Olivia Carter
Steak is a classic dish that is enjoyed by meat lovers around the world. While many people opt for traditional cooking methods such as grilling or pan-frying, using a steam oven can be a fantastic alternative that results in a perfectly cooked steak.
Steam ovens are a great addition to any kitchen and offer a variety of functions that can help you achieve delicious and healthy meals. When it comes to cooking steak, a steam oven can help lock in the natural juices and flavors of the meat, resulting in a tender and succulent steak.
In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of cooking steak in a steam oven, along with some tips and tricks to ensure that your steak turns out just the way you like it.
Preparing the Steak
Before cooking the steak in a steam oven, it’s important to prepare the meat properly to ensure the best results. Here are the steps to prepare the steak:
| Step 1: | Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the steak cook more evenly. |
| Step 2: | Season the steak with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasoning blend, on both sides. You can also add any additional seasonings or marinades at this point. |
| Step 3: | Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the steak develop a nice sear when cooking. |
Choosing the Right Cut
When cooking steak in a steam oven, it’s important to choose the right cut of meat. Look for cuts that are well-marbled with fat, such as ribeye or New York strip. The marbling will help keep the steak moist and flavorful as it cooks. Additionally, thicker cuts of steak, such as those that are 1-1.5 inches thick, tend to cook better in a steam oven, as they retain their juiciness and tenderness better than thinner cuts.
| Cut of Steak | Best for Cooking in a Steam Oven |
|---|---|
| Ribeye | Well-marbled and flavorful |
| New York Strip | Rich in flavor and tender |
| Filet Mignon | Lean and tender, but may require careful cooking in a steam oven |
Before cooking, be sure to season your steak with salt and pepper, and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Seasoning the Meat
Before placing your steak in the steam oven, it’s important to season it properly. Start by patting the meat dry with paper towels to ensure that the seasoning sticks. Generously season both sides of the steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs for extra flavor. Make sure to lightly press the seasonings into the meat to help them adhere. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat before cooking it in the steam oven.
Cooking Process
1. Preheat your steam oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the steak with salt and pepper or your favorite steak seasoning.
3. Place the steak on a wire rack in a roasting pan and carefully put it in the steam oven.
4. Cook the steak for 12-15 minutes for medium-rare, 15-18 minutes for medium, or 20-25 minutes for well done.
5. Once the steak is done, carefully remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
6. Enjoy your perfectly cooked steak!
Preheating the Steam Oven
Before you start cooking your steak in a steam oven, it’s important to preheat the oven to the optimal temperature. Preheating the steam oven ensures that your steak will cook evenly and quickly, resulting in a perfectly juicy and tender steak.
Steps to Preheat the Steam Oven:
- Fill the water reservoir of the steam oven with cold water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Turn on the steam oven and set the temperature to the desired level for cooking steak. Most steam ovens have pre-set steak cooking programs that you can select.
- Allow the steam oven to heat up for the recommended preheating time. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes, but refer to your specific steam oven’s manual for exact preheating times.
Once the steam oven is preheated, you’re ready to cook your steak using the steam cooking method.
Cooking the Steak
Once the steak has been marinated and reached room temperature, preheat the steam oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the marinated steak on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. This will allow the steam to circulate around the steak, ensuring even cooking.
Cook the steak in the preheated steam oven for 12-15 minutes for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness.
After cooking, remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and flavorful steak.
Once rested, slice the steak against the grain and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly cooked steam oven steak!
Checking for Doneness
There are several ways to check if your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Here are a few common methods:
- Using a meat thermometer: Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. For rare, the internal temperature should be 125°F (52°C); for medium-rare, it should be 135°F (57°C); for medium, it should be 145°F (63°C); for medium-well, it should be 150°F (66°C); and for well-done, it should be 160°F (71°C).
- Touch test: By pressing the center of the steak with your finger, you can gauge the doneness. A rare steak is very soft, medium-rare is soft, medium is springy, and well-done is very firm.
- Visual inspection: Cut into the steak with a knife and visually inspect the color of the meat. The center of the steak should be reddish-pink for rare, pink for medium-rare, slightly pink for medium, slightly brown for medium-well, and brown for well-done.
Resting the Steak
Once the steak reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the steam oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook steak in a steam oven?
Cooking time for a steak in a steam oven can vary based on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. However, as a general rule, for a medium-rare steak, it can take around 10-15 minutes in a steam oven.
What temperature should I set my steam oven to cook steak?
For cooking steak in a steam oven, you can set the temperature to around 200°C (392°F) for a perfect balance of tenderness and juiciness. It’s important to preheat the steam oven before cooking the steak for the best results.
What is the benefit of cooking steak in a steam oven?
Cooking steak in a steam oven helps to lock in the natural juices of the meat, resulting in a tender and flavourful steak. The controlled moisture and even heat distribution in the steam oven also ensure that the steak cooks evenly and retains its succulence.
