Reverse Sear: How to Cook a Steak Perfectly Every Time

Have you ever wanted to learn to cook a steak perfectly every time? If so, then you need to understand the reverse sear technique. The method is versatile with which type of steak you can select from, including; pork, fish, and beef steaks.

The reverse sear is widely respected for creating a consistently cooked piece of steak every time.

perfectly cooked reverse seared beef steak on plate with lobster

⬇️ Table of Contents

What is the reverse sear method and why should you use it
🔶 How to cook a reverse sear steak
💭 Chef tips for getting perfect results every time
📖 Variations

What is the reverse sear method and why should you use it

Reverse sear is a cooking technique that helps you achieve the perfect level of doneness for your steaks. It involves cooking the steak in the oven first and then searing it on the grill or in a pan. This ensures that the steak is cooked all the way evenly through, without any risk of over-cooking.

Using reverse sear is a great way to cook a steak if you want to impress your guests or family. It is also a good option if you are short on time, as it cuts down on the overall cooking time.

If you are new to cooking steaks, the reverse sear is the way to go. It is a fool-proof method that will help you achieve perfectly cooked steaks every time.

Reverse sear results in a perfectly cooked steak every time.
The reverse sear technique is easy to learn and use.
Produces evenly cooked steaks that are not over-cooked.
A great way to cook thicker cuts of meat.
You can add variations to the reverse sear technique to suit your personal preferences.

🔶 How to cook a reverse sear steak

By following these simple steps, you can easily achieve perfectly cooked steak that's melt-in-your-mouth delicious every time.

Let's learn how to perform the technique:

Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit / 121.11 Celsius. Season your steak with salt and pepper (or your favorite seasoning blend). Then season for 10 or more minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat; if using a fish, skip preseasoning and season fish right before cooking.
Place the steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet and cook in the oven for 15-to-40 minutes, or until it reaches 110 degrees Fahrenheit / 43.5 Celsius.
Remove the steak from the oven and heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add a little oil to the pan and sear the steak for one minute per side. Add butter to the skillet and baste with a spoon.
Finally, allow the steak to rest for five to ten minutes before cutting into it. This will help the steak retain its juices and flavor.

reverse sear steak slice thick perfectly cooked

💭 Chef tips for getting perfect results every time

Now that you know how to perform reverse sear, here are a few tips to help you get the perfect results every time:

Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure that the steak reaches the correct internal temperature. Chart: USDA Proteins Internal Temperatures, beef, chicken, pork, fish, etc.
Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, and other spices.
Allow the steak to rest for at least five minutes before cutting into it.
Cut the steak against the grain to help maximize tenderness.

📖 Variations

There are many variations of the reverse sear that you can use to suit your personal preferences. For example, you can sear the steak for longer or shorter periods, depending on how you like your steak cooked. You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to create unique flavor profiles.

Reverse Sear with a Grill

If you have a grill, this is the perfect way to perform reverse sear. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook over indirect heat, then move to the grill's hot side and then sear the steak for a few minutes on each side.
Once removed from the grill, allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.