How To Get Oil Out Of Soup: Beginner’s Guide

Last Updated on September 15, 2024 by Shari Mason

**After cooking tons of meals**, I’ve made a bunch of silly mistakes. A big one is **adding a lot of oil to soups.**

While it may seem like a disaster, there are easy and effective ways to remove excess oil from soup without compromising the flavor or texture. 

I’ll share my firsthand experience and tips on how to get oil out of soup so you can enjoy a delicious and healthy meal.

5 Effective Ways To Get Oil Out Of Soup

1. Use A Skimmer

Using a skimmer is a simple and effective way to remove excess oil from the soup [1]. A skimmer is a kitchen tool with small holes that allows you to skim the surface of the soup and remove the oil. 

“Let me be the first to tell you drinking alcohol is the worst thing to do in cold weather. Hot soup is the best because digesting food helps warm you up.”

– Morgan Freeman, American Actor

Run the skimmer over the surface of the soup, and the oil will stick to the skimmer’s holes, making it easy to remove.

Skimming is an excellent option because it removes only the oil, leaving the flavor and texture of the soup intact. 

This quick and efficient method makes it an excellent option for busy cooks who want a healthier and more delicious soup.

2. Use A Paper Towel

A paper towel is another easy and effective way to remove excess oil from the soup. Place a paper towel on the soup and wait until it absorbs the excess oil. 

Then, remove the paper towel and discard it. This method is quick and convenient, making it an excellent option for home cooks who don’t have specialized tools on hand. 

However, it’s essential to use a high-quality paper towel that won’t disintegrate in the soup, which can affect the texture and flavor of the dish. 

3. Use Ice Cubes

Ice cubes are a creative and effective way to remove excess oil from the soup. Drop a few ice cubes into the soup and wait until they float to the top. 

The oil will stick to the ice cubes, making it easy to scoop them out with a spoon. This method is beneficial for soups containing vegetables or meat damaged by skimming or straining. 

It’s also an excellent option for those who want to save soup, as it removes only the oil without losing any other ingredients. 

4. Refrigerate The Soup

Refrigerating the soup is a simple and effective way to remove excess oil. Once the soup has cooled down, please place it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. 

“Removing excess oil from the soup is like uncovering a hidden gem – once you’ve mastered the technique, you’ll unlock your soup’s full flavor and nutrition.”

– Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

As the soup cools, the oil will solidify and rise to the surface, making it easy to scoop it out with a spoon. This method benefits soups that are difficult to skim, such as thick stews or chilis. 

It’s also an excellent option for those who want to prepare the soup in advance, as it can be refrigerated and the oil removed just before serving. 

5. Use Bread

Using bread [2] is another creative and effective way to remove excess oil from the soup. Place a piece of bread on top of the soup and wait for a few seconds until it absorbs the excess oil. 

Then, remove the bread and discard it. This method works well because the bread soaks up the oil without affecting the flavor or texture of the soup. 

It’s also an excellent option for those without specialized tools, as it only requires a piece of bread.

However, it’s essential to use bread that won’t fall apart or disintegrate in the soup, as this can affect the overall quality of the dish. 

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Having excess oil in a soup can be an unpleasant experience, but it’s easy to remove with a few simple techniques. 

You can easily remove the oil from the soup without compromising its taste or texture using a skimmer, paper towel, ice cubes, refrigeration, or bread. 

It’s essential to choose a method that best suits the type of soup you’re preparing and use it carefully to avoid losing any of the soup’s flavor or texture. 

References:

1. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/16369/soups-stews-and-chili/soup/
2. https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/basic-homemade-bread/