Once in a while, we all crave a perfectly cooked, juicy steak. Whether it's the aroma, tenderness, or high iron levels, giving in to that hunger can be quite satisfying. While some may choose to visit a steakhouse, others prefer to cook their own steak at home. Among the many methods of cooking, cooking steak in the oven is a popular choice. All you need is your preferred cut of steak, salt, pepper, a meat thermometer, and either a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan. With the right tools and knowledge, cooking steak in the oven is a simple and cost-effective process. To ensure you know everything there is to know about this process, we spoke with Chef Dennis, a classically trained chef with over 40 years of experience in the kitchen. Here are some of his best tips for how to effectively cook a perfect steak in the oven. For even more help with cooking steak, check out 14 Tips for Tenderizing Steak, According to Chefs.
1) Selecting the Perfect Cut of Steak
Selecting the appropriate cut of steak is the first step towards preparing a steak in the oven. According to Chef Dennis, the ideal cuts for oven cooking are those that are thick, such as ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon. These cuts retain their tenderness and juiciness while developing a flavorful crust on the outside.
If you are concerned about the health benefits of your steak, you can choose a cut based on its total and saturated fat content. While ribeye is a great cut for oven cooking, it contains about 10 grams of saturated fat per serving, making it high in fat. In contrast, a top sirloin cut is lower in saturated fat, with just 3 grams per serving. Filet mignon contains about 7 grams of saturated fat, placing it between the two cuts.
2) Allowing Your Steak to Rest at Room Temperature While the Oven Preheats.
Before cooking steak in the oven, it is best to let it sit out at room temperature for around 30 minutes. This allows the steak to cook evenly throughout. As the steak is sitting out, you can preheat your oven and prepare for the cooking process. For cooking steak in the oven, the best temperature is 450 degrees Fahrenheit. After preheating your oven to the desired temperature, you can choose between using a cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe pan. Regardless of your choice, you need to place the vessel in the oven to heat up before adding the steak, advises Chef Dennis.
3) How to Properly Sear Steak Before Cooking it in the Oven
Once your steak has been seasoned, it's time to sear it for a few minutes before transferring it to the oven.
"Using a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan, heat it on high heat on the stovetop until it's really hot," says Chef Dennis. "Add a tablespoon of oil or butter to the pan and let it heat up until it's shimmering. Then, carefully place the steak in the pan and let it sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until a brown crust forms."
Searing your steak before placing it in the oven will help it develop a rich and flavorful crust, which is essential for a perfectly cooked steak. Once the searing is complete, it's time to move on to the next step in the oven cooking process.
4) Put Your Steak in the Oven to Finish Cooking
After searing your steak, it's time to transfer it to the oven for further cooking. As per Chef Dennis, the steak should be cooked for 5-10 minutes in the oven, depending on how thick it is and how well you want it done. If you have a meat thermometer, you can use it to ensure that the steak is cooked to your liking. Chef Dennis suggests that the temperature for a rare steak should be around 120°F, medium-rare should be 130°F, medium should be 140°F, medium-well should be 150°F, and well-done should be 160°F.
5) Resting your Steak After Cooking is Crucial
Don't skip the crucial step of letting your steak rest after cooking, even though you may be eager to dig in right away. Chef Dennis advises to remove the steak from the oven when it reaches your desired level of doneness, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. During this time, the juices will redistribute throughout the steak, making it more tender and juicy.