A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Steak in the Oven
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a delicious steak dinner at home or wanting to impress your guests with a perfectly cooked steak, learning how to cook steak in the oven can be a game-changer. While grilling is often the go-to method for cooking steaks, using the oven can yield equally juicy and flavorful results. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of cooking steak in the oven, from selecting the right cut of meat to achieving your desired level of doneness.
Choosing the Right Cut
The first step in cooking steak in the oven is selecting the right cut of meat. Different cuts have varying levels of tenderness and flavors. Some popular choices for oven-cooked steaks include ribeye, filet mignon, and New York strip. Ribeye steaks are known for their marbling and rich flavor, while filet mignon offers a tender texture. New York strip steaks strike a balance between tenderness and flavor. Consider your personal preferences when choosing a cut for your oven-cooked steak.
Preparing Your Steak
Once you have chosen your preferred cut of steak, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. Start by taking your steak out of the refrigerator and allowing it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking throughout. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While you wait for the oven to reach temperature, pat dry your steak with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps promote better browning during cooking.
Next, season your steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add additional herbs or spices according to your taste preferences if desired. Allow the seasoned steak to rest at room temperature for another 10 minutes before moving on to the next step.
Cooking the Steak
To cook your steak in the oven, you will need a cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe pan. Heat the skillet over high heat until it becomes hot. Once hot, add a small amount of oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil. Carefully place your seasoned steak into the hot skillet and sear it for about 2 minutes on each side. This initial searing helps to develop a flavorful crust on the steak.
After searing, transfer the skillet with the steak directly into the preheated oven. Cook your steak for about 6-8 minutes for medium-rare doneness, or adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness. Remember that thicker steaks may require additional cooking time. To ensure accuracy, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
Resting and Serving
Once your steak reaches its desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting into it. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
After resting, slice your cooked steak against the grain to maximize tenderness. Serve it immediately with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
In conclusion, learning how to cook steak in the oven opens up a world of possibilities for enjoying deliciously cooked steaks at home. By selecting the right cut of meat, properly preparing and seasoning it, and following precise cooking times and temperatures, you can achieve mouthwatering results every time. So why not give this method a try and elevate your steak-cooking skills?
This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.
