While burnt butter may not be directly harmful in small amounts, it is essential to exercise caution when cooking with butter or any oil at high heat, especially in a cast iron pan. Here's why:
Smoke point: Butter has a relatively low smoke point, typically around 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C). When you heat butter to high temperatures, it can start to smoke, break down, and eventually burn. Burnt butter not only tastes unpleasant but can also release harmful compounds into the air.
Formation of harmful compounds: When butter is heated to high temperatures, it undergoes a process called "browning" or the Maillard reaction. This reaction can produce acrylamide and other potentially harmful compounds, especially if the butter is burned. Acrylamide has been linked to certain health concerns in animal studies when consumed in large quantities. Though human studies are limited, it's best to avoid excessive consumption of acrylamide-forming foods.
Oxidation of fats: High heat can cause the oxidation of fats present in butter, leading to the formation of free radicals. These free radicals can damage cells and tissues in the body and have been associated with various health problems.
If you enjoy frying steak in butter and like the flavor it imparts, consider the following tips to minimize potential health risks:
Use clarified butter or ghee: Clarified butter and ghee have higher smoke points compared to regular butter, making them more suitable for cooking at higher temperatures.
Use a combination of oils: You can mix butter with an oil that has a higher smoke point, like canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil. This can help increase the overall smoke point of the mixture.
Cook at moderate heat: While cast iron pans are excellent for searing steaks, it's best to use moderate heat with butter or butter-oil mixtures to avoid burning and the formation of harmful compounds.
Don't char the butter: Pay close attention to the butter while cooking, and try not to let it get to the point of burning.
Limit consumption: If you use butter in high-heat cooking, it's a good idea to balance your diet with other healthy fats and cooking methods to avoid excessive exposure to potentially harmful compounds.
Remember that a balanced and varied diet is essential for overall health. While occasional use of butter for cooking at higher temperatures may not pose an immediate risk, it's essential to incorporate a range of healthy cooking oils and fats into your diet for better overall nutrition.