Steak is a classic dish that will always be appreciated for its savory flavor, tender texture, and juicy, succulent bite. One of the most important considerations you’ll have to make when trying to achieve the perfect steak is the temperature at which you cook it. We’ll explain why 400 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended for steak, and then walk you through our tried-and-true method for making the perfect steak in the oven.
Steak
Tender and flavorful, steak is a premium cut of beef. It is usually sliced perpendicular to the muscle fibers, resulting in a tender and flavorful cut of meat that can be used in a variety of ways. Different cuts of steak, such as sirloin, ribeye, tenderloin, and flank, each have their own distinct flavor and texture.
Why Cooking at 400 Degrees is Ideal
Steaks cooked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit are cooked uniformly throughout while still being seared on the outside for taste. This temperature allows the meat to brown and create distinct tastes via the Maillard reaction without becoming overcooked. When compared to methods like high-heat grilling, you have more control over the steak’s doneness at 400 degrees.
Prepping the Steak for Oven Cooking
Choosing the Right Piece of Steak
Choosing the appropriate piece of meat is the bedrock of a delicious steak. The flavor and tenderness of meat can vary greatly depending on the cut used. Choose ribeye, tenderloin, or sirloin for a juicy and tender meal. Both flank steak and strip steak are delicious, but they need somewhat different cooking methods to bring out their full potential in terms of tenderness.
Trimming any Excess Fat
Remove any excess fat from the steak’s margins before cooking. An excess of fat, while flavorful, can lead to flare-ups and uneven cooking. A steak’s flavor and moisture can be improved by leaving a thin layer of fat on it.
Seasoning Your Steak
To improve the steak’s flavor, seasoning is essential. It’s amazing what a little kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and maybe some herbs and spices can do. Make sure the seasoning gets into the flesh by applying a thick layer on both sides. After seasoning the steak, let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature so the flavors may blend.
Oven Bake Time
Factors to Consider when Determining Time
Both the size of the steak and how well done you like it will affect how long it needs to cook. Steaks of a greater thickness will require more time in the oven, regardless of whether they are ordered rare, medium, or well done.
Time Estimates for Different Cuts and Thicknesses of Steak
Medium-rare steaks in thin slices or strips (1/2 to 1 inch thick) need 6-8 minutes total in the oven.
Medium-rare ribeye or tenderloin can be achieved by cooking it for 10-12 minutes on each side.
Medium-rare sirloin and flank steaks need to be cooked for 8-10 minutes total, with flipping halfway through.
If you like your steaks medium-rare, cook them cubed or chopped for about 7 minutes total, flipping once during that time.
Timing Tips
Setting the Clock
Once the oven is hot, place the steak inside and start timing. Use a meat thermometer that is safe for use in the oven if you want an exact reading.
Recipes Requiring Internal Temperature Monitoring
Knowing the steak’s interior temperature is crucial for successful cooking. Here are the rules for when something is ready:
Rare: 125°F (52°C)
Medium-Rare: 135°F (57°C)
Medium: 145°F (63°C)
Medium-Well: 155°F (68°C)
Well-Done: 160°F (71°C)
Checking for Doneness without Cutting into the Meat
Use a meat thermometer to determine when it’s done cooking without wasting flavorful juices. If you learn better by touch, you can gently press the steak with a finger. A medium-rare steak has a little bounce to it, whereas a rare steak is very tender.
Conclusion
Putting the Meat in the Refrigerator to Chill
Rest the steak for at least five minutes after removing it from the oven. As a result, when you cut into the meat, it will be juicy and tasty rather than dry.
Reusing Old Food
To prevent overcooking, leftovers should be reheated very slowly over low heat. The crust’s texture can be brought back to life with a short sear in a hot pan.
Concluding Remarks
It takes practice and dedication to the perfect steak to cook it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. A steak worthy of the best steakhouses may be prepared at home by using a few simple techniques: choosing the perfect cut, cutting extra fat, seasoning generously, and cooking to the proper internal temperature. So, don your apron as a master chef, set the oven to 400 degrees, and relish in the glory of a perfectly cooked steak. The food will satisfy your taste buds.