Reverse Sear Steak Recipe
The Reverse Sear Steak Recipe involves pre-seasoning thick New York Strip steaks with coarse salt and pepper, then slow-cooking them in a low oven before finishing with a high-heat pan sear. Garlic, shallot, fresh thyme, and butter are used in the searing process to add aroma and richness. This technique yields evenly cooked steaks with a flavorful crust and tender interior, suited for thicker cuts.
Ingredients
- 2 pound New York Strip Steaks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 shallot peeled
- 12-14 thyme sprigs, fresh
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- salt coarse salt and fresh ground, to taste
- black pepper coarse salt and fresh ground, to taste
Instructions
- Start by patting the steak on all sides with a paper towel. This will help to keep the outside of the steak as dry as possible to help create a great crust when searing.
- Next, season the steak on all sides with coarse salt and cracked pepper.
- Place it on a rack over a sheet tray and place it in the refrigerator uncovered for 2 to 24 hours. This pre-seasoning process will allow the salt and pepper to penetrate deep into the meat so that every bite is perfectly seasoned. This works exceptionally well when the steak is at least 1 ½” + thick.
- When you’re ready to prepare it, preheat the oven to 200°. Place the steak on the rack over a sheet tray in the middle of the oven and cook for roughly 45 to 60 minutes. You want it to reach 100° internally, and the timing in the oven will depend on how thick and heavy the steak is.
- Remove the steak from the oven and briefly set it to the side. Add the olive oil to a 10” cast iron or carbon steel pan and heat over high heat until the oil smokes lightly.
- For a medium-rare internal steak, place it in the pan, turn the heat down to medium, and let the steak cook for 1 minute.
- Next, using tongs, move the steak around in a circular motion for 1 minute. Doing this will help completely brown the top of the steak.
- Flip the steak over, turn the heat down to low-medium, and cook it for 1 minute. Then, add the garlic, shallots, thyme, and butter to the pan with the steak.
- Baste the steak with a spoon for 2 minutes to help brown and flavor more. Remove the steak once it reaches 120° to 125° internally for medium-rare.
- Let the steak rest for 3 to 4 minutes. Slice and serve it as is or with some Maître D’ Butter.
Notes
- Consume reverse-seared steak immediately after cooking for best texture and flavor.
- To reheat, quickly re-sear in a hot pan with a mild oil until warmed through.
- Store cooked steak covered in the refrigerator for up to three days; do not freeze.
- Preferred cooking fats include olive oil, ghee, clarified butter, or beef tallow, though any fat can be used.
- If overcooked, stand the steak upright while resting to help heat escape faster.
- Adjust cooking times by about one minute per side for smaller steaks.
- Use favorite steak seasoning; seasoning the steak beyond 24 hours may dry it out.
- Cast iron or carbon steel pans provide optimal searing but alternatives can be used.
- The Maillard reaction, responsible for browning and flavor, occurs between 285° and 350°F.
- Removing steak from the oven at 100°F internal temperature provides control over final doneness.
- A 12-inch pan is recommended when searing multiple steaks simultaneously.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 850
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 850kcal | 43% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 48g | 96% |
| Fat | 71g | 109% |
| Saturated Fat | 30g | 150% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 31g | 155% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 242mg | 81% |
| Sodium | 123mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 788mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 0.3g | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 985IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 95mg | 10% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.