Steak is a crowd-pleaser, but getting it just right can be tricky.
While grilling or pan-searing are popular methods, cooking steak in the oven is an easy and delicious option that delivers mouth-watering results. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a special occasion, knowing how to cook steak in the oven will certainly impress your guests.
Oven-cooked steak guarantees juicy and tender bites bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s a great alternative for those without access to a grill or who prefer not to use one.
Our comprehensive guide will teach you how to grill steak in the oven like a pro every time. Discover how to choose the perfect cut of meat, season it like a chef, and bake it in the oven for maximum tenderness and taste.
We’ll also share tips on determining when your steak is done and letting it rest before slicing. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home cook, we’ve got you covered.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests with perfectly cooked steak straight from your oven.
Contents
Choosing the Right Cut of Steak
Choosing the right cut of meat is essential for achieving a tender and delicious steak. Each cut has its unique level of tenderness, marbling, and fat content, making it crucial to select the one that suits your taste buds.
Let’s explore some of the most popular cuts of steak that are perfect for oven cooking. The ribeye is a fan favorite known for its rich flavor and tender texture.
Its high level of marbling and fat content makes it ideal for oven cooking. For a medium-rare doneness, cook the ribeye steak in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.
If you prefer a leaner cut of meat, consider the sirloin. Although leaner compared to other cuts, it still packs a punch of flavor.
Cook the sirloin steak in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes to achieve a medium-rare doneness. For those who crave a low-fat content cut with mild flavor and maximum tenderness, the tenderloin (also known as filet mignon) is your go-to choice.
Cook this cut in the oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes to achieve medium-rare perfection. Lastly, we have strip steak, which boasts bold flavors and excellent marbling.
While it has less fat content than ribeye, it still has more than sirloin. Cook strip steak in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes to achieve a medium-rare doneness.
To ensure your steak cooks evenly, select the right thickness according to your preferred doneness level. Thicker steaks require longer cooking times than thinner ones.
Additionally, make sure your steak is at room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking. Remember to keep things simple when seasoning your steak for oven cooking.
A sprinkle of salt and pepper or your favorite marinade will do the trick. Avoid overcrowding the pan by using a baking sheet or cast-iron skillet.
The length of time required will depend on the thickness and desired doneness.
Seasoning the Steak
To start, choose a quality cut of meat with marbling to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor. Before seasoning, pat your steak dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick.
For a classic taste, generously season both sides with salt and pepper. Or, experiment with additional herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.
For an even more complex flavor profile, create a dry rub using brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. And don’t forget about marinating.
Try a simple marinade made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to tenderize the meat and add extra flavor. Before cooking, let your seasoned steak sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to ensure even cooking throughout.
Preparing the Oven for Cooking
Preparing the oven for cooking is an essential skill that every steak lover should master.
The oven is like a stage, and the steak is the star performer. To ensure that your meal is a success, you need to follow specific steps to prepare the oven for cooking steak.
The first step is preheating the oven to the ideal temperature. Just like a singer who needs to warm up their vocal cords before a performance, your oven requires time to reach between 375°F to 450°F.
This temperature range is perfect for cooking steak in the oven. Once you’ve set the temperature, allow the oven to fully preheat before placing your steak inside.
This will ensure even cooking and prevent your steak from becoming tough or dry. Choosing the right cooking vessel is also crucial in preparing the oven for cooking steak.
A cast-iron skillet or baking sheet can distribute heat evenly and help cook your steak perfectly. Think of it like selecting the perfect instrument for a specific piece of music; each vessel has its own unique sound that can influence your steak’s final flavor.
If you prefer to use foil when grilling your steak, wrapping it tightly can prevent moisture from escaping and keep all of that delicious flavor inside. Imagine wrapping up a precious gift, and your steak is that precious present.
Finally, monitoring your steak’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer can help you achieve your desired degree of doneness. Think of it like keeping an eye on a soloist during their performance – you want to make sure they hit all the right notes to create a beautiful melody.
Cooking the Steak in the Oven
Cooking steak in the oven is an easy and hassle-free way to achieve a tender and juicy steak. With the right techniques, your steak will be the star of the show.
Before cooking, make sure your steak has been brought to room temperature and seasoned with salt and pepper. Then, preheat your oven to 400°F and place the steak on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
It’s like preparing a stage for a celebrity actor. For medium-rare, cook the steak for about 10-12 minutes, flipping it halfway through.
If you prefer medium, cook the steak for 12-14 minutes, and for well-done, cook it for 16-18 minutes. Regulate its internal temperature like a soloist hitting all the right notes.
