The Kitchen · Building Blocks
Build rich flavor and a browned crust using high heat.
Searing uses high heat to brown the surface of meat, seafood, or vegetables. This browning creates deeper flavor through the Maillard reaction.
Start with a properly heated pan. Pat the food dry before searing. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Searing doesn't seal in juices. It develops flavor and texture. Thicker cuts of meat may need to finish cooking at a lower temperature.