spice notes and a perfectly tender crumb. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress, it's the perfect addition to your fall baking repertoire. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Appetizers Cuisine Preparation Dietary

Asian Style Scallion Pancakes

Crispy, savory Asian scallion pancakes, a family favorite! These delicious pancakes are made with a simple dough, generously layered with scallions, and pan-fried to golden perfection. Served with a vibrant dipping sauce of sesame oil, soy sauce, and sugar, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Inspired by a Food Network Magazine recipe (October 2009), these pancakes are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Preparation Comfort Food Taste Mood Vegetarian

Aunt Nelda's Sugar Cookies

Indulge in the legendary taste of Aunt Nelda's sugar cookies, a family heirloom recipe passed down through generations! These aren't your average sugar cookies; they're melt-in-your-mouth scrumptious, with a delicate texture and irresistible sweetness. Adapted from a treasured 1949 Good Housekeeping recipe, these cookies are perfect for any occasion – from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. Get ready to experience a taste of nostalgia and pure baking bliss!

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Mexican Equipment Stove Top 4 Hours Or Less

Aztec Onion Lime Soup With Corn Dumplings

This vibrant Aztec Onion Lime Soup with fluffy blue corn dumplings is a flavor explosion! A simple yet sophisticated recipe perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. This hearty soup bursts with the bright flavors of lime, savory onions, and spicy serrano peppers, all perfectly complemented by the tender corn dumplings. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Course Comfort Food Vegetarian North American

Barb's Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the irresistible aroma of homemade cinnamon rolls baking in your kitchen! This recipe boasts a sweet, soft dough that's incredibly easy to make. Get ready for fluffy, gooey, cinnamon-sugar perfection – a true crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, or any sweet treat craving.

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Dietary Low Sodium Eggs Rolled Cookies

Barbara's Tea Cakes Cookies

These delightful tea cakes are a cherished family recipe, perfect for holiday gatherings and any occasion! A dear friend shared this recipe years ago, and it's become a beloved tradition. From Girl Scout meetings to school parties and potlucks, these cookies are always a hit. Enjoy them plain, or elevate them with the simple yet elegant glaze and icing. The secret is in the delicate balance of texture – perfectly crisp edges with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.

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Preparation Holiday Event Preparation Cuisine

Basic Flour Tortillas

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4 Hours Or Less Preparation Course Main Dish

Beef Rolls Rindsrouladen

Experience the rich flavors of Germany with this authentic Beef Rolls (Rindsrouladen) recipe, passed down through generations! These savory beef rolls, filled with tangy pickles, onions, and mustard, are surprisingly addictive. Originally a hit at a school heritage day, this recipe is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Don't let the unique combination of ingredients fool you – this is a culinary masterpiece you won't want to miss!

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