How long does it take to cook steak in the oven ?

The time it takes to cook a steak in the oven depends on several factors, including the thickness of the steak, the desired level of doneness, and whether you are searing it first. Below is a general guide for cooking steak in the oven:

Preparation

1. Bring Steak to Room Temperature:
   • Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
2. Seasoning:
   • Season the steak generously with salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning blend.
3. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you are using the broiler, preheat it as well.

Cooking Methods

Method 1: Searing First, Then Baking

1. Searing the Steak:
   • Heat an oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron) over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add a tablespoon of oil with a high smoke point (e.g., canola or vegetable oil).
   • When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the steak. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until a brown crust forms.
2. Baking the Steak:
   • After searing, transfer the skillet with the steak to the preheated oven.
   • Cook according to the desired doneness (times are approximate for a 1-inch thick steak):
     • Rare: 120-130°F (49-54°C), about 4-6 minutes
     • Medium Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C), about 6-8 minutes
     • Medium: 135-145°F (57-63°C), about 8-10 minutes
     • Medium Well: 145-155°F (63-68°C), about 10-12 minutes
     • Well Done: 155°F+ (68°C+), about 12-15 minutes
3. Resting:
   • Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board, covered loosely with foil, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.

Method 2: Oven-Only (Broiling)

1. Broiling:
   • Place the steak on a broiler pan or a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
   • Position the oven rack so the steak will be about 3-4 inches from the broiler element.
2. Cooking Times (times are approximate for a 1-inch thick steak):
   • Rare: 120-130°F (49-54°C), about 4-6 minutes per side
   • Medium Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C), about 5-7 minutes per side
   • Medium: 135-145°F (57-63°C), about 6-8 minutes per side
   • Medium Well: 145-155°F (63-68°C), about 7-9 minutes per side
   • Well Done: 155°F+ (68°C+), about 8-10 minutes per side
3. Resting:
   • As with the sear-then-bake method, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven.

Tips for Perfect Steak

• Use a Meat Thermometer:
  • To ensure accuracy, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak.
• Thickness:
  • Thicker steaks (1.5-2 inches) will require slightly longer cooking times.
• Carryover Cooking:
  • Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly while resting, so remove it from the oven a few degrees below your desired doneness.