How do you char food w/out burning the seasoning also how do you sear food and what's the diff?

Question

I've tried dry rubs and it only worked once the other times stuff burns. Are you sposed to use olive oil or veg oil and heat that up 1st?

Answer 1

Char is open flame - Sear is in a pan

Either requires high heat and quick exposure, and it forms a crust on the outside to seal the juices inside -- which you then cook slowly to ensure that it is fully cooked all the way through.

Answer 2

I would not add seasoning to charred food till after. This is done over an open flame such as a grill. To char is to actually lightly BURN the item. To sear is to QUICKLY brown the meat to seal in the juices. You can season it first if searing.
Either way, it is a high, fast heat.

Answer 3

Just char it until it is charred to your liking (ie, it has the lines), then finish it in the oven. If you have a seasoning in a crust style then you are better off searing it in a pan, same with skin on fish, though it can be done, it's just harder.