Are you tired of mediocre steaks that lack that perfect sear and juicy interior? Do you dream of impressing your friends and family with a restaurant - quality steak right in your own home? Well, look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the step - by - step process of cooking a steak in the oven to perfection.
First things first, let's talk about choosing the right steak. There are several popular cuts of steak, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some of the most common cuts include ribeye, sirloin, filet mignon, and New York strip. Ribeye is known for its rich marbling, which gives it a buttery flavor and tender texture. Sirloin is a leaner cut, with a more pronounced beefy flavor. Filet mignon is incredibly tender, but it has less fat and flavor compared to other cuts. New York strip is a well - balanced cut, with a good amount of marbling and a firm texture.
When selecting your steak, look for cuts that are bright red in color, with a small amount of white fat marbling. The fat is what gives the steak its flavor and juiciness, so don't be afraid of a little marbling. Also, make sure the steak is at least 1 - 1.5 inches thick. Thicker steaks are easier to cook evenly and will result in a more tender and juicy final product.
Once you've chosen your steak, it's time to prepare it for cooking. Start by taking the steak out of the refrigerator and letting it come to room temperature. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the thickness of the steak. Allowing the steak to come to room temperature before cooking will help it cook more evenly and prevent the outside from overcooking while the inside remains raw.
Next, season the steak generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, to enhance the flavor. Make sure to coat both sides of the steak evenly with the seasonings. For an extra - flavorful steak, you can also rub it with a mixture of herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, and olive oil.
Now, it's time to preheat your oven. Preheat it to 425°F (218°C). While the oven is preheating, heat a heavy - bottomed skillet, such as a cast - iron skillet, over high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the skillet, such as canola oil or vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the steak in the skillet. You should hear a sizzling sound when the steak hits the pan. This is a sign that the pan is hot enough.
Cook the steak in the skillet for about 2 - 3 minutes per side, or until it develops a nice brown crust. This initial searing in the skillet will help lock in the juices and give the steak a delicious flavor. After searing the steak, transfer it to a baking sheet lined with foil or a wire rack placed on top of a baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet with the steak in the preheated oven. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. For a medium - rare steak, cook it in the oven for about 8 - 10 minutes. For a medium steak, cook it for about 10 - 12 minutes. And for a well - done steak, cook it for about 12 - 15 minutes. Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium - rare, the internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C), for medium it should be around 145°F (63°C), and for well - done it should be around 160°F (71°C).
Once the steak has reached your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 - 10 minutes. Resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy steak. During this time, you can make a simple pan sauce to serve with the steak. Just add some butter, garlic, and herbs to the skillet you used to sear the steak, and cook it over medium heat until the butter is melted and the herbs are fragrant. Pour the pan sauce over the rested steak.
Now, it's time to enjoy your delicious oven - baked steak! Serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also pair it with a glass of red wine for the ultimate dining experience. With a little practice and following these steps, you'll be able to cook a perfect steak in the oven every time. So, go ahead and give it a try, and become a master of oven - baked steaks!
Another tip to keep in mind is that different ovens may vary in temperature accuracy. It's a good idea to invest in an oven thermometer to ensure that your oven is at the correct temperature. This can make a big difference in the final outcome of your steak.
Also, if you want to add some extra flavor to your steak, you can try marinating it before cooking. A simple marinade can be made with ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and a little bit of honey. Let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours for a more intense flavor. Just make sure to pat the steak dry before searing it to get that nice crust.
In conclusion, cooking a steak in the oven is a great way to achieve a delicious and restaurant - quality meal at home. By following these steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to becoming a steak - cooking pro. So, fire up your oven, grab a steak, and start cooking!