# sear

/ˈsɪɹ/ (US) · /sˈiə/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sear
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

to cook the outside of meat very quickly over a high heat to give it a brown crust. This helps keep the juices inside the meat.

For teachers: to cook the surface of food, especially meat, rapidly at a high temperature to brown it and seal in juices. Often used in the context of grilling or pan-frying.

## Examples

- You should sear the steak first before finishing it in the oven.
- The chef recommends searing the salmon skin side down to create a crispy texture before adding the herbs.
- While some culinary traditions advocate for slow braising, others insist that a quick sear is essential for developing the complex Maillard reaction that defines the final flavor profile.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.