Kitchen

Why Resting Meat Changes the Way It Cuts

Meat continues to redistribute heat after it leaves the pan, grill, or oven. Giving a larger steak or roast a short rest also allows the temperature and internal juices to become more evenly distributed before you cut into it.

The result is usually cleaner slicing and less liquid immediately running onto the cutting board. Resting is not a substitute for cooking to a safe temperature; it is a finishing step that improves the way properly cooked meat handles at the table.