There’s something special about a perfectly cooked steak that can make any meal feel like a luxurious feast. And while grilling may be the go-to method, sometimes the weather or lack of outdoor space can make it impossible. So, how do you cook a mouth-watering steak in the comfort of your own kitchen? One way is in the oven. But how long should you cook steak in the oven? Join us as we delve into the world of oven-baked steaks and find the perfect cook time for your next steak dinner.
What Kind Of Steak Works Well In The Oven?
When it comes to cooking steak in the oven, not all cuts are created equal. Some steaks work better in the oven than others. Here are some cuts that work well for oven cooking:
1. Ribeye: This rich and juicy steak is perfect for oven cooking. It has plenty of marbling, which helps to keep the meat tender and adds flavor.
2. Filet Mignon: This tender cut is perfect for oven cooking. It cooks quickly and evenly and is perfect for a special occasion.
3. Sirloin: This lean cut works well in the oven. It has a good beefy flavor and a tender texture if cooked properly.
4. Strip Steak: This cut is similar to the ribeye but leaner. It has a good balance of tenderness and flavor and is perfect for oven cooking.
5. Skirt Steak: This flavorful cut is perfect for oven cooking. It’s lean and cooks quickly, making it a good choice for weeknight dinners.
When choosing a steak for oven cooking, it’s important to consider the thickness of the cut. Thicker cuts, such as ribeye and filet mignon, are better suited for oven cooking than thinner cuts, such as flank or skirt steak. Keep in mind that cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the steak, so it’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the steak reaches the desired doneness.
As Bon Appetit notes, “Use the oven to cook thicker steaks (the ones that are two inches or more) and thicker fish filets.” With this guide, you’ll be able to choose the right cut for your next steak dinner in the oven.
The Advantages Of Cooking Steak In The Oven:
Adv of Cooking Steak in the Oven:
- Consistent results: Cooking steak in the oven allows for more precise temperature control, resulting in a more evenly cooked steak every time.
- Healthier option: Oven cooking doesn’t require added fats or oils like pan-frying or grilling, making it a healthier cooking option.
- Better for larger cuts: Oven cooking is ideal for larger cuts of steak, ensuring that the center is cooked thoroughly without burning the outside.
- Saves time: Cooking steak on the stovetop or grill requires constant attention, while oven cooking allows you to set a timer and walk away.
- More convenient: Bad weather or limited outdoor space can be a hindrance to grilling, but oven cooking provides a convenient indoor alternative.
- Space-saving: Cooking steak in the oven means you don’t need a separate cooking surface, freeing up space on your stovetop or grill.
- Perfect for meal prep: Oven cooking makes it easy to cook multiple steaks at once, making meal prep a breeze.
“It’s a technique that’s quickly becoming popular since it’s easy and hands-off,” says food writer Carlos C. Olaechea. “Plus, it makes it easy to guarantee perfectly tender steak every time.”
How Long Should You Cook Steak In The Oven?
Are you tired of grilling steak and want to switch it up? Look no further! Cooking steak in the oven is a great alternative that can yield equally tasty results. But how long should you cook it? It depends on several factors such as the cut of the steak, thickness, and desired level of doneness.
According to Spend With Pennies, a thick steak should take about 10-15 minutes in a 425°F oven. However, thinner steaks like skirts or flanks should only take 6 minutes under the broiler. Using a meat thermometer is important to ensure your steak is cooked to your liking.
To achieve the perfect steak in the oven, always bring your steak to room temperature before cooking and season it with plenty of salt and pepper. A hot skillet is key for thick cuts, while the broiler works best for thinner cuts. Remember to let your steak rest before slicing to allow the juices to distribute evenly.
But be cautious of potential pitfalls, like overcooking your steak or pressing on it while cooking. Spend With Pennies warns against leaving the steak in the oven too long and suggests resting it for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try other oven cooking methods like sous vide before finishing it off in the oven or searing it in a cast iron skillet before baking.
In conclusion, cooking steak in the oven can be a great alternative to grilling. Use these tips and tricks to achieve the perfect steak every time.
Factors To Consider When Deciding How Long To Cook Steak In The Oven?
Cooking steak in the oven is a quick and easy way to achieve delicious results. However, it’s important to consider several factors when deciding how long to cook your steak. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- The cut of the steak: Different cuts of steak have different thicknesses and densities, which can affect cooking time. For example, a thick ribeye steak takes longer than a thin tenderloin steak.
