Some beliefs are repeated so often that no one questions them anymore. These are the ones we hear most often, and why they’re not true.
“Searing meat prevents it from losing juices.” False, even though it sounds logical. Searing doesn’t create an impermeable barrier; what it does is generate the Maillard reaction, that golden crust that gives it flavor. Juices are retained by resting, not by searing.
“Medium-rare meat is ‘lucky raw meat.'” No. Medium-rare is a choice of texture and flavor, not an accident. Controlled internal temperature is what separates a juicy cut from a dry one, and choosing it isn’t risky when done well.
“All meat cooks the same.” Each cut has its own logic: a ribeye with its marbling behaves differently than a lean flank steak, which needs less time and more attention to cutting against the grain so it doesn’t become tough.
“The higher the heat, the faster and better.” High heat is for searing, not for cooking completely. Thick cuts need indirect heat and patience; otherwise, they’ll be burnt on the outside and raw on the inside.
“You check the doneness by cutting into the meat.” Every cut you make too early is juice lost forever. A good grill master knows by touch, not by incision.
The next time someone repeats one of these myths at your table, you’ll know what to say. And if you’d rather not argue and just test it with your fork, at La Vicenta Miyana, Vallejo, and Tezontle, we’ll show you.
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