What are High Heat Cooking Oils?
What are High Heat Oils?
When cooking a steak, choosing the right oil to cook it with, is just as important as selecting the cut of meat itself. So, what are high heat cooking oils? High-heat oils are essential for achieving the perfect sear on your steak. They help create a crispy crust on the outside while locking in the juicy, tender flavor on the inside. Choosing an oil with a high smoke point is essential to avoid burning the oil and creating a burnt taste in your steak. Additionally, formation of carcinogens can occur when low heat oils are heated to very high temperatures. During high heat cooking, oils can break down and produce harmful compounds like acrylamide or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are associated with an increased cancer risk. In this blog, we'll look closely at some of the best high-heat oils for cooking steak.
4 of our Favorite High Heat Cooking Oils
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Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a popular choice for high-heat cooking because of its high smoke point, ranging from 375°F to 520°F. It is also rich in monounsaturated fats, known to be heart-healthy, and can help reduce inflammation. Avocado oil has a neutral flavor, making it an excellent choice for cooking steak without altering the taste of the beef.
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Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is another popular high-heat oil rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. It has a high smoke point of around 420°F, making it ideal for searing steak at high temperatures. Grapeseed oil has a mild flavor. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to focus on the natural taste of the meat.
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Canola Oil
Canola oil is a versatile oil commonly used in high-heat cooking. Its neutral flavor makes it an excellent choice for cooking steak without adding any additional flavors. It has a high smoke point of around 400°F, making it ideal for searing steak at high temperatures. Canola oil is also low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fats, making it a heart-healthy choice.
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Clarified Butter
Clarified butter, also known as ghee, is a type of butter that has had the milk solids and water removed, leaving behind only the pure butterfat. This process gives clarified butter a high smoke point of around 450°F, making it an excellent choice for cooking steak at high temperatures. Clarified butter has a rich, nutty flavor that complements the meat's natural flavor, making it a popular choice for many steak enthusiasts.
Type of High Heat Cooking Oil |
Smoke Point |
|
Avocado Oil
|
375°F-520°F |
|
Grapeseed Oli |
420°F |
| Canola Oil | 400°F |
| Clarified Butter | 450°F |
Lastly, choosing which high heat oil to use when cooking is essential. Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, canola oil, and clarified butter are all excellent options for searing steak at high temperatures. Experiment with different oils to find the one that best compliments your favorite cut of steak and enjoy the delicious, perfectly seared flavor.
Additionally, high heat oils are often more stable and less prone to oxidation, meaning they can maintain their nutritional properties and flavors even under high heat. They can also create a protective barrier between the food and the cooking surface, reducing sticking and helping to achieve a desirable crust. Therefore, say goodbye to smoke detector disruptions and embrace the world of high heat oils. With their ability to withstand intense temperatures, these oils open up a realm of culinary possibilities. So, roll up your sleeves, ignite your stovetop. Let high heat oils be your secret weapon in creating extraordinary meals without the smoke alarm's unwelcome interruption.
However, it is important to note that different cooking oils have varying smoke points, so it is crucial to choose the appropriate oil based on the cooking method and temperature you are using. Always refer to the specific smoke point of the oil you are using to ensure safe and effective cooking.
