Reverse Sear Steak: Method, Tips

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

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?
How To Cook Reverse Sear Steak
Steak Variations
Reverse Sear Steak With A Grill
How Long Do I Reverse Sear Steak?
Do I Flip Steak Reverse Searing?

What is the Reverse Sear Method?

Reverse sear is a cooking method that helps you achieve the perfect level of doneness for your steaks. It involves cooking the steak in a preheated oven and then creating a golden brown sear on the grill or in a pan. This ensures that the steak is cooked evenly through without over-cooking risk.

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 reduces the cooking time.

If you are new to 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. Cooking indoors, I highly suggest using a cast iron skillet due to the even cooking temperature.

Reverse sear results in perfectly cooked meat every time.
The reverse sear technique is easy to learn and use.
Produces evenly cooked steaks that are not overcooked.
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 Reverse Sear Steak

Following these simple steps, you can quickly 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 ribeye, porterhouse, beef tenderloin, and New York strips 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 To Get Perfect Results

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

Steak 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 Steak With A Grill

If you have a grill, this is the perfect way to perform a 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.

How Long Do I Reverse Sear Steak?

To reverse sear a steak, you will need to cook it indirectly first, then sear it over high heat. For a one-inch thick steak, you should cook it indirectly for about 8-10 minutes, then sear it for 1-2 minutes per side.

Do I Flip Steak Reverse Searing?

The answer is no, you do not need to flip when reverse searing. Reverse searing is a method of cooking in which the steak is first cooked at a lower temperature until it reaches the desired level of doneness, and then it is seared at a higher temperature to create a brown crust.