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Do You Sear A Steak At The Beginning Or The End?

Article by Maria Foster - Submitted by Food Fire Friends | Published on 10/1/2022


Do you sear a steak at the beginning or the end? Many people don't know the answer on what works best, but it can make all the difference in the taste of your steak. 

Searing meat is a technique that involves cooking the meat at a high temperature for a short period of time. This creates a crust on the outside of the steak that locks in the juices and flavor.

So, when is the best time to sear your steak? 

The answer is at the END of the cooking process. By searing the steak at the end, you minimize the risk of overcooking the meat. When you sear a steak at the beginning, it can lead to overcooking on the outside while the inside remains undercooked.

If you want a perfectly cooked steak that is juicy and flavorful, make sure to sear it at the end!

But…

If you're looking to add a little flavor to your grilled steak, and to cook it faster, try searing it first. This creates a flavorful and slightly crisp outer layer on the steak while keeping the inside juicy and delicious. 

Here's how to sear a steak like a pro:

  1. Preheat your grill, or heat a heavy skillet on the stove over high heat.

  2. Rub the steak with a little oil to help it brown evenly.

  3. Season the steak with salt and pepper, or your favorite seasoning blend.

  4. Place the steak on the grill or in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until evenly browned.

  5. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. Enjoy!

Now Seriously - How to (Perfectly) Sear a Steak?

There's something about a juicy, perfectly seared steak that just makes our mouths water. If you're new to the game of searing meat, here's a crash course on how to sear a steak like a pro, for complete beginners.

The first step is to make sure your steak is at room temperature. This will help it cook evenly throughout. Season your steak with salt and pepper (or your favorite seasoning blend) on both sides.

Next, heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add a little oil to the pan. You can use vegetable oil, olive oil, or even butter.

When the oil is hot, add your steak to the pan. You should hear a nice sizzle when it hits the pan. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes without moving it. This will help create a nice crust on the outside of the steak.

After 3-5 minutes, flip the steak over and cook for another 3-5 minutes. Again, resist the urge to move it around while it's cooking.

Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat so they don't all leak out when you cut into it.

Now, slice into that steak and enjoy! The perfect sear should have a nice, dark crust on the outside with juicy, tender meat on the inside. Yum!