Safflower oil has a smoke point slightly above 500. I use grape seed oil
that has a smoke point of 485.

FWIW I use it all the time to sauté scallops. It's the best way to ensure
that you caramelize them on the outside while leaving the inside still
barely cooked. Two minutes in a really hot pan does the trick.

Here's a website that has all the smoke points of various oils.

http://www.goodeatsfanpage.com/Colle...mokePoints.htm

Good luck.


"Nonnymus" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> BOB wrote:
>> "Nick Cramer" wrote
>>
>>> I rub my steaks with EVOO and pat them with salt, fresh ground BP and
>>> garlic powder, then sear them in a very hot, dry, well seasoned CI
>>> frying pan (or grill them over the firebox on my NB).
>>>
>>> --
>>> Nick.
>>
>> Sometimes, I'll omit the EVOO. When using the cast iron, the fat and/or
>> EVOO helps to keep itseasoned.
>>
>> BOB
>
> I can't remember the numbers, but EVOO has a fairly low point at which the
> solids begin to burn and smoke. I frequently use it when cooking a steak
> on my IR grill, but have wondered if I might improve on the results a tad
> by switching to an oil with a higher smoke point, such as corn oil.
>
> Nonny
> --
> ---Nonnymus---
> Neither a borrower nor a lender be;
> For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
> And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.