Cooking Oils
By Tiffany Joy Yamut, BSN, RNFebruary 25th, 2025

What’s the Best Oil for Cooking Steak?

The best oil for cooking steak makes all the difference!

Key Takeaways:

  • The best oil for cooking steak should have a high smoke point and a neutral flavor to achieve a perfect sear without overpowering the meat.
  • Algae oil meets these qualities; plus, it is rich in heart-healthy fats, 100% seed oil-free, and produced sustainably.
  • Other options like ghee, beef tallow, and coconut oil can also work, but they each come with distinct characteristics.

If you love a good steak, you know that the right cooking oil can make all the difference. The best oil helps create that perfect sear, locks in flavor, and keeps your steak juicy. But not all oils are created equal!

Some oils handle high heat better, while others offer health benefits. In this article, we’ll go over the top factors to consider — and reveal the one oil that does it all.

What’s the Best Oil to Cook Steak In?

The best oil for cooking steak is one with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. A high smoke point means the oil can handle very high heat without burning, which helps create a perfect sear on your steak. A neutral flavor is also important because it won’t overpower the natural taste of the meat.

Algae oil is the one oil that has all these qualities. Made from microalgae, this oil has an ultra-high smoke point and a light, neutral taste. That means you can cook your steak at high temperatures without worrying about the oil breaking down or adding any unwanted flavors.

Plus, it’s packed with heart-healthy fats, so it’s a great choice for both performance and health.

What Makes Algae Oil the Best Oil for Cooking Steak?

When it comes to cooking the perfect steak, you need an oil that can handle high heat and bring out the best in your meat. This is why one of the top choices for steak lovers!

Let’s discuss each factor that makes algae oil a top pick for any steak enthusiast:

High smoke point

Steak needs intense heat to develop a rich, golden-brown crust. Some oils start to smoke and burn too soon, which leaves a bitter taste. Algae oil’s ultra-high smoke point of 535°F, which is 125°F higher than olive oil, lets it handle extreme heat without burning, so your steak gets a perfect, flavorful sear.

Algae oil is also five times more oxidatively stable than avocado oil, meaning it resists breaking down from heat, oxygen, and light. This keeps it fresh longer and prevents rancid flavors or unhealthy byproducts, making it a healthier, more reliable choice for high-heat cooking .

Neutral flavor

A good steak should taste like steak — not like the oil you cooked it in. Algae oil has a clean, neutral flavor that won’t interfere with the natural richness of the meat. This allows you to enjoy the full, beefy taste without any unwanted aftertaste.

Unlike olive oil’s distinct, sometimes peppery taste or avocado oil’s thicker, heavier texture, algae oil is light and never greasy . This is key to achieving the perfect steak. An overpowering oil can mask the meat’s natural flavors, while a greasy texture can make the steak feel oily instead of rich and juicy.

Heart healthy fats

Cooking steak should be about flavor and performance, but health matters too. Algae oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, containing 25% more heart-healthy omega-9s and 75% less saturated fat than olive and avocado oil.

Omega-9 fatty acids may provide several benefits for heart health, primarily by affecting cholesterol levels and inflammation. They are monounsaturated fatty acids, with oleic acid being a main representative .

Since steak naturally contains some saturated fat, using an oil high in omega-9s can help balance the fat profile of your meal. By choosing algae oil, you can enjoy a steak that’s not only delicious but also better suited for a heart-healthy lifestyle!

Related: 6 Health Benefits of Algae Oil

Versatility

A great cooking oil should do more than just sear a steak. It should work for different cooking methods and styles. Whether you’re cooking a thick ribeye, a tender filet mignon, or a lean sirloin, algae oil works with all cuts.

It’s also great for any cooking method. Whether you’re pan-searing, grilling, or even finishing a steak after sous vide cooking, algae oil delivers. It withstands high heat for searing, won’t overpower marinades or seasonings, and can be brushed onto steaks before grilling for even cooking.

Additionally, many steak lovers enjoy finishing their steak with butter, garlic, and fresh herbs. Algae oil blends well with these ingredients to create a flavorful, restaurant-quality result.

Seed oil-free

Many cooking oils on the market, including some labeled as avocado or olive oil, are often blended with cheaper seed oils like soybean or canola oil. This can affect both the quality and health benefits of the oil .

Unlike these options, algae oil is 100% seed oil-free — it’s never blended and remains pure from start to finish. This matters for cooking steak because purity and performance go hand in hand.

Related: What is Food Adulteration?

Sustainability

Unlike most cooking oils that require large amounts of land, water, and resources, algae oil is grown in a controlled, eco-friendly way with minimal impact on the planet. It produces about half the carbon emissions of avocado, canola, and olive oil while using far less land and water.

So what does this mean for your steak? By choosing algae oil, you’re not only getting the best sear and flavor, but you’re also making a more sustainable choice.

Since algae oil isn't affected by droughts or deforestation, it ensures consistent quality and purity — so every steak you cook is both delicious and environmentally responsible.

Other Oils for Cooking Steak

While algae oil is the best all-around choice, other oils can also work well for cooking steak. Here are a few popular options and how they compare:

  • Ghee: Ghee has a rich, buttery flavor that enhances steak. Since the milk solids are removed, it has a higher smoke point — up to 485°F (252°C) — than regular butter. However, it can still burn if the heat is too high.
  • Tallow (Beef Fat): Traditionally used for steak, beef tallow has a deep, meaty flavor and a smoke point of around 400°F (204°C). It’s great for adding extra richness but is high in saturated fat.
  • Coconut Oil: While it has a smoke point of 380°F (193°C), coconut oil gives steak a unique, slightly sweet flavor. It’s best used for specific recipes where its taste complements the dish.

The Bottom Line

If you want the perfect steak, algae oil is the way to go. It sears beautifully, enhances flavor without overpowering, and offers heart-healthy fats. Other options like ghee, beef tallow, and coconut oil work too, but algae oil gives you the best of everything.

The best way to know for sure? Cook your next steak with algae oil and enjoy the results!

By Tiffany Joy Yamut, BSN, RN
Health & Nutrition Writer

Tiffany Joy Yamut is a registered nurse with a focus on health and wellness. With over 10 years of writing experience, she combines her expertise in diet and nutrition coaching to help others adopt healthier lifestyles through balanced eating habits. A foodie at heart, Tiffany believes that food is essential to feeling your best.

Get 10-15% Off

Free shipping for orders over $70

Learn more

Learn more

Learn more

Learn more