Olivia Carter
If you are craving a juicy steak but don’t have a skillet or stovetop, don’t worry! You can still cook a delicious steak in the oven using a simple and effective method. This method allows you to achieve a perfectly cooked steak with a nice outer crust and a tender, juicy interior.
The key to cooking steak in the oven without a skillet is to use high heat and a broiler. By preheating the oven and broiling the steak on a rack placed on a baking sheet, you can achieve the same sear and caramelization as you would with a skillet. This method is also great for those who prefer a hassle-free cooking experience.
To begin, you will need to preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 450°F (230°C). While the oven is preheating, you can prepare your steak by seasoning it with your favorite spices and letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the steak to cook more evenly.
Next, place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. The rack helps elevate the steak and allows the hot air to circulate, ensuring even cooking. Place the seasoned steak on the wire rack, making sure there is some space between each piece.
Once the oven is preheated, carefully place the baking sheet with the steak on the top rack of the oven. Allow the steak to cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side, depending on the desired level of doneness. For rare, cook it for 4 minutes on each side, for medium-rare, 5 minutes, and for medium, 6 minutes.
During the cooking process, keep an eye on the steak to prevent it from burning. If necessary, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 145°F (63°C).
Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly and ensures a tender and flavorful steak. You can tent the steak with foil during this resting period to keep it warm.
Finally, slice the steak against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides. Whether it’s a creamy mashed potato, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, your oven-cooked steak will be a delicious and satisfying meal that you can enjoy anytime, even without a skillet!
Preparing the Steak
Before cooking the steak in the oven, it’s important to properly prepare the meat. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and tender steak:
| Step 1: | Choose a high-quality steak that is at least 1 inch thick. The best cuts for oven cooking are ribeye, striploin, and tenderloin. |
| Step 2: | Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will promote even cooking. |
| Step 3: | Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help to create a crispy crust. |
| Step 4: | Season the steak generously with salt and pepper, or your choice of steak seasoning. Rub the seasoning into the steak to ensure it is evenly coated. |
| Step 5: | Optional: For additional flavor, you can marinate the steak in your favorite marinade for 1-2 hours before cooking. This will add depth and richness to the meat. |
| Step 6: | Preheat the oven to the desired temperature. For medium-rare steak, set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Adjust the temperature according to your preferred level of doneness. |
| Step 7: | Prepare a baking sheet or a roasting pan by lining it with aluminum foil. This will make clean-up easier. |
By following these steps, you will be ready to cook your steak to perfection in the oven without the need for a skillet.
Choosing the Right Cut
When it comes to cooking steak in the oven, choosing the right cut is essential for a delicious and tender result. Here are a few popular cuts to consider:
Ribeye: Known for its rich marbling, the ribeye is one of the juiciest and most flavorful cuts. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a tender and succulent steak.
Sirloin: This cut is leaner and has less fat compared to ribeye, but it still offers great flavor. Sirloin steak is versatile and can be cooked in various ways.
Fillet: Also known as tenderloin, fillet steak is the most tender cut of beef. It has a mild flavor and is often considered a luxury cut.
New York Strip: The New York strip steak is tender, flavorful, and offers a good balance of marbling and leanness. It’s a popular choice for steak enthusiasts.
T-Bone: This cut combines a strip steak and a tenderloin, separated by a T-shaped bone. It offers the best of both worlds, with two different textures and flavors in one steak.
Ultimately, the choice of cut depends on your personal preferences and the occasion. Whether you prefer a melt-in-your-mouth tender steak or a steak with a bit more bite, there’s a cut that’s perfect for you. Experiment with different cuts to discover your favorite method of cooking steak in the oven!
Seasoning the Steak
Before cooking the steak in the oven, it’s important to season it properly to enhance its flavor. Here are some tips for seasoning your steak:
1. Choose the right seasoning: Start by selecting a seasoning blend that complements the flavor of steak. Some popular choices include a simple combination of salt and black pepper, or you can get creative with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, or even a steak rub.
2. Apply the seasoning: Begin by patting the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasoning adhere better to the meat. Sprinkle the seasoning generously on both sides of the steak, making sure to cover the entire surface for a more even flavor.
3. Let it rest: After seasoning, allow the steak to rest at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This helps the seasoning penetrate the meat and adds more flavor to your steak.
4. Optional marinade: If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can marinate the steak for a few hours or overnight before cooking. Simply place the seasoned steak in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container and refrigerate. This will further enhance the taste and tenderness of the meat.
5. Add a touch of oil: To prevent the steak from sticking to the baking sheet, lightly brush or drizzle it with a small amount of oil. This will also help the seasoning to adhere better to the steak.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your steak is well-seasoned and bursting with delicious flavors when cooked in the oven.
Preheating the Oven
Before cooking steak in the oven, it is essential to preheat the oven to the appropriate temperature. This ensures that the steak is cooked evenly and to the desired level of doneness.
1. Begin by adjusting the oven rack to the center position.
2. Set the oven temperature to the recommended level for cooking steak. This usually ranges between 400°F (204°C) and 450°F (232°C).
3. Allow the oven to preheat for at least 15-20 minutes. This ensures that the oven reaches the desired temperature and that the heat is evenly distributed throughout the oven.
Tips:
- Using an oven thermometer is recommended to ensure that the oven is heated to the correct temperature.
- Do not rush the preheating process as it is crucial for achieving the perfect cook on the steak.
- Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and desired level of doneness.
Once the oven is preheated, you are ready to proceed with cooking the steak. The next steps will guide you through the process of preparing and cooking the steak in the oven without using a skillet.
