Steak is a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is a great choice for a quick and easy, healthy weeknight meal, or for a special occasion dinner.

Why cook steak in the oven?

Cooking steak in the oven offers several advantages. Firstly, it ensures even cooking throughout the steak, thanks to the oven's ability to distribute heat evenly. Secondly, it provides convenient control over the cooking temperature, allowing you to achieve the desired level of doneness without overcooking or undercooking. Additionally, the oven helps retain the natural juices and moisture within the steak, resulting in a tender and juicy final product. Compared to stovetop cooking, oven cooking requires less monitoring, allowing you to focus on other tasks. Moreover, clean up is easier as you can use foil or parchment paper to catch drippings, as a bonus, you're also less likely to perfume the whole of your house with 'eau de frying steak'. Overall, oven cooking is a convenient and efficient way to prepare steak, particularly for thicker cuts or when you prefer a consistent and controlled cooking process.

How long to cook steak in the oven?

The cooking time for steak in the oven varies based on factors like thickness and desired doneness. As a general guideline for medium-rare, a 1-inch thick steak may take around 10-20 minutes at a preheated oven. However, it's crucial to use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches the desired internal temperature: 125°F (52°C) for rare, 135°F (57°C) for medium rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium, 150°F (66°C) for medium well, and 160°F (71°C) for well done. After cooking, allow the steak to rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavour and tenderness, and to allow the natural juices to redistribute throughout the steak. As a general rule for a one inch thick steak at 200C / 190C fan / 400F:

• For a rare steak, cook for 10 minutes.
• For a medium-rare steak, cook for 12 minutes.
• For a medium steak, cook for 14 minutes.
• For a medium-well steak, cook for 16 minutes.
• For a well-done steak, cook for 18 minutes.

What steaks can be cooked in the oven?

There are several cuts of steak are well-suited for cooking in the oven. Here are some popular options:

• Ribeye: Ribeye steak is known for its marbling and rich flavour. It cooks well in the oven and develops a nice crust while remaining tender and juicy.
• Sirloin: Sirloin steak is versatile and works well in the oven. It has a good balance of tenderness and flavour, making it suitable for various cooking techniques.
• Fillet: Fillet steak is one of the most tender cuts of steak. It really benefits from gentle cooking methods like oven roasting to preserve its tenderness and subtle flavour.
• T-Bone and Porterhouse: These cuts include a tenderloin portion and a striploin portion, providing a combination of tenderness and flavour. Cooking them in the oven can help achieve even cooking throughout the steak.

Remember that the cooking time and technique may vary depending on the thickness and desired doneness of the steak. It's always a good idea to consult specific recipes or cooking guidelines for the particular cut of steak you choose to ensure the best results.

How to Cook Steak in the Oven

Ingredients

• 1 one inch thick boneless steak (sirloin/ribeye/fillet)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• Black pepper

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Rub steak with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Transfer steak to the oven and roast for 10-12 minutes, or until desired doneness is reached.
4. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy steak.

Tips

• If you prefer your steak with a bit of bark then you can sear the steak in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes before adding to the oven. Or, instead, you could reverse-sear the steak in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes after removing it from the oven. 
• Serve the steak with your favourite sides, such as mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a salad.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. The steak is done when it reaches the desired temperature:
• Rare: 125 degrees F (52 degrees C)
• Medium-rare: 135 degrees F (57 degrees C)
• Medium: 145 degrees F (63 degrees C)
• Medium-well: 160 degrees F (71 degrees C)
• Well-done: 170 degrees F (77 degrees C)

Thanks for reading and please let us know how you get on cooking steak in the oven in the comments below!