If you’re already used to cooking steaks on the grill or stovetop, then the oven method may prove to be a challenge. And one main reason is the different temperature suggestions by recipes often confuse how long it should be cooked. But you can shake that panic off as baking a steak in the oven is as easy as pie. And at a general temperature of 400F, you’ll always come out with a juicy dish at the slightest effort.
Steak Nutrition Facts
Cooking Steps for Oven-Baked Steaks
While it feels exciting to delve into the cooking time for oven-baked steaks, it also helps to know a few vital steps beforehand. Like any other recipe, making steak requires adherence to specific instructions if you want the best result every time.
Choosing the Cut
You’ll want a beef cut that’s at least one inch thick, with excellent marbling along with the tissues, so the meat doesn’t dry out quickly as it roasts. And while many steak cuts are significant for the stovetop or grill, the ribeye is perfect for oven cooking. Plus, you’ll get more flavor with the bone-in.
Preparing the Steaks
Once the steak is selected, you’ll need to blot it dry with paper towels before you season. This step is necessary, especially if you plan on browning the steaks before baking. And a wet surface would cause the pan to lose heat, leading to less crispiness.
Seasoning Ideas
You can season your steak in any way you please. You can consider your homemade dry spice rub or soak it in a marinade overnight before you cook. You can also bring the steak in a salt solution for a few hours or use a typical salt and black pepper combo. Also, consider Italian seasoning, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, sage, or red pepper flakes. And some combinations even include steak sauce, pressed garlic, and dressing for a richer flavor. But if you find these choices all too confusing, skip them and slather the meat with BBQ sauce for a deeper flavor.
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Searing the Steak
After seasoning the steak, you’ll want to brown the surfaces for a crisp but tasty exterior. And you’ll need to place a large skillet on the stovetop and let it reach a scalding hot level. Then, add about two tablespoons of neutral oil to the pan, and once it’s shimmering hot, add the steak. Let it sear untouched for two to three minutes, then flip it and let the other side brown for about a minute or two. You’ll notice a deep brown color along with the surface looking caramelized.
But note that the oil is only added if you use a dry seasoning rub or the steak doesn’t have enough marbling. If the steak is heavily marbled or uses a marinade, you can skip the oil and sear it on the hot pan instead.
Cooking Time for Steaks in a 400F oven
Once the steak is seared to perfection, transfer it to the preheated oven and bake until it reaches internal doneness of 145F. Ribeye steak tastes better when cooked to medium-well, which is why this temperature is essential. But if you’d prefer other doneness levels, consider this list below;
- Rare: 120-130F
- Medium-Rare: 130-135F
- Medium: 135-145F
- Medium-Well: 145F
- Well-Done: 155-160F
If you used an oven-safe skillet to sear the steak, you could toss it straight to the oven once the browning is done. Whichever the case, it takes about eight to 10 minutes to reach medium-well doneness in a 400F oven.
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Additional Tips
- Never serve baked steak straight from the oven. Instead, let it sit tented in foil at room temperature for about seven to 10 minutes before you do.
- Serve this baked steal with a side of potatoes dishes, roasted or fried asparagus, greens, and Brussels sprouts, couscous, salads, and broccoli.
Baked Ribeye Steaks (2 servings)
Ingredients
- Tworibeye steaks, one inch thick, bone-in
- Two garlic cloves, pressed
- One tablespoon butter, unsalted
- Steak seasoning
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the steaks and blot the moisture out with paper towels. Then, drizzle olive oil on their entire surface. Next, set the oven to preheat to 400F and proceed to season the meat.
- Spread the pressed garlic all over the steaks and gently massage it into the meat. Then, add a generous sprinkle of the steak seasoning to the surfaces of the flesh. Be sure to work it in with your fingers.
- Bring a cast-iron skillet to scalding heat on the stove. Sprinkle faint drops of water on the pan, and if it evaporates at once, the pan is ready. Add two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil to the skillet and once it’s shimmering, add the steaks.
- Leave the steaks until the seared sides are browned to crispiness. Then, turn them and cook the other sides as well. When the steaks are conveniently seared, transfer them into the oven with half a teaspoon of butter on each one.
- Cook the steaks for eight minutes or until the preferred internal doneness is reached. Then, let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Another way to know how long to cook steak in a 400F oven can be seen here.