Cooking the perfect steak can be a daunting task. From choosing the right cut of meat to getting it just the way you like it, there are many factors to consider. While grilling and pan-frying are popular methods for cooking steak, using an oven can be a great alternative. Cooking steak in the oven allows for consistent and even heat distribution, less smoke and mess compared to grilling, and the ability to cook large cuts of meat.
Here’s everything you need to know about cooking steak in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Preparing the Steak
Before cooking your steak in the oven, it’s important to prepare it properly. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Choosing the Right Cut: Different cuts of beef require different cooking methods. For oven-cooking, choose thick cuts like ribeye or sirloin that can handle high heat without overcooking.
- Seasoning your Steak: Simple seasonings like salt and pepper work well when cooking steak in the oven. Alternatively, you can use marinades or rubs for added flavor.
- Letting it Rest: Before cooking your steak, let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This will help ensure that your meat cooks evenly.
Preheating Your Oven
A key factor when cooking steak in the oven is preheating your oven correctly. This helps ensure that your meat cooks evenly throughout.
We recommend preheating your oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes before adding your steaks.
Cooking Time
When cooking a steak in the oven, several factors come into play regarding how long you should cook it. Consider thickness and doneness preference before deciding on an estimated time.
Temperature thresholds for different levels of doneness include rare (120-130°F), medium-rare(130-140°F), medium(140-150°F), medium-well(150-160°F) and well done(160°F+). Please ensure that you achieve your desired doneness by checking the temperature of your steak.
Here are some rough guidelines to help determine cooking time:
- For rare steaks: About 6 minutes per side for a 1-inch thick steak
- For medium-rare steaks: About 7 minutes per side for a 1-inch thick steak
- For medium steaks: About 8 minutes per side for a 1-inch thick steak
- For well-done steaks: About 10 minutes per side for a 1-inch thick steak
Techniques for Cooking Steak in the Oven at 450 Degrees Fahrenheit
Different cooking techniques yield different results. Here are three methods you can try:
Broiling Method
Broiling is one of the easiest and fastest ways to cook steak in the oven. Set up your broiler pan about four inches from the heat source, and line it with foil or parchment paper for easier clean-up.
Season your steak with spices, salt, and pepper to taste, then place it on the broiler pan. Adjust the shelf based on how rare you want it cooked, then broil each side of your steak for around five to six minutes until desired doneness is reached.
Baking Method
The baking method requires preheating a cast iron skillet or baking dish before adding your seasoned steaks.
Preheat your skillet or baking dish on high heat on the stovetop. Once heated, sear both sides of your seasoned meat until they develop a brown crust.
Afterward, place them into preheated oven cook them thoroughly; monitoring their progress closely.
Combination Method
A combination of pan-searing and using an oven allows you to enjoy an evenly crusty and well-cooked slice of meat.
Begin by setting up an oiled cast iron skillet over medium-high heat then place seasoned steaks onto it. Cook steak uniformly for around 2-minutes per side until it browns.
Afterward, transfer to a preheated oven and cook to final temperature.
Checking Steak Doneness
To check for doneness, there are two methods you can use – touch and visual cues or by using a meat thermometer.
- Touch method: Utilize your finger to press down on the beef center lightly. If it’s soft like the fleshy region under your thumb part when you push down, that is medium-rare. If it feels more resilient like below fingers towards wrist area, that is rare. Firmness indicates well done.
- Meat Thermometer method: Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak without hitting the bone. Consult your cooking guidelines for ideal temperatures.
Resting Time and Serving
Allowing steaks to rest before serving them allows flavors to settle and juices to redistribute throughout the beef.
The thicker your meat cut is, the longer resting time it needs; generally, around 5 -10 minutes based on its size will suffice most cuts. While resting avoid covering with foil as this might result in sweats that would make them lose their crispy exterior.
To serve, slice your meat against grain direction orderves whole if desired. With finished touches like pan sauce or compound butter.
Conclusion
Now that you know how long to cook steak in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit, modifying your homemade steaks doesn’t need relying on weather conditions again (for grilling) or dirty frying pans(the stovetop way). Choose your prefered method for achieving crusty tender goodness in less than fifteen perfect minutes!
Q&A
Q: Can I cook any type of steak in the oven at 450 degrees?
A: Yes, you can cook most types of steak in the oven at 450 degrees. However, make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your steak.
Q: How do I season my steak before cooking it in the oven?
A: You can season your steak with any preferred seasoning blend, such as salt and pepper, garlic powder, or paprika. Make sure to rub the seasoning evenly on both sides of the steak for best results.
Q: Can I use a regular baking sheet to cook my steak at 450 degrees?
A: Using a baking sheet is totally fine, just make sure to line it with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy clean-up. And don’t forget to let your baking sheet preheat along with your oven.
Q: How long should I rest my steak after cooking it in the oven at 450 degrees?
A: It’s recommended to let your steak rest for about five minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and result in a more tender and flavorful dish.
