How to Cook Steak in the Oven Without Searing 

Steak is a crowd-pleaser that I have always associated with fancy dining experiences. However, it’s fascinating to learn that you can prepare a delicious steak in your oven without searing it. Mastering the art of cooking steak is a skill worth having. In this article, I will guide you through the simple and easy-to-follow technique of “how to cook steak in the oven without searing,” ensuring a tender and flavorful steak every time. If you’re a novice cook looking to expand your culinary skills or a seasoned chef interested in exploring new cooking techniques, read more in this article to discover the surprising excellence of this oven-baked method.

Why Skip the Sear?

While traditionally, many steaks are seared before being finished in the oven, you should skip this step for several reasons. Searing steak can be messy, requiring careful attention to avoid oil splatter and potential burns. It also requires the perfect heat balance to achieve a nice brown crust without overcooking the meat.

Moreover, not all home kitchens have powerful exhausts to handle the smoke that searing can produce. You can avoid these potential issues by cooking your steak entirely in the oven and still achieve a delectable result. The oven method allows for more uniform cooking, which can be helpful for those still learning how to judge a steak’s doneness.

Choosing the Right Cut of Steak

If you plan to cook your steak in the oven without searing, choosing the proper cut of steak is crucial. Because we’re not burning to create a crust, look for naturally tender and flavorful amounts. Ribeye, filet mignon, strip steak, or T-bone are excellent choices for oven cooking. These cuts have a good amount of marbling (the white fat running through the meat), which melts during cooking and helps to keep the steak juicy and flavorful.

Size also matters. Thin cuts can easily overcook in the oven, so aim for steaks at least 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This thickness allows the steak to develop a nice exterior while the inside cooks to your desired level of doneness.

Tools Needed for Oven-Baked Steak

Before we get started, let’s gather all the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having all your devices ready before you begin cooking can make the process easier and more enjoyable. 

1. Oven: This might seem obvious, but you need an oven that can maintain a consistent temperature. A temperature of 400°F (200°C) is ideal for cooking steak.
2. Baking Tray or Oven-Safe Skillet: You’ll need a baking tray or an oven-safe skillet to cook your steak. If you’re using a baking tray, consider lining it with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
3. Meat Thermometer: This is a crucial tool for ensuring your steak is cooked to your preferred level of doneness. A meat thermometer can accurately read the steak’s internal temperature.
4. Tongs: Good tongs are invaluable for safely flipping and removing the steak from the hot oven.
5. Aluminum Foil: You’ll need this to cover the steak while it rests after cooking, helping retain heat and redistribute the juices.
6. Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board is necessary for resting and slicing your cooked steak.
7. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting your steak. A dull blade can tear the meat and cause the juices to escape.
8. Oven Mitts: Protect your hands from the hot oven and pan with oven mitts.
9. Timer: While not necessary if you have a clock handy, a timer can be helpful to keep track of cooking and resting times.

Preparing Your Steak for the Oven

Once you’ve got your steak and tools ready, the next step is to prepare your steak for the oven. Start by preheating your oven to around 400°F (200°C). While the oven preheats, take the steak out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the steak to cook more evenly.

Next, pat the steak dry with paper towels. Removing the excess moisture from the steak’s surface helps enhance the cooked steak’s texture. If your steak has large pieces of fat on the edges, you can trim them off, but remember that a bit of fat can add flavor and juiciness to your steak.

Seasoning Your Steak

A well-seasoned steak can make all the difference in flavor, and you’ll be surprised at how simple it can be. At its most basic, all you need is kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt helps to enhance the steak’s natural flavors and also aids in forming a delicious crust on the steak’s surface.

When seasoning, don’t be shy. Sprinkle the salt and pepper liberally on all sides of the steak. Add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or a favorite steak seasoning blend. Just remember to keep the herb balanced. You want to enhance the steak’s flavor, not overpower it.

How to Cook Your Steak in the Oven

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking steak as it’s hot enough to cook it evenly without drying it out.

Prepare Your Baking Tray: prepare your oven-safe baking tray or dish while heating the oven. You can line it with aluminum foil to make clean-up easier.

