Cooking a steak might appear straightforward at first glance – requiring just a hot pan, a touch of seasoning and a few minutes on either side. Yet, pulling off the dish is more challenging than it sounds. Overcooking can leave the meat chewy and dry, while undercooking might leave you with a steak that’s still mooing on the plate. The problems don’t end there – as you’ve also got to perfect the taste, consistency and crust. It’s a lot to juggle – and achieving the
perfect sear is a struggle that many home cooks battle with. Thankfully, there are plenty of tips and tricks that can be incredibly helpful. Chef Mike Alfarah recently shared an unusual but effective technique on his TikTok page. While the recipe is unique, it apparently creates steak that’s well seared, extra flavoursome and seriously juicy inside. So here’s everything you need to know. In a tutorial video, Mike revealed that many people have been slathering their steak in mayonnaise before searing. Yes, you’ve read that
right! While it might sound like a peculiar notion, applying a thin coating of mayo to steak before pan-frying can be effective because the condiment is essentially oil and egg emulsified (typically with a touch of acid). When used correctly, it assists in browning the surface uniformly and can minimise sticking. It provides more fat than oil alone – and doesn’t appear to scorch as readily as butter does in the pan. Testing the technique himself, chef Mike commented: “Even though I’ve heard of this
hack a few times, I’m not really a mayo fan but in the name of steak science, it’s only right we give it a try!” Chef Mike predicted: “I’m pretty confident this is going to work really well because mayo is fat and that’s the key to a good sear and you better believe I’m going to use that fat from the mayo [in the pan] to baste the steak as well.” Revealing the mouth-watering outcome, Mike remarked: “From the looks of it, we have
a pretty perfect sear, and again, I’m not surprised that this worked really well, but I am really curious. Did it affect the taste?” Enthusiastically presenting his flawlessly cooked steak to his audience, Mike declared: “Not only did that give a perfect sear but it tastes incredible”. Viewers were floored by the unconventional method, yet they still expressed their eagerness to try it themselves. One commented: “Yes, trying it. Works on chicken and grilled sandwiches, too!”
steak sear, mayonnaise hack, pan-frying, cooking tips, chef Mike Alfarah, juicy steak, even browning
Mayo on steak?? That seems gross but I guess people’ll do anything now.
Okay wait so it’s basically oil and egg right? I’ve heard of mayo for chicken before, but steak feels like a jump. Does it taste like mayo at all or is it totally gone when you sear?
I tried something like this once and my steak came out kinda sweet?? Like idk if it was the brand of mayo or the pan was too hot. Also if butter doesn’t scorch why not just use butter? This just sounds like extra steps for the same result.
So the trick is mayo because it has fat… got it. But isn’t mayonnaise like, already cooked? Like it’s egg and oil so wouldn’t that just make it slippery? Also I feel like this is gonna get messy and then everyone’s gonna be like “perfect crust” but my luck I’d end up with mayo burn smell and a sad steak. Still though, if it really helps browning, I might try just a tiny smear.