How to Cook a Perfect Steak in the Oven

2018-08-21

how

If you love steak, but you're not sure how to cook it properly in the oven, this is the guide for you. We'll walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right steak to seasoning and cooking it to perfection. So grab your apron and get ready to learn how to cook a steak that will impress your friends and family.

The first step is to choose the right steak. There are many different cuts of steak, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some of the most popular steak cuts include the ribeye, strip steak, and filet mignon. Once you've chosen your steak, you need to season it. There are many different ways to season a steak, but some of the most common methods include using salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add your own favorite herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile.

Once your steak is seasoned, it's time to cook it. The best way to cook a steak in the oven is to use a reverse sear method. This means that you'll start by cooking the steak at a low temperature in the oven, then finish it off by searing it in a hot skillet. This method will help you get a perfectly cooked steak that's juicy and flavorful.

How to Cook a Steak in the Oven

Follow these simple steps for a perfect steak:

Choose the right steak
Season the steak
Preheat the oven
Cook the steak in the oven
Sear the steak in a skillet
Let the steak rest
Slice the steak
Serve the steak

With a little practice, you'll be able to cook a steak in the oven that is juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.

Choose the right steak

The first step to cooking a great steak in the oven is to choose the right cut of meat. There are many different cuts of steak available, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some of the most popular cuts for oven-cooking include:

Ribeye: A well-marbled steak with a rich flavor. It's best cooked to medium-rare or medium.
Strip steak: A leaner steak with a slightly less intense flavor than the ribeye. It's also best cooked to medium-rare or medium.
Filet mignon: The most tender cut of steak, but also the most expensive. It's best cooked to medium-rare or rare.
T-bone steak: A combination of a strip steak and a tenderloin steak. It's a good choice for those who want a variety of flavors in one steak.

Once you've chosen your cut of steak, you need to decide how thick you want it to be. Steaks that are 1 inch thick or more are best for oven-cooking. Thinner steaks will cook too quickly and may become overcooked.

Finally, you need to choose the right grade of steak. The USDA grades steaks from Prime to Select to Standard. Prime steaks are the highest quality and have the most marbling, which means they will be the most tender and flavorful. Select steaks are a good value and still have a good amount of marbling. Standard steaks are the lowest quality and will be less tender and flavorful.

With a little practice, you'll be able to choose the perfect steak for your next oven-cooked meal.

Season the steak

Once you've chosen the right steak, it's time to season it. Seasoning the steak helps to enhance its natural flavor and create a delicious crust.

Salt: Salt is the most important seasoning for steak. It helps to draw out the steak's natural juices and create a savory crust. Season the steak with salt liberally, using about 1 teaspoon of salt per pound of steak.
Pepper: Pepper is another classic steak seasoning. It adds a bit of spice and depth of flavor. Season the steak with pepper to taste.
Garlic powder: Garlic powder is a great way to add a subtle garlicky flavor to steak. It's especially good when combined with other spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
Onion powder: Onion powder is another versatile steak seasoning. It adds a bit of sweetness and umami flavor. It's also a good choice for those who don't like the strong flavor of fresh onions.

You can also use other seasonings to flavor your steak, such as herbs, spices, and marinades. Be creative and experiment with different flavors to find what you like best.

Preheat the oven

Once you've seasoned your steak, it's time to preheat the oven. The temperature you need to preheat the oven to will depend on the thickness of your steak.

For steaks that are 1 inch thick or less: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
For steaks that are more than 1 inch thick: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

It's important to preheat the oven to the correct temperature before you put the steak in. This will help the steak to cook evenly and prevent it from overcooking.

To preheat the oven, simply turn it on and set the temperature to the desired setting. Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, the oven light will turn off. You can then put the steak in the oven.

While the oven is preheating, you can prepare a baking sheet or roasting pan for the steak. Line the baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup easier.

Once the oven is preheated and the baking sheet or roasting pan is prepared, you're ready to cook the steak.

Cook the steak in the oven

Once the oven is preheated and the baking sheet or roasting pan is prepared, you can cook the steak.

Place the steak on the prepared baking sheet or roasting pan. Make sure that the steak is not touching any other pieces of steak. If you are cooking multiple steaks, you may need to use two baking sheets or roasting pans.
Cook the steak for the desired amount of time. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and how you like it cooked. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10-12 minutes for rare, 12-15 minutes for medium-rare, 15-18 minutes for medium, and 18-20 minutes for medium-well. Add 5 minutes to the cooking time for each additional inch of thickness.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. The steak is done when it reaches the desired internal temperature. For rare steak, the internal temperature should be 125 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees Celsius). For medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 135 degrees Fahrenheit (57 degrees Celsius). For medium steak, the internal temperature should be 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius). For medium-well steak, the internal temperature should be 155 degrees Fahrenheit (68 degrees Celsius).
Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it more tender and flavorful.

Once the steak has rested, you can slice and serve it. Enjoy your delicious oven-cooked steak!

