How to Make Perfect Steaks in the Oven

Are you craving a juicy, tender steak but don’t have access to a grill? No problem. Believe it or not, it’s possible to make delicious steaks in the oven. Not only is this method convenient, but it’s also a great option for those who don’t have access to outdoor grilling equipment. Here, we’ll take you through the steps to make mouth-watering steaks in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Before we get started, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to select the right cut of steak. For this method, you’ll want to choose a thick, boneless cut such as ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon. Second, invest in a meat thermometer to ensure that your steak is cooked to your desired temperature. And finally, let your steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and for a perfect, tender bite. Now, let’s get started on making those oven-baked steaks.

1. Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

The first and most crucial step to making delicious steaks in the oven is selecting the right type of meat. There are several cuts of beef that make fantastic steaks, including sirloin, ribeye, tenderloin, and T-bone. Each of these cuts has its unique taste and texture, so it’s essential to choose the one that’s right for your taste buds.

Sirloin is an affordable and flavorful cut that’s perfect for those who prefer a little bit of a chew in their steaks. Ribeye is tender and marbled, making it a great choice for those who love juicy and flavorful steaks. Tenderloin is the most tender cut, with a buttery texture and mild taste. T-bone combines both the tenderloin and sirloin, providing the best of both worlds.

2. Seasoning Your Steaks

After selecting the perfect cut of meat, the next step is to season it correctly. The seasoning can either make or break the dish, so it’s vital to get it right. First, pat dry your steaks with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasoning stick better to the meat.

Next, sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper on both sides of your steaks. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, depending on your preferences. Rub the seasoning evenly into the meat, making sure to cover every inch. Allow your steaks to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat.

3. Choosing the Right Pan

The type of pan you use to cook your steaks can affect their texture and flavor. A cast-iron skillet is the best type of pan for cooking steaks in the oven. It is a heavy and thick pan that retains heat well, allowing your steaks to cook evenly and develop a beautiful crust.

If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, you can also use an oven-safe stainless steel or ceramic pan. Just make sure it’s heavy and thick enough to hold heat and distribute it evenly. Avoid using non-stick pans as they cannot withstand high temperatures and can release harmful chemicals when heated at high temperatures.

4. Preheat Your Oven

Before cooking your steaks, preheat your oven to 400°F or higher, depending on your recipe. Preheating your oven ensures that it’s hot enough to sear the steaks properly. This will help your steaks develop a caramelized crust on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside.

5. Searing Your Steaks

Searing your steaks before baking them in the oven is crucial to achieve the perfect crust and flavor. Heat your cast-iron skillet over high heat and add a tablespoon or two of oil. Once the oil is hot, add your seasoned steaks and let them sear for two to three minutes on each side.

Searing allows the meat to caramelize, creating a flavorful crust while locking in the juices inside the steak. Once your steaks are seared, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to an oven-safe dish or pan.

6. Baking Your Steaks

After searing your steaks, place them in a preheated oven and bake them to your desired doneness. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.

For a medium-rare steak, bake your steak for 10-12 minutes. If you prefer your steak medium, bake it for 12-14 minutes. For well-done steaks, bake them for 16-18 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steaks. For medium-rare steaks, the internal temperature should be around 135°F, while medium steaks should be around 145°F, and well-done steaks should be around 160°F.

7. Resting Your Steaks

Once your steaks are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for at least five minutes. Resting allows the juices to settle and redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. Cover your steaks with aluminum foil to keep them warm while resting.

8. Making a Sauce

A flavorful sauce can take your steak to the next level. Consider making a sauce to drizzle over your steaks to add an extra layer of flavor. You can make a simple pan sauce by sautéing garlic and shallots in the same pan you used to cook your steaks. Add some beef broth, red wine, and a tablespoon of butter. Bring the sauce to a boil and cook until it thickens.

9. Serving Your Steaks

Serve your steaks hot, either on their own or with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad. Drizzle your steak with the sauce you made or a dollop of herb butter for extra flavor.

