In short: Reverse sear is the method for cooking steaks to perfection: first slowly bring them up to temperature, then sear them for the perfect crust. A dream for anyone who wants the perfect BBQ steak – juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside.
1. What is reverse sear?
With the reverse sear method, the steak is first cooked slowly at a low temperature until it almost reaches the desired internal temperature. Then it is seared briefly and at high temperatures to create the perfect crust. The result: evenly cooked, juicy, and with intense roasted flavors .
2. Which steaks are suitable?
Reverse Sear is ideal for thick cuts (from approx. 4 cm thickness):
- Ribeye
- tomahawk
- Porterhouse
- Entrecote
- T-bone
Pro tip: Thin steaks (< 3 cm) are harder to control – it’s better to use the classic method here.
3. The right grill setup
- Grill type: Best is a kettle grill, ceramic grill (Kamado) or gas grill with 2 zones.
- Thermometer: Indispensable for core temperature.
- Wood/Smoke: If you like, add some smoke wood while cooking slowly.
- Board & knife: A large cutting board (e.g. Endgrain) and a sharp carving knife are essential for clean cutting.
4. Step-by-step instructions
- Preparation: Remove steak from the refrigerator 1 hour before grilling, pat dry, and lightly salt.
- Indirect cooking: Grill steak indirectly at approximately 110–120°C until it is approximately 8–10°C below the target temperature.
- Core temperatures: Rare 48 °C, Medium Rare 52 °C, Medium 56 °C.
- Resting: Let the steak rest on the board for 5 minutes. It will continue to warm for about 2–3°C.
- Sear: Sear steak for 60–90 seconds per side over direct, high heat (grill rack or cast iron pan).
- Serving: Let it rest briefly, then carve it on the board with a sharp knife and enjoy immediately.
5. Common mistakes & how to avoid them
- No thermometer: Blind grilling often results in overcooking or undercooking.
- Steak too thin: Reverse sear needs mass – otherwise it will be dry.
- Do not let the steak rest: juices will leak out and the meat will become dry.
- Cheap boards and blunt knives ruin the presentation and the enjoyment.
6. Practical tips from the pitmaster
- Seasoning: Just add salt before frying and freshly grind pepper after grilling.
- Butter finish: Add a little butter, garlic and rosemary while frying.
- Carving: Always cut across the grain, on a sturdy wooden board.
- Presentation: Best served on a solid serving board – BBQ style!
7. Mini FAQ
What is the advantage of reverse sear?
Perfect control over the cooking level, even heat distribution and the best crust.
Do I need a thermometer?
Yes, absolutely. Without a thermometer, the method is hardly feasible.
Can I do reverse sear in a pan?
Yes – first bring the steak up to temperature slowly in the oven, then sear it briefly in a hot pan.