Steak can be a tricky protein to cook, but having the right oil can make a huge difference. For those looking to find the best oils to cook steak with, look no further.
No matter what type of pan you’re using, or if you’re looking to have some added health benefits to your dish, there are several options to choose from, and they won’t break the bank. Read more to find the best oils to cook steak with.
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Why Does Oil Matter?
Choosing the right oil for your steak is essential to find something that not only compliments the meat but performs the best on whichever pan you are using. The perfect oil should have a high smoke point, a pleasant smell and may even provide health benefits.
What is the Smoke Point?
This is a crucial aspect of oil. If you have oils with low smoke points, then you’ll risk having the oil burn which creates a bitter taste. Having a high smoke point, like 400°F (204°C) is the best option.
How Does Oil Effect Flavor?
Some oils, like canola and grapeseed oil, usually have neutral tastes while others, like peanut or extra virgin olive oil, can enhance the flavor. This is really down to personal preference. Whether you want an oil that can give your steak a boost or if you want oil just to help you cook with nothing.
Do Oils Really Have Health Benefits?
Of course! Extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil are known for their healthy fats and antioxidant properties. If you’re searching for something to give you a bit more of a health boost while eat a hearty meal, finding a healthier oil is a great choice.
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The Best Oils to Cook Steak
Finding the best oils for steak can be intimidating though, even if you have an idea on what you’re wanting out of it. There are so many options to pick from that do different things. So, to help you figure out the best option, we’ll break down each great oil and explain why it’s the best option for your steak.
Grapeseed Oil
Cast iron skillets are a great pan to use when cooking steak, as they already have their own seasoning if you’ve used it numerous times. And grapeseed oil is one of the best oils to cook steak in a cast iron. It has a high smoke point at 420°F and has a slight bitter taste, which is great for steaks.
There are several pros to the oil, as it’s one of the healthier options. It’s rich in vitamins and nutrients like Vitamin E and Omega-7 fatty acids, it’s natural and free of harmful ingredients. It’s very common on local grocery stores, or can be found on Amazon for a decent price.
Pure Peanut Oil
Peanut oil has a smoking point of 450°F and has a mild nutty flavor that won’t clash with the protein’s natural flavors. However, it is an oil that not everyone enjoys, as sometimes they can pick up that nutty flavor more than others.
Pure peanut oil is also free of chemicals and solvents unlike other oils. It’s a wonderful oil for searing steaks. it’s rich in Vitamin E which can reduce the risk of heart disease. This is another ingredient that is incredibly common in grocery stores but can also be found on Amazon.
Extra Light Olive Oil
Olive oil is probably one of the most common and well-liked oils that can be used for steak. It has a distinct flavor, more herby or fruity, that is great for steaks. With a smoke point of 405°F, it’s one of the best options. Olive oil is also loaded with powerful antioxidants that can reduce chronic diseases, making it a decently healthy option.
It is all-natural, gluten free and non-allergenic, making it the perfect choice for cooking steak. Olive oil is very popular and can be found in several grocery stores and even on Amazon.
Natural Canola Oil
With a high smoke point of 400°F, Canola Oil is another oil that works very well with steak. It’s one of the best options for those that are frying steak. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is trans-fat and cholesterol free.
It has a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the protein and is one of the healthier options.
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Refined Avocado Oil
Extracted from avocados, this has become a very popular oil to use in several different dishes. The oil is rich in heart-healthy fats and vitamins, like Omega 3. It also has a very high smoke point at 520°F, making it a great option. While it is a bit pricier, it’s well worth it. It has a mild nutty flavor that doesn’t impact the flavor much.
And with it, you can ensure that you’ll get an amazing sear and crust on your steak due to that high smoke point.
Safflower Oil
Safflower oil is one of the best oils to cook steak with because it helps reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol. It is rich in unsaturated fats and is mainly used for high-heat cooking.
With safflower oil, we suggest buying it in bulk to get your money’s worth if you plan on using it a lot.
Coconut Oil
Made from the meat of coconuts, coconut oil is a natural, slight tropical tasting oil with a smoke point between 400-450°F. It is more expensive than others, but it can be very worth it considering the health benefits and the flavor.
Thankfully, coconut oil is also useful in several other dishes, especially when working with vegan or dairy-free dishes, which could be a great reason to purchase it. Sometimes the tropical flavor can contrast a dish, but it’s usually a very mild taste, so you might not be able to pick up on it.
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil can give your steak a wonderful sear and help prevent it from sticking to the pan due to its high smoke point at 400-450°F. It does take time for the oil to heat up, depending on if you are using a gas stove or an electric stove. It’s a versatile option for cooking steaks as it’s a blend of different plant-based oils.
There are some things to watch for, as it’s highly processed, may contain GMOs and usually has high omega-6 fatty acids.
Corn Oil
Extracted from corn, the oil is high in polyunsaturated fats and has a high smoke point of 450°F, making it great for high cooking. Plus, it’s pretty affordable for those on a budget.
It’s suitable for a variety of dishes and other proteins like pork and fish. Some cons about this product are that some products may contain GMOs and high Omega-6 fatty acids.
Sesame Oil
Finally, Sesame oil is a great choice, while unique, when cooking steaks. It’s high in polyunsaturated fats and has a decent smoke point of 350°F. What makes this one of the best oils to cook steak is that it has such a distinct flavor profile that could really work with your dish.
The only downside to that is that it won’t work with every dish. It has a rich, nutty flavor that can elevate various steaks. It’s also rich in antioxidants. It can be hard to find this product as well, but thankfully Amazon has some great options.
In Conclusion
Finding the best oil to cook steaks can be intimidating, but if you know what you’re looking for, it can be a huge help to find the right one for you and your family. Whether you’re looking for a healthy option, something with great flavor, or something that can withstand heat, there are some amazing products for everyone.
Just make sure to check the ingredient list of each product to make sure it’s safe and right, and that nothing toxic has been added.
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