Sear your meat before you put it in the crock-pot or oven.
Honestly, my mom has suggested I do that for years. I've been married for twenty years and that's probably how long she's been telling me that.
One night during Thanksgiving week, my mom made pot roast for all of us. I've eaten a lot of pot roast in my day but her pot roast was to die for. My sister and I both commented that our roast never tastes that delicious or tender. And of course, my mom said that the secret was to sear the meat.
I came home from Thanksgiving and decided to try it. Twenty years later I decided to listen. No, I'm not the least bit stubborn. Why do you ask?
Guess what? My mom was right! Searing is the key to tender, fall-apart meat.
Perhaps you've known this for awhile but humor me because I'm just now realizing that I can make delicious roast too!
Here's the nitty gritty:
Pour some oil in a heavy skillet or stock-pot and let it get really hot.
Add your meat.
Let it get nice and brown on every side. I use my tongs to help me hold it at weird angles to get the sides nice and brown too.
Then transfer the meat to your crock-pot or oven to finish cooking.
See how simple that is? It's a tiny bit messy but very worth it!
Confession: I put the ingredients for beef stew in the crock-pot a few minutes ago and I didn't sear the stew meat. Gasp. I didn't sear it mainly because I enjoy irony, but also because it wasn't completely thawed and I was in a hurry. It will still be good, but it would be better if I had seared it first.
Don't be a stubborn, slow learner like I was. SEAR your meat!!!
Thank you, mom!
15 comments:
I have always heard to sear it, but didn't know why and never did it. I will now though. Thanks for the tip!
I've always read in recipes to sear the meat, but it seemed like a pointless step. Now I know it's worth it! Thanks for the tip!!
Ewww! I don't eat red meat, so that picture is not appealing to me. =) I have seen searing on cooking shows, but like you, would probably not go to the trouble if were making that.
Ok, not to brag...but yes I admit it, I'M A MEAT SEARER! It really does make a world of difference. I love a good roast.
Now's here's something that you might think is crazy, but it is delicious and makes a yummy gravy. Add a cup of day old coffee to your roast while it's cooking. I know, that is weird. And this is coming from someone who does not like coffee or anything coffee flavored. But this is seriously delicious. (You might want to leave it out if you are using leftovers for shredded beef tacos, as it does change that taste). If you're interested I have the whole recipe I could email.
Keep on Searing baybee!
Loved catching up with the last few posts. Sorry about Jack. And, ewwwww. Love your new bloggy design, and of course...praying, praying, praying for Joanne and family. xxxooo
P.S. I think we have the same hair, so I will have to try that dry shampoo!
I have always thought that if I was going to make something in the crock pot, that my goal was to make it fast and simple for myself...dump everything in, and forget about it!:)
I have never wanted to add another step to the process AND mess up another pan!
Now you've got me thinking that it might be worth a shot! :)
Okay, this cracked me up because my mom has always told me the same thing and I STILL HAVEN'T DONE IT!! But I've only been married 17 1/2 years, so maybe in a few years more--ha
Would you believe that I seared my first piece of meat just last week?? You're right! It made a HUGE difference!
Moms know best!
Okay. I've done it both ways... and the couple of times that I seared it they came out tougher! Isn't that weird? I probably didn't cook long enough? Usually our roasts ARE fall-apart and tender (no searing) and I cook on very low for a very long time. Huh.
Don't worry, I had heard this for so long too and just recently started searing our meats too. Sooooo much better! :)
Sorry to be a know it all, but I ALWAYS sear my meat, and often lightly brown chicken before it goes in the crock pot too, it just looks better with a little color!!
It does makes a difference, the hot fat can splash and make a mess, but it's SO worth it - as you have found out!
Wendy
First cooking rule my mama taught me. You should always sear your meat. And listen to your mama. Important lessons to learn!
I just seared my roast this a.m.! It really does work. My only complaint is that my kitchen doesn't really have ventilation, so the odors and smoke from the searing last for a while. Have you tried The Pioneer Woman's pot roast recipe? It's my go-to. I use it about once a month!
I am so lazy...I always skip this step....I'm gonna start searin'....
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