Searing - what do I need?

tdub4 · January 30

I have read various posts regarding searing. Some talk about searing down by the fire (using a Spider or grill grate that fits down there) and others that don't specify. Can I assume that I can sear with a CI grid ontop of the fire ring at a very high temp (600-650) and then pull them off, lower the temp and put them back on the same grid for the roasting? Or do I need to modify the setup and use something near the lump and raise it up for the roasting? As always...thanks!

Richard Fl · January 30

You got the idea. Sear at high temp on the grate, remove meat and lower temp then replace meat to finish. The other toys just get you closer to the fire and eggcellerate the time.
Sometimes with a steak 1-2 inch or so thick, I will sear, shut the top and bottom down and just let the meat cook to my desired temp.

Eggcelsior · January 30

Also, look up "reverse searing". It's the opposite of what you mentioned and a little easier to regulate the temp.

Solson005 · January 30

I have a Swing Rack from Ceramic Grill Works it comes with a carbon steel grate and I use that at stock level for searing, it does a great job.

I could use the top tier to get down lower if I wanted but don't feel like I need to.

henapple · January 30

Reverse sear is all I do now.

BOWHUNR · January 30

I use a CGS Spider and a 13" CI grate for my large. Works great!

Mike

Skiddymarker · January 30

If you like the charred crust of a Chicago style sear, sear with a CI grid on the fire ring or right on the coals. Two methods that I know, very high heat, quick sear and then lower temp to finish, or 475-550 temp and sear, flip and sear, flip for diamonds, flip for diamonds - maybe on a 1-1/2" steak this takes from 6 to 8 minutes.

The other is reverse sear, cook indirect at 250-325 until internal is 5-10 below target, pull, cover, rest and change set-up to direct with high heat and finish sear. Usually less char, but more rub/meat flavor, IMHO.

Chubbs · January 30

BOWHUNR said:
I use a CGS Spider and a 13" CI grate for my large. Works great!

Mike

Same. Great setup.

tdub4 · January 30

Thanks for the replies...great information. @bowhunr and @chubbs after the sear do you lower the temp and finish it higher up in the egg or at the same level?

Lit · January 31

If you are going to do high heat first them shut it down be careful when you open it you will get a flashback. I recommend a hot tub. Season the steak then either food saver it or put it in a zip lock bag and suck the air out. Put it in a water bath at about 110 degrees for at least 30 minutes try to get closer to an hour. You will need to add water several times to maintain temp and then all you do is sear it a couple minutes tops each side and its done.

nolaegghead · January 31

I can't believe nobody's mentioned MANGRATES. Fo' Shame.

paqman · January 31

The first toy I purchased after getting my egg was the spider with a CI grate. It is a great setup because you can sear without having to raise the temperature too high so you don't have to pause after searing. You sear on the CI grate close to the lump and then continue to cook to temp on the regular grate all this at about 450F.

If I had to make the purchase over again, I would still get the spider for wok cooking but I would not get the CI grate. I now sear directly on the coals and finish on the regular grate.

Chubbs · January 31

tdub4 said:
Thanks for the replies...great information.

@bowhunr and @chubbs after the sear do you lower the temp and finish it higher up in the egg or at the same level?

You can do either. Sometimes I will throw my regular grate on the fire ring after the seat to finish them. Depends on the cut. Skirt steak for fajitas, I just sear down low on both sides then pull and rest. Hits temp quickly because of how thin. Thick ribeyes get the sear then move to top. Can't go wrong either way. Just okay around and have fun.

BOWHUNR · January 31

tdub4 said:

Thanks for the replies...great information. @bowhunr and @chubbs after the sear do you lower the temp and finish it higher up in the egg or at the same level?

After I sear them on the spider I cool the egg down, install my Woo with the stock grid and finish them at 400* at the gasket level.

Mike

odie91 · February 1

I throw this on my turkey fryer and sear, then put steak in the egg already at proper dome temperature. But I'm impatient and don't feel like searing in Egg and then waiting for it to drop to temperature.

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Searing - what do I need?

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