Cooking a perfect steak doesn’t always require a fiery sear. For those seeking a simpler, less smoky way to achieve tender, flavorful meat, oven-cooking without searing offers a delightful alternative. This method not only simplifies the cooking process but also reduces the splatter and smoke associated with pan-searing, making it an excellent choice for indoor cooking and smaller kitchens. Whether you’re a steak aficionado or a home cook looking to impress, our guide on how to cook steak in the oven without searing promises juicy, delicious results with minimal fuss. From selecting the right cut to achieving the perfect doneness, we’ll walk you through every step to ensure your steak turns out perfectly every time. So preheat your oven and get ready to explore a new, hassle-free way to cook steak that might just change the way you think about dinner.
Why Cook Steak in the Oven Without Searing?
Skipping the traditional searing step may raise some eyebrows, but hear me out. Oven-cooking steak has some great benefits:
Simplicity – No need to bother with a skillet on the stove. Just pop it in the oven and you’re done.
Less Mess – Searing can cause oil splatters and make a mess on your stove. The oven contains any sizzling drips.
Juicy and Tender – The dry oven heat thoroughly cooks the steak while keeping it incredibly moist inside.
While typically reserved for cheaper cuts, oven cooking works great for tender beef cuts like ribeye, strip, tenderloin, and sirloin steaks. Focus on 1-2 inch thick steaks for the very best results.
Before Cooking: Bring Steak to Room Temp and Preheat Oven
Proper steak prep is key for oven cooking success:
Bring steak to room temperature: Take steak out of fridge and let sit for 30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly.
Preheat oven very high: Crank oven heat to 500°F. This intense initial temp sears the outside.
Season steak: Coat both sides with salt, pepper, and any other dry spices. Get creative! chili powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder…the options are endless.
Choose a thick steak: Aim for 1-2 inch thickness for best oven results. Ribeye, strip, tenderloin, sirloin are all fantastic options.
Now onto the fun part – tossing it in the oven!
Baking to Perfection: Times and Temperatures
Follow these simple steps for flawlessly cooked oven steak:
Step 1: Place seasoned steak on wire oven rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Tip: The elevated rack allows air flow for even cooking.
Step 2: Cook at 500°F for 5 minutes. This initial high temp kickstarts the cooking process.
Step 3: Turn oven down to 300°F and continue cooking using these guidelines:
For rare steak, cook another 8-10 minutes.
For medium-rare steak, cook another 10-12 minutes.
For medium steak, cook another 12-15 minutes.
For medium-well steak, cook another 15-18 minutes.
For well-done steak, cook another 18-20 minutes.
Step 4: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temp if unsure of doneness. Remove from oven when it reaches:
120-125°F for rare
130-135°F for medium-rare
140-145°F for medium
150-155°F for medium-well
160°F+ for well-done
The oven heat adjustment is crucial! That initial 500°F blast sears the outside while the reduced 300°F gently brings the center up to temp.
Resting and Slicing the Steak
Your steak needs a short rest after cooking:
Rest 5-10 minutes: This allows juices to redistribute for a moister bite. Tent foil loosely over steak while resting.
Add butter: For extra richness, top with a pat of garlic-herb butter during the rest.
Slice against the grain: This cuts through the meat fibers for the most tender texture.
Dig in! Now time for all your patience to pay off – enjoy your juicy, tender oven-cooked steak.
More Tips and Tricks for Oven Steak Success
Here are some additional pointers to master oven steak:
Use a broiler pan: The slatted pan allows heat circulation and drippings to drain.
Watch carefully: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on doneness until you know timing.
Let oven fully preheat: Wait for it to reach set temp before cooking.
Use a meat thermometer: Takes the guesswork out for perfect results.
Limit openings: Check periodically by opening quickly to maintain heat.
Prevent overcooking: Once removed, tent foil over steak as it rests.
Mind the pan: Use an oven mitt – handle will be blazing hot!
Mouthwatering Side Dishes
A great steak demands equally tasty accompaniments like:
Roasted potatoes
Sauteed mushrooms
Steamed asparagus
Creamed spinach
Garlic bread
Baked sweet potato
Get creative with compound butters, fresh herbs, spices, and other flavors to complement the steak.
Serving Suggestions for Special Treatment
Impress your dinner guests with artful plating:
Place whole steak on board and slice tableside.
Drizzle steak with herb-infused olive oil.
Garnish with sprigs of rosemary or thyme.
Arrange sliced potatoes and veggies around steak.
Sprinkle with coarse salt and cracked pepper.
Conclusion: How to Cook Steak in the Oven Without Searing
Forget tedious stovetop searing. Cooking delicious, juicy steak in the oven is incredibly easy and satisfying. With a few simple seasoning and temperature tricks, you’ll have tender, flavorful steak any night of the week.
Try oven-cooking steak to enjoy all the savory goodness without the fuss. Adjust cook times and temps to achieve your ideal level of doneness. Pair it with roasted veggies, buttery potatoes, or a fresh salad for the full steakhouse experience at home.
I hope these tips give you the oven steak confidence to start cooking! Let me know how your oven steaks turn out by leaving a comment below.
How to Cook Steak in the Oven Without Searing | Love Steak
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. This helps achieve even browning later.
Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite steak rub at this point.
Get Cooking
Heat a thin layer of your chosen cooking fat (olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil) in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Alternatively, you can use a baking sheet.
Bake the Steaks
Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the steaks in the pan.
Bake the steaks in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes (depending on the thickness and desired doneness).
15-17 minutes for rare (120°F internal temperature) 18-20 minutes for medium-rare (130°F internal temperature) 22-25 minutes for medium (140°F internal temperature) Adjust cooking times slightly for thinner or thicker steaks.
Doneness Check & Rest
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak in the thickest part.
Once it reaches your desired doneness, remove the pan from the oven.
Top each steak with a pat of butter and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor (add these during the last minute of cooking).
Serve & Enjoy
Transfer the steaks to a plate, tent them loosely with foil, and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender and flavorful steak.
Slice the steaks against the grain and serve with your favorite sides!
Notes
Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your steaks and your oven’s specific heat.
For a slight crust on the outside, you can broil the steaks for a minute or two at the very end, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.