Whether you don’t own a cast iron skillet or you simply want to try something different, it’s possible to cook a steak in the oven with delicious results. With a few simple steps and the right equipment, this method of cooking steak doesn’t require special skills or experience, but still produces great results every time. What’s more, you don’t even need an oven – all you need is an oven-safe skillet!
Preparing the Steak
The first step when preparing to cook a steak in the oven is to properly prepare the steak. You’ll want to start by patting the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help to ensure that the steak cooks evenly and does not become soggy. If you have time, it’s also helpful to season the steak before cooking. Rub the steak with oil and then season generously with salt and pepper. In addition to salt and pepper, you can also add herbs, garlic powder, and other spices to enhance the flavor. Let the steak rest for about 10 minutes after seasoning.
Once the steak is seasoned, you can begin to cook it. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place the steak on a baking sheet. Cook the steak for about 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. The steak is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the steak is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pre-Heating the Oven
When pre-heating your oven, it’s important to make sure it’s hot enough. For best results, pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re not sure how hot your oven is, use an oven thermometer to be sure. Once the oven is pre-heated, place an oven-safe skillet into the oven and let it heat for 15 minutes before adding the steak.
Placing the Steak in the Oven
Once the skillet is hot, carefully remove it from the oven and place the steak in the center of the skillet. Make sure not to touch the skillet with bare hands as this will result in a burn. Return the skillet to the oven carefully and close the door. With an oven-safe skillet, you don’t have to worry about it melting or warping!
Cooking Time and Temperature Guidance
Cooking time and temperature will depend on the thickness of the steak and personal preferences. A thicker steak may need to be cooked at a higher temperature for a longer period of time. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes at 425 and then reduce the temperature to 350 and cook for an additional 10 minutes. For a medium steak, cook for 12-15 minutes at 425 and then reduce the temperature to 350 and continue cooking for 12-15 minutes. For a well-done steak, cook for 15-20 minutes at 425 and then reduce the temperature to 350 and continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Checking for Doneness
You’ll want to check for doneness by using a thermometer or a fork. A thermometer should be inserted into the thickest part of the steak and should read 125°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium, and 145°F for well done. If you don’t own a thermometer, a fork can be inserted into the thickest part of the steak. If it feels spongy, then it’s rare; if it feels firm but gives way slightly then it’s medium-rare; if it feels quite firm your steak is done medium; if it’s very firm your steak is well done.
Resting the Steak
Once your steak is cooked, it’s important to let it rest for at least five minutes so that the juices can reabsorb into the steak. This will help ensure that your steak is juicy and flavorful. Cover your steak with foil during this resting period.
Serving Suggestions
When serving your steak, there are a variety of delicious accompaniments that pair nicely with steak cooked in the oven. Grilled vegetables and potatoes pairs particularly well as does a salad of greens or a fresh, summery salsa. For something sweet, try serving with a simple fruit salad or a fruit salsa.
Optional Toppings and Sauces
A wide variety of toppings and sauces can be used to dress up your steak and give it extra flavor. Popular options include sautéed mushrooms or onions, melted cheese, horseradish sauce, garlic butter, blue cheese dressing, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, or teriyaki sauce.
Tips for Perfect Steaks Every Time
The key to getting perfect steaks every time is practice and patience. Before getting started, make sure your oven is preheated properly and that you have all of your ingredients out and ready. When placing the steak in the oven, make sure not to touch it with bare hands as this will result in a burn. Lastly, it’s important to let the steak rest after cooking in order for it to be juicy and flavorful!
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