How To Cook Steak In The Oven Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself craving a juicy, perfectly cooked steak but didn’t want to bother with firing up the grill, this guide for How To Cook Steak In The Oven will become your new best friend. By mastering a few easy techniques with simple, quality ingredients, you’ll bring restaurant-worthy steak to your own table with confidence and a little bit of kitchen magic. This recipe creates mouthwateringly caramelized crust, tender meat, and flavorful touches that make every bite extraordinary—no grill required.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients for this recipe, yet each one plays a crucial role. Every element builds on the other, developing that craveable taste, luscious texture, and gorgeous color you’ll love in a steak.
- Boneless ribeye or strip steaks: Choose steaks about 1-inch thick for the perfect balance of deep flavor and irresistible tenderness.
- Olive oil: Helps sear the steaks, ensuring a golden crust and keeping the meat juicy.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and buttery finish, perfect for basting in the pan and enhancing the steak’s natural flavors.
- Garlic cloves, smashed: Infuses the butter and steak with subtle, aromatic warmth without overpowering the beef.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs: These herbs lend their fresh, earthy aroma to the whole dish—don’t skip them if you want steakhouse vibes at home!
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: The essential seasonings that draw out beefy flavor and help form that crave-worthy crust.
How to Make How To Cook Steak In The Oven
Step 1: Bring Your Steak to Room Temperature
Begin by patting the steaks completely dry with paper towels, which ensures a gorgeous sear later. Allow them to rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes—this step helps the steak cook more evenly, from edge to center, when it hits the heat.
Step 2: Season Generously
Now is not the time to be shy with the salt and pepper. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper liberally on both sides of each steak. The salt helps draw out moisture for a better crust, and the pepper infuses every bite with subtle heat.
Step 3: Sear the Steaks
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat an oven-safe skillet—cast iron is ideal—over medium-high heat until it’s hot and just starting to smoke. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat, then lay in the steaks and let them sear, undisturbed, for 2 to 3 minutes. This is where your crust develops, so be patient and resist the urge to move them!
Step 4: Add Flavor and Sear the Other Side
Flip the steaks using tongs to reveal that beautifully caramelized surface. Immediately add the butter, smashed garlic, and sprigs of rosemary or thyme to the skillet. As the butter melts and sizzles, tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the steaks with the herby, garlicky butter for another 2 to 3 minutes. This is the real secret behind How To Cook Steak In The Oven with those incredible steakhouse flavors.
Step 5: Roast to Desired Doneness
Carefully transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven. Roast the steaks for 5 to 7 minutes (depending on thickness and your desired doneness): aim for 125°F for medium-rare or 135°F for medium, using a meat thermometer for accuracy. Oven finishing ensures juicy, tender interiors every single time.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Take the skillet from the oven and move the steaks to a cutting board. Let them rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes—a crucial step that keeps all that lovely juice locked in. Slice against the grain, serve, and get ready to wow your taste buds.
How to Serve How To Cook Steak In The Oven
Garnishes
A pat of butter melting over the top, a scattering of freshly chopped herbs, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevates both the flavor and presentation. Don’t forget those roasted garlic cloves from the pan; they make a rich, mellow topping that’s pure steakhouse decadence.
Side Dishes
For a classic experience, try creamy mashed potatoes or roasted seasonal veggies—they soak up every last drop of steak juice! Prefer something lighter? A crisp green salad or garlicky sautéed green beans add brightness and balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your steak and fan the pieces over a wood board for rustic family-style serving, or go restaurant-style with dramatic plating and a drizzle of infused pan juices. For a crowd, serve steak bite skewers with dipping sauces for an unforgettable party platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover steak tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the juices with the steak helps it stay tender and flavorful when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked steak for longer storage—just let it cool completely, then wrap in plastic wrap and foil or use a zip-top freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. It keeps well for 2 to 3 months, perfect for future quick dinners.
Reheating
For best results, reheat steak slowly in a low oven (around 275°F) until just warmed through, or in a covered pan over gentle heat. Avoid microwaving, which can make steak tough; a few minutes of patience yields juicier, tastier results.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ribeye and strip steaks are classic for How To Cook Steak In The Oven, you can use sirloin, filet mignon, or even a T-bone. Just adjust the cooking time for thickness and your preferred doneness.
Do I have to use cast iron, or will another skillet work?
Cast iron is ideal for its ability to get piping hot and retain heat, ensuring a great sear. However, any oven-safe skillet will work. Just make sure it can handle the oven temperature.
What’s the best way to know when my steak is done?
A meat thermometer is your best friend. For How To Cook Steak In The Oven, check temperatures in the thickest part: 125°F for medium-rare and 135°F for medium. This takes all the guesswork out and guarantees steak just the way you like it.
Why is it important to let steak rest after cooking?
Resting gives the meat’s juices a chance to redistribute throughout, so every bite is juicy and tender rather than leaking onto your plate. Just five to ten minutes makes a noticeable difference!
How do I get an even better crust on my steak?
Make sure your steak is as dry as possible before searing (pat it dry with paper towels), and be generous with the salt. A very hot pan and resisting the urge to move your steak until it forms a crust are key tips for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Cooking steak doesn’t have to be intimidating—in fact, discovering How To Cook Steak In The Oven might just become your new favorite kitchen trick. It’s simple, reliable, and sure to impress anyone around your table. Give it a try and see just how rewarding homemade steak night can be!
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How To Cook Steak In The Oven Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn the simple and delicious way to cook steak in the oven to juicy perfection every time. This easy method yields beautifully seared steaks with a savory herb butter finish.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless ribeye or strip steaks (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Steaks: Pat the steaks dry and let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Steaks: Heat an oven-safe skillet, add olive oil, and sear the steaks for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Add Flavors: Add butter, garlic, and herbs to the skillet. Baste the steaks with the melted butter as they cook.
- Oven Finish: Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for 5-7 minutes until desired doneness is reached.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven, rest the steaks for 5-10 minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Resting the steak helps retain juices.
- Pair with sides like roasted veggies or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 125mg