If you like a crispy crust on your steak, broil it for the last few minutes of cooking. Turn on the broiler and let it heat up for a few minutes.
Then, place the steak under the broiler for 1-2 minutes per side until a crust forms. Give your presentation a little more flair.
It’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your steak is cooked to your desired degree of doneness. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 135°F, while medium should be 145°F and well-done should be 160°F.
Make sure all the instruments in an orchestra are working in harmony. For added flavor and tenderness, you can also cook your steak in foil.
Place it on top of a sheet of foil large enough to wrap around the steak fully. Add any desired seasonings or toppings before wrapping it tightly in foil.
For a medium-rare steak, bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes. In conclusion, cooking steak in the oven can be an easy and delicious alternative to grilling.
By following these simple tips and techniques, you can achieve a perfectly cooked and flavorful steak every time.
Resting the Steak After Cooking
Cooking the perfect steak is a fine art that demands attention to detail, patience, and a meat thermometer.
But what many people don’t realize is that the secret to a succulent and tender steak lies in the resting process. Resting your steak after cooking is just as important as cooking it to the right temperature.
Think of your steak as a performer on stage, giving an enthralling show. As the curtains fall, the audience is left applauding and clapping for more.
However, just like a performer needs time to relax and recharge after a show, your steak needs time to rest after cooking. During the cooking process, heat causes the juices to move towards the center of the steak.
If you slice into it immediately, all those delicious juices will flow onto the cutting board instead of remaining inside the meat. Resting allows those juices to redistribute back through the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy steak.
To rest your steak, take it out of the oven and place it on a cutting board or plate. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm while it rests.
The thickness of your steak will determine how long it should rest. As a general rule, let your steak rest for at least five minutes before slicing into it.
Think of this resting process as a mini-vacation for your steak, allowing it to relax and soak up all the flavorful notes that were created during cooking. Just like timing is everything when planning a holiday, proper timing is crucial when resting your steak.
Rushing your steak back to your table too soon will cause those precious juices to flow out onto your cutting board instead of remaining inside the meat. Conversely, if you let your steak sit for too long, it will become cold and lose its ideal temperature.
Well-Done Option for Cooking Steak in the Oven
Cooking a perfect steak can be a daunting task, especially if you prefer it well-done.
But fear not, with a bit of guidance and patience, you too can create a mouth-watering, juicy well-done steak cooked to perfection in the oven. To begin with, selecting the right cut of meat is crucial.
Lean cuts such as filet mignon or sirloin may not be ideal for well-done cooking as they tend to dry out quickly. Instead, opt for fattier cuts like ribeye or strip steak that retain more moisture during cooking.
Once you have chosen your desired cut of meat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the steak on a wire rack set in a baking sheet. This will allow air to circulate evenly around the steak and help it cook more uniformly.
Cook the steak for about 20-25 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Using a meat thermometer is essential for ensuring that your steak has reached the desired temperature.
Overcooking it can result in a tough and dry texture, so remove it from the oven as soon as it reaches the correct temperature. Another way to prevent overcooking and drying out your steak is by using foil during cooking.
After the first 10-15 minutes of cooking, wrap the steak in foil and continue cooking until it reaches the desired temperature. In summary, choosing the right cut of meat, monitoring its internal temperature with a meat thermometer, and using foil during cooking are all essential steps to create a well-done steak that is still juicy and flavorful when cooked in the oven.
Remember to take your time and allow your steak to cool before carving it into pieces.
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Conclusion
Cooking steak in the oven may seem intimidating, but it’s actually a quick and mouth-watering way to prepare this classic dish.
The key to achieving optimal tenderness and flavor is selecting the right cut of meat. Ribeye, sirloin, tenderloin (filet mignon), and strip steak are all popular choices for oven cooking.
To add some pizzazz to your steak, try experimenting with different seasonings like salt, pepper, or herbs and spices. Properly preparing the oven is also crucial to ensure even cooking and prevent your steak from becoming tough or dry.
Preheating the oven to 450 degrees F is recommended for cooking steak in the oven. Whether you’re using a baking sheet or grilling your steak, distributing heat evenly is just as important as cooking it to the correct temperature.
And speaking of temperature, don’t forget to monitor your steak’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Resting your cooked steak for at least five minutes before cutting into it will also help redistribute its juices back into the meat.
Even if you prefer a well-done steak, choosing a fattier cut such as ribeye or strip steak can help prevent overcooking and drying out your dish. And if you really want to take things up a notch, try using foil during cooking for an extra juicy result.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to whip up delectable steaks right from your own oven.
