Broiler Prep for Searing Steaks

How to set up your broiler for optimum cooking results.

COLD SETUP: Before preheating your oven and with your oven racks adjusted to the upper-middle and lower-middle positions, place a wire rack on top of a 3-inch-deep disposable aluminum pan and place it on the upper-middle rack. Place the steaks on top of the rack and use a ruler to measure the distance between the top of the steaks and the heating element of the broiler. For optimal searing, there should be 1/2 inch to 1 inch of space.

MEASURE AND ADJUST: If there is more than 1 inch of space, here's how to close the gap: Elevate the aluminum pan by placing it on an inverted rimmed baking sheet; use a deeper-sided disposable aluminum pan; or stack multiple aluminum pans inside one another. If there's less than 1/2 inch of space, adjust the oven rack or use a shallower pan.