Is cooking steak difficult?
No, even for a beginning cook like me, haha! At first it can be intimidating, but if you will follow these simple and easy steps you will be a chef before you know it!
“How Long to Cook Steak in the Oven: A Perfect Recipe”
Step 1 – What kind of steaks can I cook in the oven?
The first step is to choose what type of steak that you would like to cook. Of course, EVERYONE has their “perfect steak” so I will break down the varies cuts of steak and then you can choose which steak to begin with.
- filet mignon
- t-bone steak
- ribeye steak and bone-in ribeye steak
- New York strip steak
- porterhouse steaks
- flank steak
- flat iron steak
- skirt steak
- sirloin steak and top sirloin steak
- tri tip steak
- Kansas City strip steak
- Bone-in filet steak
- strip filet steak
- bone-in strip
- bottom sirloin
Also, deciding what thickness of your steak that you want is key. Steak thickness is a personal preference, some individuals prefer thin steaks, thick steaks to thicker steaks. The best results of cooking steak is to end with a juicy steak, so the cooking time is IMPORTANT. However, it will vary on the thickness of the steak.
Step 2 – What equipment do I need to cook steaks in the oven?
- meat thermometer or an instant-read thermometer
- preheated oven
- aluminum foil
- cutting board
- sheet pan, baking sheet or oven-safe skillet
- oven mitts for the hot pan
- optional cast iron skillet or other heavy-bottomed pan – a pan is need if you would like to give your steak a nice sear before baking. This is optional and is not required to fully cook your steaks in the oven.
Step 3 – What seasonings go on steaks?
At your local grocery store and on Amazon there are MILLIONS of steak seasonings, so how do you choose which one is best? Well, there is only one way to choose and that is to start trying them. My mom started buying a seasoning called McCormick Grill Mates Southwest Maple and this one is my favorite for steaks and pork chops too.
Plus, to season steaks you really don’t need a recipe, however I have provided one in this post. Usually, I just sprinkle my favorite seasoning on to each sides of the steak. Remember, to begin with steaks that are at room temperature.
- McCormick Grill Mates Southwest Maple
- salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder or onion powder
- lemon pepper
- seasoning salt
- tablespoon of butter
- barbecue sauce
- a little olive oil, vegetable oil or canola oil
Step 4 – Do I need to sear my steaks before cooking them in the oven?
This is also a personal preference. You can sear the outside of the steak before you place it into the oven. To sear steak you will need a large skillet, I prefer a cast iron skillet. First, you will need to place your skillet over medium-high heat and once that you have a hot skillet add about a teaspoon of olive oil to the pan. Then, place your favorite cut of steak into the hot skillet and sear if on one side and then the other side.
Once you have seared your steak, place it on a baking sheet and finish cooking it in the oven until it reaches a desired temperature.
Step 5 – What doneness level do I want my steaks at?
Everyone has their own idea of a “good steak” and the level of steak doneness. Whether you choose a high temperature or lower temperature, the cooking time will vary for a thick steak as opposed to a thin steak. Here’s an idea on the cooking time and cooking temperature for a delicious steak.
350 degrees f. – flipping steak half way thru the cooking process:
medium rare steak cook 4 minutes on each side
medium steak cook 5 minutes on each side
medium well steak cook 6 minutes on each side
well done steak cook 8 minutes on each side
400 degrees f. – flipping steak half way thru the cooking process
medium rare steak 3 minutes on each side
medium steak 4 minutes on each side
medium well steak 5 minutes on each side
well done steak 7 minutes on each side
Step 6 – What side dishes go with steak?
- mashed potatoes with a lot of butter and salt (my favorite!)
- baked potato
- ranch and bacon pasta salad
- macaroni and cheese
- sauteed mushrooms
- asparagus
- garden salad
- corn on the cob
- green beans
- sweet peas
- sweet potato fries
- french fries
- rolls or biscuits
What is a simple steak recipe?
This recipe will be for 4 servings and with these simple steps you will have the best steaks!
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees f or 400 degrees fahrenheit
- Steak – choose 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of your favorite steak
- Seasonings – add 1 tablespoon of seasoning to each pound of meat
- Season the first side of the steak then flip over and season the other side of the steak
- Spray sheet pan or cast-iron skillet with a little olive oil
- Place steaks in a single layer on the baking sheet or large skillet
- Bake in the oven until level of doneness is complete (check internal temperature with a meat thermometer)
- 350 degrees f. – flipping steak half way thru the cooking process: medium rare 4 minutes on each side, medium 5 minutes on each side, medium well 6 minutes on each side, well done 8 minutes on each side
- 400 degrees f. – flipping steak half way thru the cooking process: medium rare 3 minutes on each side, medium 4 minutes on each side, medium well 5 minutes on each side, well done 7 minutes on each side
- With oven mitts remove hot skillet, hot cast iron pan or hot baking pan
- Place each tender steak onto a paper towel and the let the steak rest
Steak Q&A’s!
What is the best way to cook steak? Grill it! The most delicious way to cook a succulent steak is on the grill.
Can I cook steaks on the stovetop? Yes, cooking steak on the stovetop is a great way if you can not grill. The best method is to cook your cut of steak in a cast iron skillet. Start with a hot skillet and add a little oil.
What makes a great steak? The seasoning and a hot skillet!
Are steaks only for a special occasion? No, a steak dinner can be for everyday. Yes, steak can be expensive, however choose a budget friendly cut of steak like a sirloin steak.
What cooking temperature is best for cooking steaks? When grilling steaks, the best temperature is 450 to 500 degrees f. Be sure that your grill is hot before you add the steaks to the grill.
What is a maillard reaction? In simple terms it is the browning process of meat.
What does it mean to sear steaks? To sear a steak is the cooking process of browning both sides of the steak without cooking it all the way thru.
What do muscle fibers have to do with steaks? The muscle fibers and marbling of a cut of steak determine the tenderness of the beef.
What temperature is a medium-rare steak? A medium rare steak temperature is 130 degrees f to 140 degrees f. To take the temperature of your beef, use a meat thermometer or an instant-read thermometer.
What temperature is a medium steak? A medium rare steak temperature is 140 degrees f to 150 degrees f. To take the temperature of your beef, use a meat thermometer or an instant-read thermometer.
What temperature is a well-done steak? A medium rare steak temperature is 160 degrees f to 165 degrees f. To take the temperature of your beef, use a meat thermometer or an instant-read
