There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak. The slightly pink center with a crispy exterior will satisfy any carnivorous craving. But achieving this level of perfection can be challenging, especially if you’re cooking in an oven.
Fear not, though, as we have put together a foolproof guide that will show you how to prepare a mouth-watering medium-rare steak at 400 in oven. With just a few simple tips and tricks, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills in no time!
Understand The Basics Of Cooking A Medium-rare Steak.
- Get the Right Tools: Invest in an instant-read meat thermometer for an accurate temperature reading.
- Check the Steak: Begin to check the steak at about 4 minutes of cooking with the thermometer.
- Target Temperature: Aim for an internal temperature of around 130 degrees for a medium-rare steak.
- Cooking Time: If you want your steaks medium rare, cooking in the oven at 350F will require 7 to 10 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your steak.
- Rest Time: Give your meat a break and let it sit loosely covered with foil for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Sear the Steak for Flavor: To cook a medium-rare steak, sear it in a hot cast-iron skillet over high heat for about four minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees.
- Don’t Overcook: Avoid overcooking by watching the thermometer and taking the steak off the heat once it reaches the desired temperature.
- Grill Marks: Use high heat and flip the steak only once to get the perfect grill marks.
- Levels of Doneness: Remember that medium-rare is officially defined as steak cooked to an internal temperature of 135 degrees, while rare steak is achieved at 130 degrees.
- Enjoy!: Now that you know the basics, enjoy a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak with your favorite sides and a glass of wine.
How To Cook A Perfectly Cooked Medium-rare Steak At 400 In Oven?
Cooking a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak in the oven at 400 degrees requires a few simple steps. First, removing the steaks from the fridge for at least 20 minutes is essential before starting to ensure even cooking. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. After searing the steaks in a hot skillet for 5 minutes, transfer them to the oven and bake for 6-8 minutes per side.
For medium doneness, bake for 8-10 minutes per side. The timing will depend on the thickness of the cut of meat, so be sure to check the steak’s internal temperature with a thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the perfect temperature is reached, remove your steak from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Choose The Right Cut Of Steak
When it comes to choosing the right cut of steak, it’s all about personal preference. What one person may not suit someone else’s taste. That’s why it’s important to know your own preferences and what cuts of meat you enjoy most. Some steak enthusiasts prefer ribeye for its excellent marbling throughout, while others can’t resist a tender filet mignon.
The key is to buy cuts of meat from the top and center of the steer, where the best meat comes from. A flank steak may be the right choice for those looking for a more affordable and leaner option. Whatever cut you choose, look for a tender one with good fat content for maximum flavor.
Ultimately, the proper cut of steak depends on individual preference, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try different cuts until you find your perfect match.
Preheat The Oven To 400 Degrees Fahrenheit To Prepare the Steak
Ensuring that the oven is preheated to the right temperature is crucial when preparing a delicious steak. Preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for perfect baking a steak. It is important to ensure that the oven has reached the desired temperature before placing the steak inside to avoid prolonged exposure to the oven’s heat. It is recommended to let the steak hang outside of the fridge for around 30 minutes while the oven is preheating.
This will allow the steak to reach room temperature and ensure even cooking throughout. Once the oven is preheated, the steak can be seasoned with salt and pepper and placed on a wire rack over a baking tray before being placed in the oven. For thicker cuts of steak, like a ribeye or filet mignon, baking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for around 8-10 minutes will result in a medium-done steak, while thinner cuts can be cooked for a shorter time.
Season The Steak
When it comes to seasoning steak, it’s important to use plenty of salt, especially coarse kosher salt. The best way to season a steak is to sprinkle a generous amount of salt on both sides about 45 minutes before cooking, allowing it to penetrate and flavor the meat fully.
Just before cooking, add any other herbs or seasonings of choice, pressing them firmly onto the surface of the meat. For thicker cuts, it’s important to use even more seasoning to ensure a rich, flavorful taste. Allowing the steaks to come to room temperature before cooking also ensures even seasoning and perfect texture.
Cooking The Steak At 400 In Oven
Cooking steak in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit can be an excellent option for those who don’t have access to an outdoor grill or prefer to cook indoors. Preheat the oven to 400°F and season the steak with your desired spices. While the oven is heating up, sear the steak on both sides in a cast iron skillet for about 2 1/2 minutes per side.
Once you’ve achieved a golden-brown crust on the steak, transfer it to the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature, aiming for 160°F for medium doneness. After cooking, let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.
With good timing and the right temperature, cooking steak in the oven can produce a delicious, tender meal.
Finish Cooking The Steak In The Oven
If you want to cook the perfect steak, finishing it in the oven is a great way to achieve the sizzling, juicy tenderness you crave. To start, take the steaks out of the fridge about 30-45 minutes before cooking and let them come to room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat the oven and sear the meat in a cast iron skillet for a few minutes on each side until it browns.
Most cuts of steak will get a uniform, crisp brown rather quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Then, transfer the skillet directly into the oven and roast the meat for another 5-15 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. It may be tempting to keep peeking but try to avoid doing so while the steak cooks.
Once done, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it open and enjoying your perfectly cooked meal’s delicious aroma and taste.
Read more:
- Why Does Steak Taste Like Liver?
- How Much Steak Per Serving? Balancing Meat Consumption
- The Complete Protein: Why Steak Is Health?
