Can You Cook Steak with Vegetable Oil?
The short answer is no, you should not cook steak with vegetable oil. While it is true that some vegetable oils—such as sunflower oil, peanut oil, and safflower oil—have a high smoke point, making them ideal for frying steak, they are not ideal for steak cooking due to their lack of flavor.
Why Not Use Vegetable Oil.
Vegetable oils are made up of different types of omega fatty acids, while butter and other animal fats contain saturated and mono-saturated fats. These types of fats have different smoking temperatures and thermic properties that can result in uneven cooking of the steak. Additionally, the lack of flavor in vegetable oils makes the steak bland and unappealing.
Which Oil Should I Use?
The best oils for cooking steak are:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is the best oil you can use for steak as it has a beautiful flavor and has a fairly high smoke point.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has a very high smoke point and has a subtle, nutty flavor.
- Canola Oil: This is a mild oil that is perfect for adding flavor and creating a nice sear on the steak.
- Butter: Butter is an ideal option for steak as it is full of flavor and has a high smoke point.
These oils are all ideal for cooking steak as they have a high smoke point, impart great flavor, and create a crispy, golden sear on the steak. To ensure your steak is cooked to perfection, it’s important to heat the oil over high heat until it begins to shimmer, before adding the steak.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s never a good idea to cook steak with vegetable oil. Vegetable oil is low in flavor and has thermic properties that can result in an uneven cook. Stick to using extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil, or butter for ideal results.
