Why You Should Reverse Sear Steak – Lid & Ladle (2024)

Originally published August 2022. Updated May 2023.

If you’re used to just throwing your steak on the grill, think again. There’s a better way to get a juicy, tender, perfectly cooked steak every time.

The reverse sear is one of the most popular cooking methods (and a go-to of Gordon Ramsay’s) involving slowly roasting a steak in a 225–300°F oven until it reaches your desired internal temperature, then searing it on high heat to lock in its flavor.

If you haven’t yet experienced the mouthwatering tenderness of a reverse-seared steak, here are five reasons to make it your go-to method.

Hungry for more? From grill tools and accessories to cast iron skillets and grill pans, we’ve got everything you need to make the perfect steak—every time.

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Why You Should Reverse Sear Steak – Lid & Ladle (2024)

FAQs

Why You Should Reverse Sear Steak – Lid & Ladle? ›

Reverse searing delivers precisely that. The slow cooking process gradually breaks down the steak's connective tissues, resulting in a buttery texture and unparalleled tenderness. Moreover, this method seals in the steak's natural juices, locking in a flavor that'll leave you craving more.

Why should you reverse sear steak? ›

Reverse searing delivers precisely that. The slow cooking process gradually breaks down the steak's connective tissues, resulting in a buttery texture and unparalleled tenderness. Moreover, this method seals in the steak's natural juices, locking in a flavor that'll leave you craving more.

Do you reverse sear with lid open or closed? ›

Place the steaks directly on the regular grill grates, close the lid, and smoke until the internal temperature is between 105°F and 110°F, about 60 minutes.

Is it better to cook steak covered or uncovered? ›

For thicker cuts, you want to close the lid to keep the temperature high and even. Large steaks, chicken, and roasts have much more depth for the heat to penetrate, and closing the lid will give the heat time to sink in and cook the meat through in much the same way an oven does.

What equipment is needed for reverse sear steak? ›

What tools do you need to reverse sear a steak?
  1. A reliable meat thermometer is the only way to be certain that the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. ...
  2. Your oven! ...
  3. A baking sheet or oven-safe pan with a wire rack. ...
  4. Don't forget salt and pepper. ...
  5. Tongs to handle the steak will keep your fingers burn-free.

Does reverse searing make steak more tender? ›

Reverse searing is the process of cooking a steak in the oven or on an indirect heat source before finishing it off on the grill. It's a great way to add more flavor to your steaks, and it helps to tenderize them as well.

How long to leave steak in reverse sear? ›

Reverse Searing FAQs

It takes about 30-60 minutes to reverse sear ribeye steak, depending on the thickness of the steak and the temperature of your oven. Generally, we recommend setting the oven to 275 degrees and cooking to an internal temperature of 110 degrees before searing for 1-2 minutes on each side.

Do you sear meat with lid on or off? ›

Searing. You should also leave the lid off whenever you're trying to achieve a beautiful sear. Searing takes place in a very hot pan and serves to create a flavorful, caramelized crust on the exterior of steaks, duck breasts, lamb chops, tuna, and more.

Does steak get tougher the longer you cook it? ›

Both factors are influenced by the cut of meat you choose and how long the meat is cooked. The more a muscle is used, the stronger, and therefore tougher, the cut of meat will be. And the longer meat is cooked, the more liquid it loses and the tougher it becomes.

How do you get a good reverse sear? ›

How to Master the Reverse Sear
  1. Dry and Season Your Steak. Select a steak that's at least 1.5 inches thick; you will not get good results with that skinny skirt steak. ...
  2. Preheat the Oven. ...
  3. Underbake the Steak. ...
  4. Sear over High Heat with a High “Smoke Point” Oil. ...
  5. Finish With Butter and Herbs. ...
  6. Serve.
Mar 25, 2021

What is the best steak thickness for reverse sear? ›

Reverse sear is best for thick cut steaks, at least 1.5 to 2 inches thick. You can also use this cooking method for fattier pieces of beef like ribeye or wagyu steaks, to avoid burning the meat with flare-ups.

What oil do you use to reverse sear steak? ›

Start with a neutral oil with a high smoke point so you can really get it hot to sear your steak: canola, vegetable, grapeseed will all do fine. Once you've got a nice crust, lower the heat, and add butter and other flavorings like hardy herbs or whole crushed cloves of garlic.

What steaks are good for reverse searing? ›

Step 1: Choose the perfect steak to reverse sear

That's because those cuts take longer to cook and are more at risk of drying out before they reach the desired internal temp if you rely on traditional one-step cooking methods. Reverse sear works particularly well with filet mignon and ribeye steak.

What is the art of reverse searing? ›

The reverse sear method is a cooking technique in which a chef bakes a protein for most of its cooking time and finishes it in a hot skillet on the stovetop or grill to create a crust.

Why does searing meat before cutting is necessary? ›

“Sealing” meat is a myth. Someone made up the idea that searing “seals in the flavor” or “seals in moisture”. It doesn't. Searing is important for developing flavor through the Maillard reaction that denatures the protein on the surface of the meat when heat is applied, forming a flavorful crust.

What is the purpose of searing a steak? ›

Searing is a technique that involves scorching the outer surface of meat at a high temperature. When you do this, the outside of the meat will develop a delicious crispy and brown crust. This technique is often used to lock in the juice of the meat for a tender bite that's packed with flavor.

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