Sear the steak in a skillet

After the steak has cooked in the oven, you can sear it in a skillet to create a delicious crust. This step is optional, but it's highly recommended if you want a steak with a flavorful and crispy exterior.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little bit of oil or butter to the skillet. Once the oil or butter is hot, add the steak to the skillet.
Sear the steak for 1-2 minutes per side. Use a spatula to press down on the steak so that it makes good contact with the skillet. This will help to create a nice crust.
Once the steak is seared, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it more tender and flavorful.

Searing the steak in a skillet is a great way to add flavor and texture to your oven-cooked steak. It's a simple step that can make a big difference in the final product.

Once the steak has rested, you can slice and serve it. Enjoy your delicious oven-cooked and seared steak!

Let the steak rest

Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, it's important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it more tender and flavorful.

Remove the steak from the oven or skillet and place it on a cutting board or plate.
Tent the steak with aluminum foil. This will help to trap the heat and keep the steak warm while it rests.
Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak. A thicker steak will need to rest for longer than a thinner steak.

Once the steak has rested, you can slice and serve it. Slicing the steak against the grain will help to make it more tender. You can also top the steak with your favorite sauce or compound butter.

Letting the steak rest is an important step in the cooking process. It's a simple step that can make a big difference in the final product.

Slice the steak

Once the steak has rested, it's time to slice it.

Use a sharp knife to slice the steak against the grain. This will help to make the steak more tender.
Slice the steak into thin strips or thick slices, depending on your preference.
If you are serving the steak with a sauce, you can slice it into thin strips so that the sauce can coat the steak more easily.
If you are serving the steak without a sauce, you can slice it into thick slices so that it is more substantial.

Once the steak is sliced, you can serve it immediately. You can also top the steak with your favorite sauce or compound butter.

Serve the steak

Once the steak is sliced, it's time to serve it. There are many different ways to serve steak, but some of the most popular methods include:

Steak and potatoes: This is a classic pairing that is always a winner. You can serve the steak with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or french fries.
Steak and vegetables: This is a healthy and delicious way to serve steak. You can roast or grill your favorite vegetables and serve them alongside the steak.
Steak and salad: This is a lighter option that is perfect for a summer meal. You can serve the steak with a simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with grilled vegetables or fruit.
Steak sandwiches: This is a great way to use up leftover steak. You can slice the steak thinly and serve it on a bun with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion.

No matter how you choose to serve it, steak is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Here are a few tips for serving steak:

Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it more tender and flavorful.
Slice the steak against the grain. This will also help to make the steak more tender.
Serve the steak with your favorite sauce or compound butter. This will add extra flavor and richness to the steak.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to cook a steak in the oven:

Question 1: What is the best cut of steak for oven-cooking?
Answer 1: There are many different cuts of steak that can be cooked in the oven, but some of the most popular include ribeye, strip steak, filet mignon, and T-bone steak.

Question 2: How do I season a steak?
Answer 2: There are many different ways to season a steak, but some of the most common methods include using salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also use other seasonings, such as herbs, spices, and marinades.

Question 3: How long do I cook a steak in the oven?
Answer 3: The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and how you like it cooked. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10-12 minutes for rare, 12-15 minutes for medium-rare, 15-18 minutes for medium, and 18-20 minutes for medium-well. Add 5 minutes to the cooking time for each additional inch of thickness.

Question 4: How do I know when the steak is done?
Answer 4: The best way to tell if a steak is done is to use a meat thermometer. The steak is done when it reaches the desired internal temperature. For rare steak, the internal temperature should be 125 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees Celsius). For medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 135 degrees Fahrenheit (57 degrees Celsius). For medium steak, the internal temperature should be 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius). For medium-well steak, the internal temperature should be 155 degrees Fahrenheit (68 degrees Celsius).

Question 5: How do I rest a steak?
Answer 5: Once the steak is cooked, it's important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it more tender and flavorful.

Question 6: What are some good ways to serve steak?
Answer 6: There are many different ways to serve steak, but some of the most popular methods include serving it with potatoes, vegetables, salad, or steak sandwiches.

Question 7: Can I cook steak in the oven without searing it?
Answer 7: Yes, you can cook steak in the oven without searing it. However, searing the steak will give it a delicious crust and extra flavor.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about how to cook a steak in the oven. With a little practice, you'll be able to cook a perfect steak every time.

Here are a few additional tips for cooking a steak in the oven:

Tips

Here are a few additional tips for cooking a perfect steak in the oven:

Tip 1: Use a good quality steak. The quality of the steak will have a big impact on the final product. Look for steaks that are well-marbled and have a good amount of fat. This will help the steak to stay juicy and flavorful during cooking.

Tip 2: Season the steak liberally. Don't be afraid to season the steak generously with salt and pepper. You can also use other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs. Be sure to season the steak on both sides.

Tip 3: Preheat the oven to the correct temperature. The temperature of the oven will vary depending on the thickness of the steak. Be sure to preheat the oven to the correct temperature before cooking the steak.

Tip 4: Let the steak rest before slicing and serving. Once the steak is cooked, it's important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it more tender and flavorful.

With a little practice, you'll be able to cook a perfect steak in the oven every time. So next time you're in the mood for a delicious steak dinner, give this recipe a try.