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How To Sear A Steak
ANSWER: The best way to sear a steak is to use a screaming hot cast-iron skillet and flip the meat frequently to develop an even, deep-brown crust.
GUIDE: Searing the perfect steak | Achieve a restaurant-quality crust by managing heat and moisture effectively.
POINT: Pat it dry — Use paper towels to remove all surface moisture, as steam prevents the steak from browning properly.
POINT: Season generously — Apply a heavy layer of kosher salt to all sides of the steak just before it hits the pan.
POINT: Heat the pan — Place your cast-iron skillet over high heat until it is smoking slightly and add a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or grapeseed.
POINT: Flip often — Lay the steak in the pan and flip it every minute to ensure the crust develops evenly without burning one side.
POINT: Baste with butter — During the final two minutes, add unsalted butter, crushed garlic cloves, and fresh thyme sprigs to the pan.
POINT: Spoon the fat — Tilt the pan and continuously spoon the foaming, herb-infused butter over the steak to finish cooking it through.
POINT: Rest the meat — Remove the steak when it hits your desired temperature and let it rest for ten minutes before slicing.
TIP: Never crowd the pan, as the temperature will drop and the meat will steam rather than sear.
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