10. Cleaning Up

After enjoying your delicious steaks, don’t forget to clean up. Let your cast-iron skillet cool down, and then wipe it clean with a paper towel or a soft sponge. Avoid using soap as it can damage the seasoning on the pan. If there’s any leftover food stuck on the skillet, use a stiff-bristled brush to remove it. Store your cast-iron skillet in a dry place, and it will be ready to use for your next delicious steak dinner.

Preparation for Cooking

Once you’ve procured your steak, it’s time to prepare it for cooking! Here are some important steps to take:

1. Bring the steak to room temperature

It may be tempting to go straight from the fridge to the oven, but it’s important to bring your steak to room temperature before cooking. This allows for a more even cook and deeper flavor. Simply take your steak out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour.

2. Pat it dry

Dry your steak thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step helps achieve a nice sear on the steak.

3. Season it well

Steaks can be seasoned with just a simple blend of salt and pepper, or you can get creative with your own rub or marinade. Apply generously to both sides of the steak, being sure to rub the seasoning in well.

4. Use the right pan

While you can make steaks in any type of oven-safe dish, the key to achieving a perfectly seared crust is to use a cast iron skillet. This cooking vessel allows for even heat distribution and a high-temperature sear.

5. Preheat your oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for baking steaks, and most ovens can maintain this temperature quite easily.

6. Add oil to your pan

Before cooking, add a tablespoon of oil to your pan and heat it up until it shimmers. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor to your steak.

7. Sear both sides of your steak

Place your seasoned steak onto the hot pan and sear each side for 2-3 minutes. This will create a crispy sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

8. Add aromatics

For extra flavor, add garlic, rosemary, or thyme to your pan and let the aromatics infuse into the steak as it cooks.

9. Check the temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. For medium-rare, the temperature should be 130°F (54°C).

10. Let it rest

Once your steak has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute evenly throughout the steak and keeps it juicy and tender. And now, it’s ready to be served and enjoyed!

Preheat your oven for a perfect steak meal

Now that you have prepared your steak, the next crucial step is preheating your oven. You want to ensure your oven is heated at the right temperature to ensure your steak cooks perfectly. Failure to preheat your oven can lead to undercooked or overcooked steak.

Step 1: Determine the right temperature for your steak

The appropriate temperature setting for your oven is dependent on the type of steak you have. Generally, a temperature of 450°F is recommended for ribeye and sirloin steaks. For thinner cuts like flank, skirt, or hanger steak, a temperature of 400°F should be enough.

Step 2: Preheat your oven for 15-20 minutes

You should allow your oven to preheat to a stable temperature for at least 15-20 minutes. This is necessary to ensure that the heat is evenly distributed throughout the oven. Additionally, you do not want to rush the preheating process as opening the oven door can cause temperature fluctuations, thereby affecting your cooking time.

Step 3: Use the right cookware

Before placing your steaks in the oven, ensure to use the right cookware. Avoid using glass or thin metal pans as they don’t retain heat very well. Instead, use cast iron or heavy-duty stainless steel pans to cook your steak. These pans can retain heat better and give your steak the perfect sear.

Step 4: Placement of the steaks

Proper placement of your steak in the oven is crucial for even cooking. Generally, you should place your steak directly at the center of your preheated oven with sufficient space between them. Keep your steaks at least an inch apart to avoid overcrowding the oven, which could lead to uneven cooking.

Step 5: Let the steak rest before serving

Regardless of how well your steak is cooked, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to distribute evenly throughout the steak, making it more flavorful and tender. For the perfect steak meal, let it rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.

By following these steps, you’re sure to achieve the perfect steak meal from your oven. Preheating your oven, using the right cookware and allowing it to rest are critical elements to obtaining the perfect steak. Don’t forget to pair your perfectly cooked steak with your favorite sides and enjoy!

That’s a Wrap!

Thanks for reading, my friend! I hope you’ve got some great tips for how to make the best steaks in the oven. Maybe you’re even inspired to whip up a juicy steak tonight! Remember, the key is a good quality cut of meat, some simple seasonings, and a hot oven. If you have any questions or want to share your own tried-and-true steak recipe, drop a comment below! And don’t forget to check back in later for more delicious, lifelike cooking content. Happy cooking!