Olivia Carter
Are you craving a juicy and tender steak but don’t have a grill? No worries! You can still achieve the perfect steak by cooking it in a skillet and finishing it off in the oven. This method is quick, easy, and produces steakhouse-quality results.
First, you’ll want to choose the right cut of steak. Look for cuts like ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon, as they are well-marbled and tender. Remember to let the steak come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the steak. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. For an extra kick of flavor, you can also add garlic powder or your favorite steak seasoning.
Next, heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Drizzle a small amount of oil into the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the steak in the skillet and sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms.
Preparing the Steak
Before cooking your steak, it’s important to prepare it properly to ensure the best flavor and texture. Follow these steps to get your steak ready for cooking:
1. Choose the right cut of steak
When it comes to cooking steak, choosing the right cut is crucial. Some popular options include ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon. Look for a steak with good marbling, as this will result in a more tender and flavorful end product.
2. Bring the steak to room temperature
Take your steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the steak to cook more evenly and prevents it from becoming tough.
3. Season the steak
While the steak is coming to room temperature, season it generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings or spices to enhance the flavor, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.
4. Preheat the skillet and oven
Before cooking the steak, preheat your skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. At the same time, preheat your oven to a high temperature, such as 450°F (230°C). Preheating is essential to achieve a nice sear on the steak.
5. Pat the steak dry
Use paper towels to pat the steak dry. This removes any excess moisture, which can hinder the browning process. A dry steak will develop a better crust when cooked.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to cooking a delicious steak in a skillet and oven!
Cooking the Steak in the Skillet
Before you start cooking the steak, make sure it is at room temperature. This will help it cook more evenly. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. Season both sides of the steak with salt and black pepper according to taste.
Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil or butter to the skillet, and let it melt and heat up. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the steak in the skillet. You should hear a sizzling sound when the steak hits the hot skillet – this is a good sign!
Cook the steak for about 2-3 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time to your preferred level of doneness. Use tongs to flip the steak, rather than a fork, to avoid puncturing the meat and losing its juices.
During the cooking process, you can baste the steak with melted butter and any herbs or spices you like, such as garlic or rosemary, for extra flavor. Spoon the melted butter over the top of the steak as it cooks.
To check the doneness of the steak, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. For medium-rare, the temperature should read around 135°F (57°C). Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook after it is removed from the heat, so you may want to take it off the skillet when it reaches a slightly lower temperature.
Once the steak has reached your desired level of doneness, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and tender piece of meat.
Finally, slice the steak against the grain to achieve a tender bite. Serve it immediately and enjoy your perfectly cooked steak!
Preheating the Oven
Before you begin cooking your steak in the skillet, it’s important to preheat your oven. This step ensures that the steak is cooked evenly and that it reaches the desired doneness.
To preheat the oven, set the temperature to 450°F (230°C) and allow it to preheat for at least 15 minutes. This will ensure that the oven is hot enough to sear the steak and lock in the juices.
While the oven is preheating, take this time to season your steak with salt, pepper, or any other desired seasonings. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Once the oven is preheated and your steak is seasoned, you’re ready to move on to the next step of cooking the perfect steak in a skillet and oven.
Transferring the Steak to the Oven
Once the steak is seared on both sides, it’s time to transfer it to the oven for further cooking. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while the steak is searing.
Using oven mitts, carefully remove the skillet from the stove and place it in the preheated oven. Make sure to position the skillet in the center of the oven to ensure even cooking.
Leave the steak in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the thermometer should read around 135°F (57°C), while medium should be around 145°F (63°C).
Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so it’s important to remove it from the oven just before it reaches the desired temperature.
Once the steak is cooked to your preferred level of doneness, carefully remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Place the skillet on a heat-resistant surface and let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices in the steak to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of meat.
After the steak has rested, it’s ready to be served. Slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness and enjoy!
Monitoring the Steak’s Temperature
Monitoring the temperature of the steak is crucial for achieving the desired level of doneness. This can be done using a meat thermometer. Here’s how:
1. Insert the thermometer
Before placing the steak in the skillet, insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. Make sure it is not touching any bone or fat, as this can give inaccurate readings.
2. Keep an eye on the temperature
Once the steak is in the skillet and cooking, keep an eye on the thermometer. The internal temperature of the steak will gradually rise. To ensure accuracy, monitor the temperature throughout the cooking process.
For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be around 130°F (54°C). For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C). If you prefer a medium steak, the temperature should be around 145°F (63°C). For medium-well, aim for 150°F (66°C), and for well-done, the temperature should reach around 160°F (71°C).
Note:
The final temperature will also depend on the thickness of the steak and personal preference, so it’s always recommended to use a thermometer to accurately determine doneness.
Remember, the steak will continue to cook after you remove it from the skillet, so if it’s not quite at the desired temperature, you can take it out slightly earlier and let it rest, covered with foil, for a few minutes. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to reach the desired doneness.
By monitoring the steak’s temperature, you can ensure a perfectly cooked steak every time, customized to your preference.
Serving and Enjoying the Perfect Steak
Once your steak is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy it. Follow these tips to ensure that your steak is served at its best and that you have a memorable dining experience:
Resting the Steak
Before cutting into the steak, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to evenly distribute and ensures a moist and tender steak. Cover the steak loosely with foil to keep it warm while resting.
Slicing the Steak
When ready to serve, use a sharp knife to slice the steak against the grain. This helps to break up the muscle fibers and results in a more tender and enjoyable eating experience.
If you’re serving a larger steak, you may want to consider slicing it into individual portions before serving. This makes it easier for your guests to enjoy their steak without needing to cut it themselves.
Serving Suggestions
A perfectly cooked steak can shine on its own, but you can also enhance the flavors with some serving suggestions. Here are a few ideas:
- Classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Sauces and condiments such as a peppercorn sauce, mushroom sauce, or horseradish cream.
- Top your steak with a pat of flavored butter for an extra burst of flavor.
- Pair your steak with a glass of red wine or your favorite beverage.
Remember, the key to enjoying a perfect steak is all about personal preference. Whether you like it cooked rare, medium-rare, or well done, the most important thing is that you savor every bite and enjoy the flavors.
FAQ
What is the best cut of steak to cook in a skillet and oven?
The best cut of steak to cook in a skillet and oven is a thick cut of steak such as ribeye, striploin, or tenderloin. These cuts are well-marbled and tender, making them perfect for cooking to medium-rare or medium doneness.
What temperature should the skillet be before cooking the steak?
Before cooking the steak, preheat the skillet over medium-high heat. It should reach a temperature of about 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help sear the steak and create a delicious crust.
