Oil-Free Recipes

Oil-free vegan recipes! All of the plant-based recipes in this category are either oil-free as written or include simple instructions to prepare them without oil. Because following an oil-free diet doesn't mean giving up your favorite dishes!

Helpful Tip! To saute without oil, always make sure your pan is fully preheated, which can take 2 to 3 minutes. To test whether a pan is properly preheated, wet your fingers and flick water into the pan. If the water beads up and dances across the surface, you're ready to cook!

Why is this important? As the metal of the pan heats up, the surface expands. When food is added to the pan too soon, the metal "grabs" onto the food as the molecules are "closing" into the fully expanded position. But if the pan is fully expanded, there’s nothing for the food to stick to.

Many vegetables contain enough moisture that you can successfully dry saute without adding liquid. Or depending on the dish, you may choose to add a splash of water or vegetable broth to help soften the vegetables.

A splash of broth or water can also help by deglazing the pan, distributing flavor, and releasing food if it does stick.

Check out these popular oil-free recipes:

Oil-Free Vegan Banana Brownies
45-Minute Lentil Chili
Oil-Free Vegan Alfredo
Nut-Free Vegan Mac and Cheese
Vegan "Tuna" Salad
Oil-Free Vegan Mayo
The BEST Vegan Taco Meat