Why I stopped browning meat before the slow cooker
I used to sear everything first because every recipe online swore by it. Then last March I threw a chuck roast in straight from the fridge with just salt and pepper. After 8 hours on low it came out more tender than any pre-seared version I've made in 6 years. The crust flavor cooks off anyway once it simmers in liquid all day. Has anyone else skipped browning and noticed the broth tastes cleaner and less greasy?
Buddy of mine did the same thing last fall with a pork shoulder. He skipped the sear, threw it in with some onions and a can of chipotles, and swore the broth came out way lighter. Said it tasted like the meat's own juice instead of a layer of browned fat floating on top. He's done it twice since then and won't go back.