What is the importance of letting meat rest after cooking?

Letting meat rest after cooking is crucial for ensuring optimal flavor and moisture retention. During the cooking process, the heat causes the juices within the meat to be pushed toward the center. If the meat is sliced immediately after cooking, those juices are likely to escape, leading to a drier texture and less overall flavor.

By allowing the meat to rest, typically for a period of time that can range from a few minutes to up to an hour for larger cuts, the juices have the opportunity to redistribute throughout the meat. This redistribution allows for a more succulent eating experience. The meat essentially reabsorbs some of the juices, resulting in a moisture-rich final dish with enhanced flavor.

While cooling is a natural consequence of resting, and flavor development can be affected, the most significant benefit pertains to the redistribution of juices, making it the most critical reason for this practice in culinary arts.