2007-02-01 01:13:35 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
You don't absolutely have to, but if you pre-brown (or sear) the meat it seals in the juices and keeps the meat juicer. To be honest, there are many times when making beef stew, etc. I skip the pre-browning step and just toss the meat in. It is, however, more flavorful when I follow instructions. It's your call.
2007-02-01 01:18:03 · answer #1 · answered by dddanse 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You do not have to sear the meat before you put it in the crock pot, but you would get a better tasting product. Searing or browning the meat does NOT seal the juices into the meat. That is a huge myth many people believe. Searing caramelizes the outside giving it flavor and color. The flavor bits left on the bottom of the pan also add flavor to the cooking liquid which in return helps to flavor the meat.
2007-02-01 03:18:10 · answer #2 · answered by ynotfehc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it's not, and I usually never do, with the exception of ground beef. I've found that if I fry up the ground beef 1st, then I retain the larger pieces. If I just throw it into the crock pot raw, then it tends to almost disappear on me.
Hence, a chili with no big chunks of meat, just hot sauce with meat.
2007-02-01 01:40:26 · answer #3 · answered by IamMARE 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Necessary, no. Recommended many times, yes, depending on what you are cooking. If you are slow cooking a roast for example, it is better to quickly sear the meat on all sides to seal in the juices, as well as to adhere any spices you may want on the meat (ie if you salt and pepper it) for during the cooking process. However if you are cooking a chicken, or pieces, it is not really necessary.
2007-02-01 01:19:40 · answer #4 · answered by ~*Kim*~ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
About a year
2016-05-24 01:35:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not necessary, but it will seal in the juices so the meat doesn't dry out. Especially if you are cooking something like a roast. I've done it both ways, and it doesn't really make that big of a difference.
2007-02-01 01:18:26 · answer #6 · answered by buttercup 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think it's really necessary, but you do get a juicier product when it's all said and done. When you pre-brown the meat, you are basically searing it so that when it cooks, the juicies stay inside the meat.
2007-02-01 01:19:24 · answer #7 · answered by Zahra 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i do just seems to give the meat a nice color,,,but it is not necessary at all for a crockpot cooking,,, however if you are using the baking method it is cause the meat will be very dry
2007-02-01 02:05:12 · answer #8 · answered by cmhurley64 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That will depend on how long everything else is cooking for. Hamburger should be fine as long as it has a few hours to cook at full temperature. If you are worried, browning will guarantee its cooked.
2007-02-01 01:18:04 · answer #9 · answered by backdoc 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No it's not - that is the joy of owning a crockpot. Just throw everything in & cook on low all day long.....Quick, easy & delicious......
2007-02-01 02:08:56 · answer #10 · answered by sandypaws 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