What Is the Best Olive Oil for Cooking Steak? A Chef's Guide to Better Flavour
- Lauren Guedes
- Jul 7
- 5 min read
If you've ever wondered "What is the best olive oil for cooking steak?", the answer may surprise you.
While many people reach for vegetable oil or other refined cooking oils, high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the best oils you can use when preparing steak. Not only does it enhance flavour, but it's also a staple in Spanish kitchens, where premium olive oil is used for everything from grilling meats to finishing perfectly cooked steaks.
The secret isn't simply choosing olive oil—it's choosing a fresh, premium extra virgin olive oil.
In this guide, we'll explain why extra virgin olive oil is ideal for cooking steak, how to use it correctly, and why early harvest olive oil can elevate your next steak dinner.
Can You Cook Steak in Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
Yes. Absolutely.
Despite the myth that extra virgin olive oil shouldn't be heated, it's an excellent choice for pan-searing, grilling, and finishing steak.
Across Spain, where olive oil is part of everyday cooking, chefs regularly use extra virgin olive oil when preparing beef, lamb, pork, and other meats.
A quality EVOO offers:
Excellent flavour
Natural stability during normal cooking
Healthy monounsaturated fats
Naturally occurring antioxidants
A beautiful golden crust when used correctly
The key is to cook over sensible cooking temperatures rather than overheating any oil until it burns.
Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil Makes Steak Taste Better
Steak doesn't need many ingredients.
Great beef, sea salt, black pepper and a premium extra virgin olive oil are often all that's required.
Unlike neutral cooking oils, extra virgin olive oil adds subtle layers of flavour including:
Fresh grass
Green herbs
Tomato leaf
Almond
Pepper
Fruity richness
These flavours complement quality beef rather than overpower it.
Many of Spain's finest steakhouses simply drizzle fresh extra virgin olive oil over sliced steak immediately before serving.
Should You Oil the Steak or the Pan?
Many professional chefs recommend lightly coating the steak with olive oil rather than pouring excessive oil into the pan.
This helps:
Create even browning
Reduce excess smoking
Improve seasoning adhesion
Develop a delicious crust
Simply brush or massage a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over both sides of the steak before seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Is Early Harvest Olive Oil Better for Steak?
If you're looking for exceptional flavour, yes.
Early harvest extra virgin olive oil is produced from olives picked while they're still green.
Although this produces less oil, it delivers:
Higher natural polyphenol levels
Fresh grassy aromas
Rich green flavours
Balanced bitterness
A distinctive peppery finish
These characteristics pair beautifully with grilled or pan-seared beef.
Rather than masking the flavour of the steak, a premium early harvest olive oil enhances it.
Finish Your Steak with Olive Oil
One of the simplest ways to transform a steak is to drizzle fresh extra virgin olive oil over it after cooking.
The gentle warmth of the steak releases the oil's aromas, creating a luxurious finish that's common throughout Spain.
Try serving your steak with:
Flaked sea salt
Fresh rosemary
Garlic
Cracked black pepper
Grilled vegetables
A drizzle of premium early harvest extra virgin olive oil
The result is simple, elegant and full of Mediterranean flavour.
Why Polyphenols Matter
High-quality extra virgin olive oil naturally contains polyphenols—plant compounds that contribute to both flavour and stability.
They're responsible for many of the characteristics that olive oil lovers appreciate, including:
Fresh grassy notes
Pleasant bitterness
Peppery finish
Rich complexity
The higher the polyphenol content, the more vibrant the flavour profile is likely to be.
Andalucian Olive Company's Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil
At Andalucian Olives, we believe the finest ingredients deserve the finest olive oil.
Our Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil is harvested while the olives are still green, producing an exceptional oil with more than 500 mg/kg of naturally occurring polyphenols.
Its fresh, herbaceous character makes it an outstanding companion for premium steak.
Whether you're:
Pan-searing a ribeye
Cooking a sirloin
Grilling a fillet
Preparing a T-bone
Finishing sliced rump steak
our early harvest olive oil adds depth, freshness and authentic Spanish flavour to every bite.
How to Cook the Perfect Steak with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Ingredients
Premium steak
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sea salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
Method
Remove the steak from the fridge 30–60 minutes before cooking.
Pat it dry with kitchen paper.
Lightly coat both sides with extra virgin olive oil.
Season generously with sea salt and black pepper.
Heat a heavy frying pan until hot.
Cook the steak to your preferred doneness, turning regularly for an even crust.
Rest for 5–10 minutes.
Finish with another light drizzle of fresh early harvest extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Simple ingredients. Incredible flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is olive oil better than vegetable oil for steak?
Many cooks prefer extra virgin olive oil because it adds flavour as well as healthy monounsaturated fats and naturally occurring antioxidants.
Can you sear steak in extra virgin olive oil?
Yes. Extra virgin olive oil is widely used for pan-searing steak in home kitchens and restaurants. As with any cooking oil, avoid heating it until it smokes excessively.
Which olive oil tastes best with steak?
Fresh, premium extra virgin olive oil—especially an early harvest oil with high polyphenol levels—offers bold, herbaceous flavours that complement beef beautifully.
Should you drizzle olive oil on steak after cooking?
Yes. A light drizzle of fresh extra virgin olive oil just before serving enhances flavour, aroma and texture.
Why does early harvest olive oil pair so well with steak?
Early harvest oils have more vibrant flavours, fresh green aromas and naturally high polyphenol levels, making them ideal for rich foods like grilled beef.
Final Thoughts
So, what is the best olive oil for cooking steak?
If you want outstanding flavour, authentic Mediterranean cooking and premium quality, fresh extra virgin olive oil is hard to beat.
Whether you're pan-searing a ribeye, grilling a sirloin or finishing a perfectly rested fillet, a high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the natural flavour of the meat without overpowering it.
At Andalucian Olives, we believe every great steak deserves exceptional finishing touches. Alongside our Extra Virgin Olive Oils, why not explore our range of flavoured extra virgin olive oils and authentic Balsamic Vinegar of Modena?
A drizzle of Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil over a perfectly rested ribeye, a splash of Chilli Extra Virgin Olive Oil for a gentle kick, or a few drops of our beautifully aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena can transform a great steak into a true restaurant-quality experience. You can even combine our flavoured olive oils with balsamic vinegar to create delicious finishing dressings and marinades that bring out the very best in premium beef.
Whether you're cooking a sirloin, fillet, ribeye or T-bone, our carefully selected collection of authentic Spanish olive oils and Italian balsamic vinegars helps you create unforgettable flavours at home.
After all, a great steak deserves exceptional olive oil—and the perfect finishing drizzle.
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