Searing meat is a great way to add flavor and texture to steaks, roasts, and other cuts of meat, but it can also be a major source of smoke within your house. While searing is fantastic, the smoke created from searing isn't good when breathed in. If you're tired of setting off your smoke alarm or filling your kitchen with clouds of smoke, here are a few tips on how to stop your pan from smoking so much when searing meat.
1. Use the right oil
The type of oil you use can make a big difference in how much smoke your pan produces. Oils with a high smoke point, such as canola oil or avocado oil, are less likely to smoke than oils with a lower smoke point, such as extra virgin olive oil. Keep in mind, some oils are healthier than other oils, so if you are looking to adjust your oil you may also want to research which oil works best with your diet.
(Source article https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/how-to-choose-the-best-culinary-oil-with-oil-smoke-point-chart)
2. Use a small amount of oil
You don't need a lot of oil to sear meat. Just a thin coating is enough to prevent the meat from sticking to the pan. If you use too much oil, it will start to smoke before the meat has a chance to sear.
3. Preheat your pan properly
Before you add any meat to the pan, make sure it's preheated to the correct temperature. The ideal temperature for searing meat is between 400 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. If the pan is not hot enough, the meat will start to steam instead of sear, which will produce more smoke.
4. Don't overcrowd the pan
If you try to sear too much at once, the pan will cool down too much and the meat will start to steam. This will produce more smoke. Instead, sear the meat in batches so that the pan has a chance to heat back up. If you refer to the chart above, it will help in finding the best temperature to heat the meat to avoid smoke.
5. Sear the meat quickly
The goal of searing meat is to create a browned crust on the outside of the meat. Once the crust is formed, the meat is done searing. By continuing to sear the meat too long, it may lead to overcooking.
6. Use a vent fan or open a window
If you're still getting a lot of smoke even after following these tips, you can use a vent fan or open a window to help ventilate the kitchen. This will help to keep the smoke from building up and setting off your smoke alarm. We would always recommend turning on your overhead fan when searing or cooking anything, but we're cautious!
By following these tips, you can reduce the amount of smoke your pan produces when searing meat. This will help you to sear your meat to perfection without filling your kitchen with smoke. With a little practice, you'll be able to sear meat like a pro without setting off your smoke alarm.