“You can sear a steak in the oven almost as easily as you can on a hot grill. wenyi liu/Getty Images
Steak is most often associated with the grill. But during the winter months when it’s too cold outside or when you’re in the mood for a fast and hearty meal, you can cook your steaks in the comfort of your own kitchen. The oven provides the perfect heat to give your steaks a crispy layer of flavor and a juicy center. With a few simple ingredients and 20 minutes, you can pull a succulent steak from the oven. Read the steps listed below and learn about how to cook steak in the oven.
Ingredients
- Four 2-inch (5-centimeter) thick filet mignons or ribeye steaks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Here’s What To Do
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204.4 degrees Celsius).
- Heat your cast iron skillet over a high heat for five to seven minutes.
- Pat your steaks dry with the paper towel. The drier they are, the crisper the layer of flavor will be on the steak. You can do this while the skillet is heating up.
- Brush your steaks lightly with vegetable oil.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper on all sides of the steaks. For a treat, try using fleur de sel. The sea salt will add an extra bite of flavor and crunch when you bite into the steak [source: Garten].
- Check that the skillet is very hot. When the skillet is very hot, you’re ready to sear the steaks. Cook both sides and the edges for approximately two minutes. If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, sear the steaks with a sprig of rosemary or a clove of garlic in the skillet [source: Martha Stewart].
- Place a tablespoon of unsalted butter on each of the steaks and place the skillet directly in the oven.
- Turn the heat down to 125 degrees Fahrenheit (51.6 degrees Celsius).
- Cook the steaks in the oven for eight to 12 minutes. Cut into one of the steaks to see if it’s cooked to your taste.
- Remove the steaks from the oven and allow them to rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak [source: Garten].
Originally Published: Jun 21, 2011
Cook Steak in Oven FAQ
How long does it take to cook steak in an oven?
Cooking a steak in the oven at a temperature of 325°F should take around 20 to 25 minutes.
Is it better to cook steak in the oven or pan?
Steaks can be cooked in either the oven, a pan or on the grill.
How long does a ribeye steak take to cook?
If you’re cooking a one-inch ribeye steak on a grill, it should take around 9-12 minutes to cook it to a perfect medium-rare. So, a 1.5-inch steak should take 12-15 minutes. Make sure to let the steak rest after cooking for about five minutes before serving.
What is a good temperature to cook steak in the oven?
If you like steak with thick cuts, as in filet mignon or ribeye, 450°C is considered an ideal temperature for cooking steak in the oven. However, in the case of thinner steaks, such as skirts or flanks, you can simply use the boiler temperature settings for a well-cooked steak.
Can I cook steak straight from the fridge?
Cooking a steak directly from the refrigerator can result in undercooked meat. It may seem well-cooked from the top, but the inside core will remain uncooked. Always allow a steak about 30 to 60 minutes at room temperature before cooking it in the oven.