Place Steak on Baking Tray: Place your seasoned steak on the prepared tray. Try to leave some space around each steak to ensure even cooking

Cook the Steak: Place the baking tray in the oven. The cooking time will depend on your steak’s thickness and how well you like it. For a 1-inch thick steak, bake for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, 12-14 minutes for medium, and 14-16 minutes for medium-well. Remember, these are just guidelines. It’s always best to use a meat thermometer to check your steak’s internal temperature.

Check the Temperature: The best way to know if your steak is cooked to your liking is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. Aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium, or 150°F (65°C) for medium-well.

Rest the Steak: Once your steak has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy steak.

Serve: After resting, your steak is ready to serve. Enjoy it with your favorite sides and sauces.

Checking the Doneness of Your Steak

Steak is a type of meat that can be cooked to various degrees of doneness, and there are several ways to check it. The most accurate way to test the doneness of your steak is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to get a reading.

Remember that steak continues to cook even after being removed from the oven. This is known as carryover cooking. So, if you’re aiming for a medium-rare steak (135°F or 57°C), it’s best to remove the steak from the oven when it reaches 130°F or 54°C. The temperature will continue to rise a few degrees as the steak rests.

Apart from a thermometer, you can also use the finger test method, where the firmness of the steak is compared to the firmness of the fleshy part of the palm. However, this method requires some practice and must be more accurate than a thermometer.

Resting Your Steak

Once your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it’s crucial to let it rest before digging in. Resting allows the juices driven to the steak’s center during cooking to redistribute throughout the steak. This results in a juicier and more flavorful steak.

To rest your steak, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board or plate. Loosely cover the steak with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly during this time, so factor this into your cooking plan.

Serving Suggestions for Your Oven-Baked Steak

Now that your steak is perfectly cooked and rested let’s explore some delicious ways to serve it. Steak is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. For a classic combination, serve your steak with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. For a lighter option, consider doing it with a fresh salad

Your steak can also be sliced and used in other dishes. Add slices of your oven-baked steak to a salad for a protein boost, or use them in a sandwich for a delicious lunch. The possibilities are endless.

Remember, the key to a great steak isn’t just in the cooking but also in the presentation. Take the time to plate your steak attractively and pair it with complementing sides. After all, we eat with our eyes first!

Conclusion

Cooking steak in the oven without searing is a straightforward process that can yield incredible results. It may require a little practice at first, especially when judging doneness, but with time, you can produce restaurant-quality steak right in your kitchen.

Now that you know “how to cook steak in the oven without searing,” don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different cuts of steak, play around with seasonings, and find what works best for you. Cooking is all about exploration and enjoyment, so have fun with it! Enjoy your culinary journey and the delicious steaks it yields.

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 Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Steak in the Oven Without Searing

Q1: What types of steak are best for cooking in the oven without searing?

A1: Natural tenders and flavorful steaks such as ribeye, filet mignon, strip steak, or T-bone are excellent choices for oven cooking. These cuts have good marbling that helps keep the steak juicy and flavorful during cuisine.

Q2: What temperature should I cook my steak in the oven?

A2: Preheat your oven to around 400°F (200°C) for cooking steak. This temperature allows the steak to cook evenly and develop a nice exterior.

Q3: How long should I cook my steak in the oven?

A3: The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your preferred level of doneness. As a general guide, a 1-inch thick steak will need about 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, 12-14 minutes for medium, and 14-16 minutes for medium-well. Always use a meat thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature for the most accurate results.

Q4: How do I know when my steak is done?

A4: The most accurate way to check the doneness of your steak is by using a meat thermometer. To achieve a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C); for medium, aim for 140°F (60°C); and for medium-well, aim for 150°F (65°C).

Q5: Why do I need to rest my steak after cooking?

A5: Resting your steak after cooking allows the juices driven to the center of the steak during cooking to redistribute throughout the steak. This results in a juicier and more flavorful steak. It’s recommended to rest your steak for about 10 minutes after cooking.

Q6: What should I serve with my oven-baked steak?

A6: Steak is versatile and can be paired with various sides. For a classic combination, serve your steak with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. For a lighter option, consider doing it with a fresh salad. You could also slice your steak and use it in salads or sandwiches.