- The desired level of doneness: Everyone prefers how they like their steak cooked, from rare to well-done. Keep in mind that the longer you cook the steak, the less juicy it will be.
- The oven temperature: A higher oven temperature will cook the steak faster, but you risk overcooking it. A lower oven temperature will take longer to cook but can result in a more tender and juicy steak.
- The resting time: After you remove the steak from the oven, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more flavorful steak.
As chef Alton Brown puts it, “Cooking is like snowflakes. No two steaks are alike.” Remember these factors when cooking your steak in the oven, and adjust cooking time accordingly to achieve the perfect steak for your taste buds.
How To Test The Doneness Of Your Steak?
Testing the doneness of your steak is essential to ensure that it is cooked to perfection. Here are some ways to test the doneness of your steak:
1. Use a Meat Thermometer: Insert the thermometer into the center of the steak without touching the bone or any fat. The internal temperature of the steak should be:
- 125°F for rare
- 130°F to 135°F for medium-rare
- 135°F to 145°F for medium
- 145°F to 155°F for medium-well
- Over 155°F for well done
2. The Finger Test: Press the center of the steak with your index finger. It is rare if it feels like touching the tip of your chin. If it feels like touching your cheek, it is medium-rare. If it feels like touching your forehead, it is well done.
3. The Color Test: Check the color of the juice that comes out of the steak. If it is clear and red, the steak is still rare. If it is pink, the steak is medium-rare. If it is light brown, the steak is medium. If it is brown, the steak is well done.
Remember to remove the steak from the heat source at 5°F before it reaches your desired doneness because the steak will continue to cook while resting. For best results, use a combination of these tests to ensure your steak is perfectly cooked.
As Alton Brown says, “Testing meat doneness with a thermometer may be geeky, but it’s also foolproof.”
Potential Pitfalls To Avoid:
Cook steak in the oven is a great alternative to grilling it outside, but avoiding potential pitfalls is important to achieve the perfect steak. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Not Bringing the Steak to Room Temperature: Cold meat will seize in a hot environment, so make sure to let it sit out for about 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures the heat penetrates the meat evenly and results in consistent doneness.
- Not Preheating the Pan or Grill: Properly preheating the cooking surface is essential to achieving a good sear and caramelization. A hot cooking surface is crucial for maximizing flavor potential.
- Overcooking or Undercooking the Steak: Achieving the ideal level of doneness is crucial for a succulent and perfectly cooked steak. Rely on accurate cooking times, internal temperature measurements, and visual cues to determine doneness.
- Skipping the Resting Period: Slicing the steak too early can result in all the flavor getting wasted on the cutting board and a tough, chewy steak. Let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Not Using Enough Salt and Pepper: Salt brings out the flavor, and using freshly ground black pepper makes a huge difference. Don’t be shy with the salt; pass on the spice jar for the pepper.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a perfectly cooked steak in the oven that rivals any grilled steak. Remember to practice patience, precision, and attention to detail for the best results.
Tips For Achieving The Perfect Steak In The Oven
Are you looking to achieve the perfect steak cooked in the oven? Look no further, as we have gathered some tips from the experts at Spend With Pennies and Best Oven-Steak Recipe:
1. Bring steak to room temperature before cooking.
“Cold meat will seize in a hot environment. Let it hang outside of the fridge for about 30 minutes while you preheat your oven,” says Best Oven-Steak Recipe.
2. Preheat the oven to the right temperature.
“For thicker cuts of steak (like ribeye or filet mignon) 450° is your magic number. For thinner steaks like flank and skirt, you’re better off just using the broiler,” advises Best Oven-Steak Recipe.
3. Sear the steak on the stovetop before transferring it to the oven.
“Preheat the pan to ensure it’s very hot before browning the steaks,” says Spend With Pennies.
4. Use a meat thermometer.
“Be sure not to overcook. Do not press on steaks as they cook. This presses out the juices,” warns Spend With Pennies.
5. Let the steak rest before slicing.
“Get too eager and slice too early, and all that flavor gets wasted on the cutting board. One of the most common reasons for tough and chewy steak is incorrectly slicing it. Going against the grain means slicing perpendicularly to the grain of the meat,” explains Best Oven-Steak Recipe.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be sure to impress with a perfectly cooked steak in the oven!