Check The Steak’s Temperature
When it comes to cooking steak, everyone has their own preference for how they like it. Some prefer a well-done steak, while others opt for a juicy medium-rare. Regardless of how you want it, ensuring it is cooked to the right temperature is the most important factor in cooking a steak. A meat thermometer is one of the best ways to achieve this. To use it, insert the metal prod into the center of each steak and take a temperature reading.
The thermometer should be placed in the thickest part of the beef, not touching any bone or fat. Measuring the temperature accurately is important, as an undercooked steak can lead to health risks, while an overcooked steak can result in a tough, dry texture. By following a temperature guide, such as 125°F for rare or 130-135°F for medium-rare, one can ensure their steak is cooked to their desired level of doneness.
Next time you cook steak, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature and achieve a perfectly cooked and delicious meal.
Allow The Steak To Rest Before Serving
When cooking the perfect steak, allowing it to rest before serving is a crucial step that should be considered. Giving the steak a few minutes to rest can reduce the number of juices lost when cutting into the meat. For thinner cuts of meat, it is recommended to rest them for at least 5-7 minutes.
Aim to rest the thicker cuts for 10-20 minutes to allow the juices to migrate back to the edges. It is important to note that cooked meat should be allowed to rest before cutting to permit the juices to be reabsorbed into the meat’s fibers. By skipping this step, you risk losing juiciness and tenderness. Therefore, as a rule of thumb, let your meat sit out for 60 minutes before cooking and rest it for one minute for every 100 grams of meat.
Remember, by allowing your steak to rest before serving, you can ensure that it is tender, juicy, and flavorful.
Serve And Enjoy Your Perfectly Cooked Medium-rare Steak
Serving and enjoying a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak is a delicious experience for all steak lovers. To achieve this perfect level of doneness, a meat thermometer is crucial to ensure the steak reaches an internal temperature of 135°F / 57.2°C. Once cooked, the steak should be juicy, tender, and rich, with a beefy flavor and no cold spots.
A great way to cook a medium-rare steak is to use a smoking-hot, cast-iron skillet, which can help create a nice char-grilled flavor. When serving, a pro tip is to sauté some garlic in oil to give the extra steak flavor and prevent the butter from burning. A perfectly cooked medium-rare steak is a mouth-watering dish that can be enjoyed at any mealtime, served alongside some vegetables or a baked potato.
With proper cooking and storage, there’s no need to worry about food-borne illness, so sit back and savor every bite of your delicious steak!
Tips For Achieving The Perfect Medium-rare Steak Every Time
- Choose the Right Cut: To achieve the perfect medium-rare steak, it’s important to start with the right cut of meat. Filet Mignon, ribeye, and sirloin are great options for grilling or pan-searing.
- Let it Come to Room Temperature: Before cooking, make sure your steak has time to come to room temperature. This will help it cook more evenly.
- Season Correctly: Salt and pepper are simple and classic seasonings for steak. Add a little garlic powder or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Control the Heat: Achieving the perfect medium-rare steak depends on controlling the heat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 130°F.
- Time it Right: Cooking time varies depending on the thickness of the steak. For a 1-inch steak, cook for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium rare.
- Use the Right Cooking Method: Grilling, pan-searing, and sous vide cooking are all great options for achieving a medium-rare steak.
- Rest it Before Slicing: After cooking, allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute for a more tender and flavorful steak.
- Don’t Forget the Sear: For an extra touch of flavor and texture, sear the steak for 1-2 minutes on each side after cooking.
By following these tips, anyone can achieve the perfect medium-rare steak every time. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Q: What is the perfect oven temperature for a medium-rare steak?
A: The perfect oven temperature for a medium-rare steak is 400°F.
Q: How long should a steak be cooked in the oven for medium-rare?
A: The perfect cooking time for a medium-rare steak in the oven at 400°F should be between 7 and 10 minutes.
Q: How do you know when a steak is done cooking?
A: The internal temperature of the steak should be 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 150°F for medium-well, and 160°F for well-done. Additionally, the color of the steak should be slightly pink in the center for medium-well and well-done and completely pink for rare and medium-rare.
Q: Before baking the steak in the oven, can you sear it first?
A: You can sear the steak first before baking it in the oven. Sear for 5 minutes and then bake the steak in the oven for the desired amount of time based on the preferred level of doneness.
Q: How long should a steak rest before cooking?
A: The steak should be removed from the fridge at least 20 minutes before starting to allow it to come to room temperature before cooking.
Q: What is the recommended cooking time for a 1-inch-thick steak cooked to medium doneness?
A: A 1-inch-thick steak cooked to medium doneness should take about 15 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking time.
Q: What is the recommended cooking time for a steak cooked to medium-rare or medium in the oven?
A: A medium-rare steak should be baked for 6-8 minutes per side. A medium steak should be baked for 8-10 minutes per side.
Q: What are the perfect oven temperature and cooking time for a medium-well or well-done steak?
A: For a medium-well steak, sear the outsides first, then bake it in the oven for about 10-12 minutes until the temperature is around 150°F and the color is slightly pink in the center. For a well-done steak, sear the outsides first, then bake it in the oven for 6-8 minutes per side until the temperature is 160°F and no pink is left in the center.
Conclusion
There you have it! There are simple steps for achieving a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak in the oven at 400 degrees. Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust based on your personal preferences. Now it’s your turn to try it, and let us know how it turns out. Happy cooking!
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