6 Tips for Searing your Meats For More Flavor

What is a juicy steak without its signature crust? Searing is an essential step for bringing out the most flavor in your meals. When you sear your meat properly, you add a delicious, caramelized flavor from the natural sugars in the meat. That rich brown crust on the surface can be the finishing touch that makes your meal perfect. If you want the perfect sear on your next meal, here are 6 tips for searing your meats for more flavor.

1. Take it out of the fridge early

Before you are ready to cook, pull your meat from the fridge so it has time to relax. Very cold meat cooks less evenly, which makes a good sear harder to get. Set your meat out at room temperature about 20 minutes before it hits the pan or grill.

2. Season your meat

There are so many amazing seasonings out there, and it is up to you to find the one you enjoy most. We recommend that whatever you choose includes salt. Salt helps draw moisture to the surface of your meat, and that moisture helps build a flavorful seared crust. This is our best tip for searing your meats for more flavor. Pat the steak dry first, and try a little high heat cooking oil on the pan so the sear is crisp.

3. Give your meat room

If you are cooking multiple cuts, make sure there is space between them. This helps the searing process and keeps your meat from simply steaming. The same goes for one large piece of meat: use a pan large enough to hold it, so you avoid a similar situation.

4. Start the sear on the fattiest side first

Once your cooking surface is heated to the right temperature (see our steak temperature chart), begin your sear on the fattiest side. Let your meat sit undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping it. If your surface is hot enough, the meat should lift easily without tearing. Repeat on the other side with a slightly shorter cook time.

5. Don't forget the ends

The ends of your meat can be just as tasty when seared as the rest, and this is a flavorful surface you do not want to miss. Hold your meat against the cooking surface with tongs and let it brown up with that delicious, caramelized sear.

6. Always let your steak rest after searing

Resting your meat is an important part of cooking any meat. Once you finish searing, pull your meat and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, so your cut is nice and juicy. And as always, cut the steak against the grain.

Searing your meats the Pre way

If you are looking for a delicious cut of meat to sear, try Pre's grass fed and finished beef. Every cut is sourced from farmers who raise cattle on pasture year-round, and it is 100% Grass-Fed & Finished with no added hormones and no sub-therapeutic antibiotics. Ready to put these searing tips to work? Follow how to cook the perfect steak in 20 minutes or see how to cook every steak Pre sells.

FAQ

How do I get a good sear on steak?

Pull the steak from the fridge early, pat it dry and season it with salt, use a hot pan or grill, give the meat room, and leave it undisturbed until it lifts easily.

Which side of the steak should I sear first?

Start on the fattiest side, then flip and cook the second side for a slightly shorter time.

How long should I rest a seared steak?

Rest it for at least 5 minutes so the juices redistribute, then slice against the grain.

Marinating first? See 8 tips and tricks for marinating meat.

Where can I buy Pre 100% Grass-Fed & Finished Beef?

Pre Brands beef is a lean, High Protein, delicious way to keep dinner healthy. Use our store locator to find a store near you, browse all Pre products, or find us on Instacart.