What can I use as a substitute for shortening when cooking?

Answer by  jaime24 (744)

Most people substitute shortening for butter, or lard. You could use bacon grease sometimes.It depends what you are cooking. Bacon grease may not be too good in cake or cookies though.

Answer by  CarolynOsborne (2804)

Margarine works probably because it has a similar consistency; it is solid when at room temperature. Butter also works for the same reason. Cooking oil does not work.

Answer by  Anemic75 (83)

You can use butter or margarine as a substitute for shortening in cooking. Use the same amount of either. If using margarine or salted butter, reduce the amount of salt, if any, in the recipe by 1/2 tsp for every cup used. No need to reduce the salt at all if you use unsalted butter.

Answer by  somerset (801)

Butter is probably the best substitute. For some dishes chopped and fried bacon bits work very well because they add a lot of flavor.

Answer by  ruth (407)

You can use butter or margarine or vegetable oil or bacon fat or chicken fat. But don't use oil of the recipe calls for melting the shortening.