How do I perfectly sear a steak?

Join the sear-iously delicious revolution with our easy guide to perfectly searing steak. Get that sizzle and savory flavor!

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I perfectly sear a steak. Items include: Steak Salt Black pepper High smoke point oil (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)

Steak 1-2 steaks (depending on your appetite)
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
High smoke point oil (e.g., vegetable or canola oil) Enough to coat the pan

Take note
Make sure to handle hot pans and utensils with care to avoid burns. Also, remember to always use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the desired level of doneness.

1

Prep your steak

Take your steak out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature, about 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking. Pat dry the steak with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps with achieving a nice sear.

2

Season generously

Sprinkle both sides of the steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don't be shy with the seasoning - it enhances the steak's flavors and forms a delicious crust during searing.

3

Heat up your pan

Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over high heat. You want it to be smoking hot! This ensures a proper sear and locks in all the juicy goodness.

4

Oil it up

Carefully add a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil to the hot pan. Swirl the oil around to coat the bottom evenly. This prevents the steak from sticking and helps with browning.

5

The sear-ious searing

Place the steak in the hot pan and don't move it for a few minutes. Let it develop a beautiful brown crust. Flip the steak using tongs and sear the other side. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired doneness.

6

Rest and enjoy

Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy steak. Slice against the grain and savor every delicious bite!