To sear or not to sear - slow cooking beef dishes

Question

I want to make beef goulash in my slow cooker (first time). The instructions call for adding the beef as is. Something in my gut (rightly or wrongly) tells me to sear it first. Will it turn out basically the same if I don't sear? I'm a little concerned because of the summer temperatures but would love it if I can just plop in the completely raw beef safely.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Will it work without searing it first? Yes.

Will it have as much flavor? No.

Searing does two things: Create flavor through the browning process and jump-start cooking. Searing does not "lock in juices". The mere sound of the sizzling that goes on is indication that juices are exuding and sizzling against the hot cooking surface.

Benefit of Searing for a Slow Cooker or Pressure Cooker recipe: In the case of preparing meat in a slow cooker or in a pressure cooker, the purpose of first searing the meat is to brown the meat for better flavor.

If you have the time and don't mind having another pan to clean, then sear the meat before adding it to your slow cooker. If time does not permit then it will still work to put the meat in without first searing, the flavor of the finished dish will just be a bit more subtle and not as "meaty".

Answer 2

Searing the meat has 3 advantages:

1. Gives the meat a tasty crust.
2. Gives you what you need to start a tasty beef gravy from what remains in the frying pan.
3. Helps the meat hold together better during the long, slow cook.

Disadvantages:

1. Takes more preparation time.
2. Gives you more pans to clean.

Answer 3

Searing starts off the Maillard flavour reactions that are really important. However, searing individual cubes of meat can be very messy and time consuming. I've now started getting large slices or chunks of braising steak, searing on both sides, then cutting them into cubes for further cooking

Answer 4

You don't need to sear it before cooking in your oven, but doing it adds a flavor I don't wanna miss.

Also, you can sear it after you haved cooked it, as there is no difference in searing it before. This is my preferred method, as the crust is a little "fresher" than first searing it before cooking.