Control heat to avoid burning oil (reduce heat if smoking heavily)
If the pan is smoking too much, lower the heat so you brown food without burning the oil.
Some light smoke can happen during browning, but heavy smoke suggests the oil is overheating. Adjust the burner down to stay near (not past) the oil’s limit.
The short version
- Heavy smoke = too much heat for the oil.
- Turn heat down to keep browning without burning.
What goes wrong
Letting the pan smoke heavily and continuing to cook
Reduce heat; avoid burning the oil.
Why it works
Overheated oil degrades and can burn, creating harsh flavors and excessive smoke.
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