What does the perfect piece of steak look like to you? It could be a nice porterhouse that’s been cooked to medium-well. Maybe it’s a ribeye and you prefer your steak well-done. It may even be a New York Strip that’s as rare as possible. Every great steak has one thing in common, however–it’s been seared properly to ensure that you get that nice bit of crust on the outside.

You see, there’s just something that’s incredibly special about the combination of textures that a well cooked piece of steak can provide you with. So how do you go about doing that? Step one is to get a gas grill, buy a propane tank, and get it set up. Sure, charcoal grills do have their benefits, but it’s our opinion (and we’ll readily admit that it could be biased) that using a propane grill is the best way to go.

Not quite convinced that you need to get that great crust on whatever type of meat it is that you happen to be cooking? That’s okay, because today’s blog will convince you otherwise. Keep reading to learn more!

Searing Your Meat Ensures That…

You Lock the Juices In

Perhaps the biggest advantage of developing a nice crust on your meat is that you’re trapping juices inside. We’ve seen over and over again that people say to never press down on your meat while you’re grilling for fear of losing all of the delicious juices inside. And that’s valid because so much of the awesome flavor you want your meat to have comes from the natural juices that are inside. If they get squeezed out, well…you’re kind of out of luck.

You Develop the Texture

Another great benefit of searing your meat is that it helps you to develop the texture of what you’re cooking. “What does the texture have to do with the flavor?” you ask. Great question. To put it simply, the human tongue appreciates different textures which means that when you get the smooth tastiness of the inside of the meat combined with the charred crustiness of the outside, your tongue is in for a treat. It’s satisfying to consume a piece of food in which the texture works in such a way as to enhance the overall experience of eating.

You’re a Well-Rounded Grillmaster

Of course you also have to consider your overall skills in front of a grill. Knowing how to get a nice sear is one of the keys to making sure that you’re well-rounded. Different dishes call for different grilling tactics so knowing how to get a nice sear is only going to ensure that you’re a bit more dangerous behind the grill. And that, friends and neighbors, is always a good thing.

So How Do I Develop the Crust?

When you buy a propane tank and cook with a gas grill, the best way to get a nice sear is to preheat your grill to high and simply throw your meat on when it’s ready. The common tactic is one that you’ll see described time and time again: sear both sides until they get nice grill marks, then transfer your meat to the cooler side of the grill to finish cooking.

Alternatively, and this is our preferred method, you could start cooking your preferred meat over medium to medium-high heat, cooking it nearly all the way to your preferred temperature, then transferring it to high heat to add the grill marks at the very end. We think this is the perfect way to enhance in the flavor and ensure that you have a piece of meat that’s perfectly cooked, locking in juices and adding to the overall experience.

Perhaps most importantly, we would advise you to experiment. Trust your taste buds. You’ve spent a number of years developing them and ultimately you’re the one who knows what tastes best to you, so don’t hesitate to roll with that! Practice makes perfect and experimentation is the spice of life (or in this case, the grill).

One other thing to note is that different meats grill up differently. Chicken is different than steak which is different than brats. Each of these foods benefits from a great crust, although they all benefit from different types of crust. Like we said above, don’t hesitate to experiment to find out what works best for you.

Find a Propane Tank Exchange Location Near You

Wondering where to buy a propane tank? We can help you out! Mighty Flame offers propane bottles for sale or exchange and we have a number of propane cylinder exchange locations in the United States, ensuring that no matter where you are or when you want to sear up the perfect steak, we’re always nearby. Stop in and see us today at a location near you!