Its summertime and grilling are one of the most popular ways to cook. Whether you are a steak lover or not, you have to admit that there is nothing quite like grilled steak. 

The smoky, charred flavor is amazing. However, some people seem to think that the only way to grill a steak is with salt and pepper. If you want to add a little more flavor to your grilled steaks, consider using olive oil. Yes, olive oil! You may not believe it, but it can enhance the flavor of your steaks.

With so many options for what you can put on the grill, some people say it’s a must, while others say it will make your steak taste oily. So, what’s the verdict? Let’s take a look at both sides of the argument. Also keep reading for tips for using olive oil when grilling a steak.

The Benefits Of Using Olive Oil On The Steak

Some of the benefits of olive oil on steak include:

1. Add depth of flavors:

One of the advantages of using olive oil on steak is that it can help to lock in the flavors of the meat. When you cook steak in olive oil, the flavors are sealed in and won’t escape like they might if you were to use another type of cooking fat.

This means that your steak will taste better and be more flavorful. 

2. Tenderize the steak:

Cooking steak with olive oil can help to tenderize the meat and add flavor. Olive oil can also help to preserve the juices in the steak, keeping it moist and flavored.

This is because olive oil is a natural flavor enhancer. When used correctly, olive oil can be a healthy and delicious addition to your steak-cooking repertoire.

3. Protecting from high heat:

Another benefit of using olive oil is that it can help to protect the meat from the high heat of the grill. This is especially helpful if you are grilling a thinner steak.

4. Preventing harmful compounds:

In addition, olive oil can help to prevent the formation of harmful compounds when grilling. There is a possibility that these compounds may increase your risk of cancer.

5. Improve cholesterol level:

Olive oil is also a healthy fat, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking to cook a healthier steak. It can help to improve your cholesterol levels and provide other health benefits.

6. Easy cooking and cleaning:

Olive oil can prevent the steak from sticking to the grill or pan making it easier to cook and clean up afterward.

What Are The Cons Of Using Olive Oil On The Steak Before Grilling?

Grilling steak with olive oil has some potential cons. These includes:

1. The olive oil may cause the steak to smoke more when grilling, which could be a nuisance for some people.

2. Olive oil has a relatively low smoke point, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a lot of grill marks on your steak.

3. Depending on the quality of olive oil you’re using, it may impart an off-flavor to the steak.

4. If you’re using a marinade with olive oil, it’s important to not let the steak sit in the marinade for too long, or else the olive oil will start to break down the meat.

5. Some people might say that grilling steak with olive oil makes the steak more difficult to cook evenly, as the oil can cause the heat to be unevenly distributed.

6. Additionally, some people find that the flavor of olive oil is too strong for their taste when used in this way. 

A Guide to Grilling Steaks with Olive Oil

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to cook your steak, then you may want to try using olive oil. Here’s a quick guide on how to use olive oil on a streak when grilling. 

– Before you begin grilling, make sure to coat your steak with a thin layer of olive oil. Keeping your grill from sticking to your steak also helps to keep it moist.

– Once you’ve coated your steak with olive oil, place it on the preheated grill. This is key for getting a nice sear on the outside of the steak while keeping it juicy on the inside.

-For about 4-5 minutes per side, grill the steak until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Depending on the thickness of your steak, you may need to adjust the cooking time.

– Once your steak is cooked, remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. Juices and flavors will be sealed this way.

– When you’re ready to serve, drizzle a little bit of olive oil over the top of your steak. This makes your steak even more delicious by bringing out the flavors. 

Tips for grilling the steaks using olive oil 

Now that you know the benefits of olive oil when grilling, here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Use high-quality olive oil that will have a rich, robust flavor that will really stand out when you’re grilling. Avoid using an inexpensive olive oil, as it will likely be burned and give your steak an off-flavor. 

2. Season your steak with pepper and salt before adding olive oil. This will help to add on the flavors.

3. Use a brush to evenly coat the steak with olive oil. The steak shouldn’t be overcoated, but it shouldn’t be undercoated either. When you use this technique, you’ll be able to create a barrier between the meat and the grill, which will prevent it from sticking and will make flipping much easier.

4. Preheat your grill before adding the steak. This will help to ensure that the steak cooks evenly.

5. Cook the steak over medium heat. You don’t want to overcook the steak, as this can make it tough.

Conclusion

If you want to infuse your steak with some delicious olive flavor, go ahead and brush it on as it brings extra flavor and juiciness to your meat, but if you use too much or don’t do it correctly, it can end up ruining your meal.

However, if you’re looking for that crispy outer crust, you may be better off skipping the oil. Experiment with both methods and see which one gives you the best results.

Ultimately, whether or not you use olive oil on your steak is up to you – just make sure you experiment a little bit to find out what works best for you and your taste buds.

Do you ever put olive oil on your steaks before grilling them? Let us know how it goes in the comments below!

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