Cooking a juicy and perfectly grilled steak can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to choosing the right cooking method. Two popular methods are the “Reverse Sear” and the “Sear” method. While both methods produce delicious steaks, they have their differences. In this article, we will compare the Reverse Sear vs Sear method to help you decide which one is best for your next steak dinner.
The Reverse Sear Method
The reverse sear method is a relatively new cooking technique that has gained popularity in recent years. The basic principle of the reverse steak sear method is to cook the steak at a low temperature and then sear it at a high temperature for a short period of time. This method aims to achieve an evenly cooked steak with a juicy interior and a crispy crust.
The reverse sear method starts by preheating your oven or grill to a low temperature (around 250°F) and placing the steak on a baking sheet or right on the grill grate. The steak is then cooked in the oven or grill for about 30-45 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of about 115°F.
Once the steak has reached the desired temperature, it is removed from the oven or grill and seared on a hot pan or grill for about 2–3 minutes on each side. The high heat of the pan or grill creates a crispy crust and locks in the juices.
One of the benefits of the reverse sear method is that it eliminates the risk of overcooking the steak. By cooking the steak at a low temperature first, you have more control over the cooking process, and the steak will cook more evenly. This method also allows you to add additional flavors to the steak, such as herbs, spices, or marinades, while it is in the oven.
Reverse searing a large Steak
Many times the only way to get a good large steak cooked to higher doneness levels is reverse seared. Here is what I mean, searing a two inch thick steak at high heat will crisp too much and even burn if you are trying to get its internal temperature above medium. However, reverse searing the steak will allow to bring that internal temperature up slowly.
After get the internal temperature to where you want it you can get the crisp with a nice sear. Reverse searing is essentially cooking your meat until it’s almost done and then cranking up the heat on to get a nice crust.
The Sear Method
The sear method is a traditional cooking technique that involves cooking the steak at a high temperature from start to finish. This method starts by preheating a pan or grill to a high temperature and placing the steak on the hot surface. The steak is then seared for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it reaches the desired internal temperature, creating a crispy crust and locking in the juices.
One of the benefits of the Sear method is that it is quick and easy, making it a great option for busy weeknights or those who enjoy rare to medium steaks. This method also produces a steak with a crispy crust and a juicy interior, which is perfect for those who love a good steak.
However, the sear method also has its drawbacks. One of the main drawbacks is that the steak can easily become overcooked, resulting in a tough and dry steak. This is because the high heat of the pan or grill can quickly raise the internal temperature of the steak, making it difficult to control the cooking process.
Additionally, the Sear method does not allow you to add any additional flavors to the steak during the cooking process.
Is all About High Heat For a Crisp Crust
Heat is king when it comes to searing a steak. For best results and avoid overcooking the steak, remove the meat from the grill, let the grill come up to temperature and then sear the steak.
Reverse Sear vs Sear: Which Method is Better?
The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences and cooking skills. Both the Reverse Sear and the Sear method have their pros and cons, and the best method for you will depend on what you are looking for in a steak.
If you are looking for an evenly cooked steak with a juicy interior and a crispy crust, then the Reverse Sear method is probably the better option. This method allows you to have more control over the cooking process and eliminates the risk of overcooking the steak.
Additionally, the Reverse Sear method also allows you to add additional flavors to the steak during the cooking process.
If you are looking for a quick and easy cooking method that produces a steak with a crispy crust and juicy interior, then the Sear method may be the better option for you. This method is great for busy weeknights and allows you to have your steak on the table in no time.
Reverse searing takes longer than regular searing—about twice as long. However, you can infuse a lot more flavor and if using a pellet smoker or grill, a lot more smoke flavor. Reverse-searing is also a great way to cooking with flavoring woods like cherry, or oak and infuse the steak with tons of flavor.
In conclusion, both the Reverse Sear and the Sear method are great options for cooking steaks. The Reverse Sear method is a great choice if you are looking for an evenly cooked steak with a juicy interior and a crispy crust, while the Sear method is a great choice if you are looking for a quick and easy cooking method. The best searing method for you will depend on your personal preferences, the meat, and cooking skills.
So, the next time you are cooking a steak, consider trying both the Reverse Sear and the Sear method to see which one works best for you.
In either case, it is important to remember to allow the steak to rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will help to redistribute the juices and result in a juicier and more flavorful steak.
We hope this article has helped you to understand the differences between the Reverse Sear and the Sear method and has helped you decide which method is best for your next steak dinner. Happy cooking!
Why are steaks seared
Is all about getting a nice brown crispy crust.
The reverse technique
If you haven’t tried reverse searing a steak, I would definitely recommend this technique.
Key Takeaways:
- The Reverse Sear method involves cooking the steak at a low temperature first and then searing it at a high temperature for a short period of time.
- The Sear method involves cooking the steak at a high temperature from start to finish.
- The Reverse Sear method is a great choice if you are looking for an evenly cooked steak with a juicy interior and a crispy crust.
- The Sear method is a great choice if you are looking for a quick and easy cooking method.
- The best method for you will depend on your personal preferences and cooking skills.