Other Oven Cooking Methods For Steak:
Other Oven Cooking Methods for Steak:
1. Sous Vide Method: “This method involves cooking your steak in a vacuum-sealed bag in a water bath for an extended period of time, usually around an hour or more. It allows for precise temperature control resulting in a perfectly cooked steak every time.”
2. Reverse Sear Method: “Start by seasoning your steak and roasting it at a low temperature in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 10 degrees below your desired doneness. Then sear it in a hot pan or on the grill to finish cooking and get a delicious crispy crust.”
3. Broiling Method: “Preheat your oven’s broiler, season your steak, and place it on a broiler pan or wire rack. Broil for about 4 minutes on each side until you have a nice char and the desired temperature is reached.”
4. Sheet Pan Method: “Season your steak and place it on a sheet pan with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions. Roast in the oven until the steak is cooked to your liking and the vegetables are tender and caramelized.”
No matter which method you choose, always make sure to let your steak rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures a juicy and flavorful steak every time. Experiment with these different methods and find your new go-to way of cooking steak in the oven!
FAQ:
Q: How long should I cook steak in the oven?
A: The cooking time for steak in the oven depends on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. As a general rule, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook a 1-inch thick steak.
Q: How should I prepare the steak before cooking it in the oven?
A: To prepare steak before cooking it in the oven, bring it to room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. Then, trim any excess fat, pat the steak dry with a paper towel, and rub it with oil—season generously with sea salt (or kosher salt) and pepper.
Q: Should I sear the steak before baking it in the oven?
A: It is recommended to sear the steak before baking it in the oven to create a caramelized crisp outside and tender and juicy inside. To sear the steak, heat a large oven-safe skillet over high heat on the stove and add the steak to the hot skillet. Sear on each side for 1 minute before baking the skillet in the oven.
Q: How do I know when the steak is done?
A: The steak’s internal temperature is the best indicator of its doneness. To check the temperature, use a meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the steak. As a general rule, the internal temperature of a rare steak should be around 125°F, medium-rare steak should be around 135°F, medium steak should be around 145°F, medium-well steak should be around 150°F, and well-done steak should be around 160°F or higher.
Q: How long should I let the steak rest before slicing it?
A: Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This ensures that the steak remains juicy and tender.
Q: Can I make a pan sauce for the steak while it rests?
A: You can make a pan sauce for the steak while it rests. Add butter, garlic, and other seasonings to the skillet and stir until fragrant. Pour in the wine and scrape the skillet to loosen any bits. Stir in cream and simmer for a few minutes more. Top the steak with the sauce before serving.
Q: According to the USDA, what is the recommended temperature and resting time for steak?
A: According to the USDA, the minimum recommended temperature for steak is 145°F with a 3-minute rest. This ensures that harmful bacteria are destroyed, and the steak is safe to eat.
Q: What types of steak are best for cooking in the oven?
A: Any steak can be cooked in the oven, but some cuts like ribeye, top sirloin, and filet mignon are especially well-suited for this cooking method.
Q: What should I serve with oven-baked steak?
A: Oven-baked steak can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as potatoes, vegetables, salad, or bread. Some popular options include baked potatoes, roasted asparagus, Caesar salad, or garlic bread.
Q: How long can leftover cooked steak be stored in the refrigerator?
A: Leftover cooked steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be reheated in the oven, on the stove, or in the microwave.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cooking steak in the oven is a viable and delicious option for any home cook. With just a few simple steps, anyone can create a perfectly cooked steak that is both juicy and flavorful. Some key takeaways from our research include:
- Bringing the steak to room temperature before Cooking is crucial to prevent it from seizing and becoming tough.
- Thicker cuts of steak (like ribeye or filet mignon) are best cooked at 450° in the oven, while thinner cuts (like flank or skirt) are better under the broiler.
- Seasoning the steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper is a must to enhance its flavors.
- Letting the steak rest for a few minutes after Cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful end result.
It’s worth noting that cooking times can vary depending on the thickness and type of steak being cooked and personal preference for how rare or well done it should be. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches the desired level for safe consumption.
So whether you prefer a thick and juicy filet mignon or a thinner and more affordable cut like flank steak, the oven can be a reliable tool for creating a delicious and satisfying meal right at home. As the author Alton Brown once said, “I cook with wine; sometimes, I even add it to the food.” So grab a bottle, fire up the oven, and enjoy a perfectly cooked steak tonight.