Setting the Temperature
Before you start cooking your steak in the oven, it’s important to set the right temperature. Preheating the oven ensures that your steak cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.
The ideal temperature for cooking steak in the oven is 425°F (220°C). This high heat will help to sear the steak and create a delicious crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Make sure to adjust the oven racks to the center position to ensure even cooking.
Use an oven thermometer to accurately measure the temperature of your oven. This will help you ensure that your oven is preheated to the correct temperature and stays consistent throughout the cooking process.
If your oven tends to run hot or cool, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly. Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s always a good idea to rely on an oven thermometer for accuracy.
Once your oven is preheated to the desired temperature, you’re ready to start cooking your steak. Follow the next steps to achieve a perfectly cooked steak without a skillet.
Preparing the Baking Pan
Before you start cooking the steak in the oven, you’ll need to prepare your baking pan. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and evenly cooked steak:
- Choose a baking pan that is large enough to accommodate your steak without overcrowding it. A pan with a wire rack is ideal, as it allows air to circulate around the steak and helps it cook evenly.
- If your baking pan doesn’t have a wire rack, you can create a makeshift one by crumpling aluminum foil and placing it in the bottom of the pan. This will help elevate the steak and allow hot air to circulate underneath.
- Line the baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier and prevent any juices from sticking to the pan.
- Lightly grease the foil or parchment paper with cooking spray or a thin coat of olive oil. This will prevent the steak from sticking to the pan while it cooks.
- Place the baking pan in the oven and preheat it to the desired temperature. This will ensure that the steak starts cooking as soon as it hits the hot pan.
By properly preparing your baking pan, you’ll create the perfect environment for cooking steak in the oven. This step is crucial for achieving a delicious and juicy steak with a beautiful crust.
Cooking the Steak
Once your steak is at room temperature and marinated (if desired), it’s time to cook it in the oven. Follow these simple steps to achieve a juicy and delicious steak:
1. Prepare the oven
Preheat your oven to the desired temperature. For medium-rare, set the oven to 400°F (204°C). You can adjust the temperature based on your preference.
2. Season the steak
Remove the steak from the marinade (if using) and pat it dry with paper towels. Season it generously with salt and pepper on all sides. You can also add any other desired spices or herbs to enhance the flavor.
3. Place the steak on a baking sheet
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the seasoned steak on the baking sheet, ensuring there is enough space around it for even cooking.
4. Cook in the oven
Put the baking sheet with the steak in the preheated oven. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time based on your preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the temperature should be around 135°F (57°C).
5. Rest the steak
Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, giving you a more tender and flavorful steak.
Now your steak is ready to be served. Slice it against the grain and enjoy!
Placing the Steak in the Oven
Once your oven has preheated to the desired temperature, carefully remove the skillet or cast iron pan from the oven using oven mitts or pot holders. Place it on a heat-resistant surface.
Using tongs, carefully transfer the steak from the skillet to a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. Make sure the baking sheet has raised edges to catch any drippings. This will allow air to circulate around the steak and help it cook evenly.
For optimal flavor and tenderness, you may choose to season the steak with salt and pepper or any other desired seasonings at this stage. Gently pat the seasonings onto the surface of the steak to ensure they adhere properly.
Once the steak is seasoned, place the wire rack with the steak on the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Ensure that the steak is placed in the center of the oven for even cooking.
Cook the steak in the oven for the recommended amount of time according to your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For example, medium-rare steak should have an internal temperature of around 135°F (57°C).
Once the steak has reached your preferred level of doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more tender steak.
After resting, your oven-cooked steak is ready to be served and enjoyed!
Checking for Doneness
When cooking steak in the oven, it is important to monitor its doneness to ensure it is cooked to your desired level. One way to check for doneness is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding any bones.
The following are the different temperatures and corresponding levels of doneness:
Rare
A rare steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 125°F (51°C). At this temperature, the center of the steak will be bright red, with a lot of pink surrounding it. The meat will be very soft to the touch.
Medium Rare
For a medium rare steak, cook it to an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). The center will still be pink but less red, with more of a warm pink color. The meat will be slightly firmer than rare.
It is important to note that the steak will continue to cook a little more after it is removed from the oven, so it is advisable to take it out when it is a few degrees below the desired temperature. This is known as carryover cooking.
Medium
A medium steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The center will be pink, with only a slight hint of red. The meat will have a firmer texture compared to the previous doneness levels.
Medium Well
For a medium-well steak, cook it to an internal temperature of 155°F (68°C). The steak will have a slightly pink center, but will mainly be grayish-brown. The meat will be noticeably firmer to the touch.
Well Done
A well-done steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or above. The center will be completely brown with no red or pinkness. The meat will be very firm to the touch and may be slightly drier than the previous levels of doneness.
Remember that these temperatures are just guidelines, and personal preference plays a significant role when determining the doneness of a steak. Once the steak reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
FAQ
What is the best cut of beef to cook in the oven?
The best cut of beef to cook in the oven is a ribeye or a tenderloin. These cuts are tender and have a lot of marbling, which gives them a great flavor.
What temperature should I cook steak in the oven?
The recommended temperature for cooking steak in the oven is 425°F (220°C). This will allow the steak to cook evenly and develop a nice crust on the outside.
How long should I cook steak in the oven?
The cooking time for steak in the oven depends on its thickness and the degree of doneness you prefer. As a general rule, you can cook a 1-inch thick steak for about 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, or 14-16 minutes for medium. It’s best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches your desired doneness.
