If you are tired of bland steaks that end up well done instead of the juicy medium-rare you aimed for, a simple switch in cooking oil could transform your results. According to multiple sources who have tested the method, using avocado oil instead of olive oil when searing steak keeps smoke down and enhances flavor. Reddit users report they "can't believe" they "never knew" about this trick.
Reddit Users Praise Avocado Oil for Steak Searing
One Reddit user shared: "Whoever it was on here the other day that mentioned searing steaks in Avocado oil instead of olive oil to keep the smoke down THANK YOU!! This was my first indoor steak since grilling season started. I can’t believe I never knew about avocado oil previously."
Another person on a Facebook group dedicated to air fryer tips found that avocado oil works in that appliance too. They wrote that they achieved a "perfectly cooked" steak with a "nice sear due to avocado oil lightly sprinkled while warming." A dedicated Steak Club Facebook group reported similar success.
Health Benefits of Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is widely available in UK supermarkets and offers several health benefits. According to Zoe, founded by Professor Tim Spector, the oil may help reduce 'bad' cholesterol and boost eye health. Zoe explains: "Avocado oil contains lutein, an antioxidant. This compound might be important for maintaining eye health, and research suggests that it might benefit people with macular degeneration."
Additionally, avocado oil can enhance the absorption of important nutrients. Healthline notes: "Some nutrients need to be combined with fat to allow your body to absorb them, such as the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Adding avocado oil or another type of fat to your meal may help you better absorb these nutrients." A small study found that adding avocado oil to a salad with carrots, romaine lettuce, and spinach increased the absorption of carotenoids by 4.3- to 17.4-fold compared to a salad without fat. Olive oil, which has a similar oleic acid content, is also highly effective in increasing carotenoid bioavailability.
Why Avocado Oil Works Better for Searing
Avocado oil has a higher smoke point (around 520°F or 271°C) than olive oil (around 375-405°F or 190-207°C), making it less likely to burn and produce smoke during high-heat cooking like searing. This results in a better crust on the steak and a cleaner taste.
