What is the best cooking oil to use for steaks?

There's no single "best" cooking oil for steaks, as it depends on your preference and desired outcome. Here's a breakdown of popular options and their characteristics:

High Smoke Point Oils (Good for high heat cooking):

* Avocado Oil: High smoke point, neutral flavor, adds a slight buttery aroma. Great for searing.

* Grapeseed Oil: High smoke point, light flavor, affordable. Works well for searing and pan-frying.

* Canola Oil: High smoke point, mild flavor, readily available. Versatile for searing and frying.

* Peanut Oil: High smoke point, nutty flavor, good for deep frying.

Flavorful Oils:

* Olive Oil: Medium smoke point, robust flavor, best for finishing steaks after searing.

* Sesame Oil: Medium smoke point, nutty and toasted flavor, adds depth and complexity.

Other Considerations:

* Butter: Lower smoke point, rich flavor, adds browning and richness. Best for finishing or pan-frying.

* Ghee: Clarified butter, higher smoke point than butter, adds a buttery depth. Good for searing.

For best results:

* High smoke point oils are ideal for searing steaks as they can handle high heat without burning.

* Flavorful oils are best for finishing after searing, adding complexity and richness.

* Use a combination of oils: Start with a high smoke point oil for searing and finish with a flavorful oil like butter or olive oil.

Ultimately, the best cooking oil for your steak depends on your preferred flavor profile and cooking method. Experiment to find your favorite!