What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sear
Example
Sear the steak on both sides for 2 minutes. [sear: verb]
Example
The heat from the fire seared his skin. [seared: past participle]
blacken
Example
I like my catfish blackened with Cajun seasoning. [blackened: adjective]
Example
The bread was blackened from being left in the toaster too long. [blackened: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sear is more commonly used in professional kitchens, while blacken is more commonly used in home cooking and regional cuisine.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between sear and blacken?
Both sear and blacken are versatile and can be used in various formality levels, allowing them to be used in both formal and informal contexts.