For the longest time, I believed that pan-searing a steak is the best way to cook it. But, lately, I’ve been experimenting with other methods, and I found that cooking steak in the oven is a major game-changer.
Common Misconceptions About Cooking Steak in the Oven
Unfortunately, some people can be a little hesitant to try this method because of some unwarranted misconceptions. So, let’s put these myths to rest, shall we?
MYTH 1: Cooking Steak in the Oven Takes Forever
I’ll admit, I was a victim of this misconception, too.
I typically use the oven to cook black ribs and chicken. And in my experience, these dishes usually take around an hour to three hours to finish.
Because of that, I assumed that cooking steak in the oven would take the same amount of time — if not more. But, as it turns out, 12 to 15 minutes is all it takes to cook a steak.
MYTH 2: Cooking Steak in the Oven Dries Out the Meat
The second myth is this: the oven dries out the steak.
The only times people get dry steaks is if they make a mistake. Either they use a thinner cut or choose one that doesn’t have enough marbling.
To avoid this, you need to select a steak that’s at least an inch thick. The thicker the better. Next, choose a cut with enough fats. This will keep your meat juicy and tender even after cooking.
3 Tips To Make Sure Every Steak Cooks to Perfection
Once you overcome these misconceptions and give oven a chance, you’ll likely find that it has its perks. So, here are some tips to help you get the results you want.
1. Make Sure That Your Steak Is Thawed Completely
Even though you can cook most steaks straight from the freezer, I don’t recommend it. Not only will it take a longer time to cook, but it may also lead to an undercooked center.
Having an undercooked center is the perfect playground for harmful bacteria to fester, which in turn can lead to stomach issues the next day. Talk about ruining the dining experience, right?
So, take the time to thaw your meat completely. I suggest transferring your steak to the fridge 24 hours before cooking. That should be enough time to soften the meat.
2. Pre-Sear Your Steak on a Skillet Before Cooking
To me, a great steak should have a nice crispy and caramelized outer layer. And do you know how to achieve that using an oven?
You’ll need to pre-sear both sides of the steak on a very hot skillet. Once the bottom starts to change into a dark shade and becomes easy to pull away, flip it over to sear the other side.
Then, onto the oven it goes.
3. Use a Tenderizing Marinade
I love a tender steak as much as the next person. One trick I use to make sure I get juicy steaks every time is to use a tenderizing marinade.
Essentially, what I do is I submerge my seasoned steak in either vinegar, citrus juice (like lemon and lime), or pineapple puree for at least 3 hours before cooking.
The acid from these ingredients breaks down the meat’s collagen and protein, thereby making it super tender even after cooking.
Achieve Perfectly Cooked Steaks in the Oven Every Time!
If there’s anything I’ve realized from cooking steak, it’s that it’s an art form. It takes a lot of practice and patience to get incredible results every time.
Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of overcooked and bland steaks. Through a lot of experimentation, I’ve finally mastered the art of cooking steaks in the oven.
And with these tips, you can too!
Tender, Juicy Steak in the Oven
Master the art of cooking steak in the oven and get tender, juicy meat every time — just like the pros.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of a thick steak cut of your choice (ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon)
- 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper for added flavor
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. While that’s heating, prepare your meat by rubbing it with oil, salt, and ground pepper.
- Then, get a large skillet (or cast-iron) and warm it up over high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates instantly.
- At that point, sear your steak until the crust turns golden brown (this should take about 3 to 4 minutes). Flip it around and do the same to the other side.
- Transfer your pre-seared steak to the oven and roast for about 7 minutes on each side. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure that the steak is cooked to your preference. For reference: The thermometer should read 125°F if you want rare, 135°F for medium-rare, and 145°F for medium.
- Finally, take your steak out of the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Slice the meat against the grain, and it’s ready to serve!
Notes
Image credit to @lynda.piazza.
Featured image credit to @steakboss_official.
