How To Cook Steak In The Oven

Chances are that you’ve grilled steaks before and have even cooked them on the stove a time or two, but did you know you can cook steak in the oven? That’s right – baking steaks in the oven promises that same sear, crust, and flavor that grilling and the stovetop bring.

Don’t believe us? We’re here to prove that great steak can be baked in the oven. With some prep and a few minutes, you’ll have perfect steak every time! Read on below for some easy steps on how to bake steak in the oven.

Best Way To Cook Steak In The Oven

Step 1 - Choose A Good Meat

First up, let’s talk meat! There are some great cuts that are wonderful for cooking steak in the oven. They include skirt or flank steak, ribeye, filet mignon, porterhouse, and T-bone cuts. Try to buy the best meat you can get, and thick cuts (anywhere from 1 to 1.5 inches) work well to cook steak in the oven. If you’re working with thinner cuts, that’s fine, too – just keep a watchful eye in the oven! A pound of steak feeds two; double that amount if you’re baking steaks in the oven for a family of four.

Step 2 - Make Sure Steak Is At Room Temperature

If you’re cooking steak in the oven, make sure your steak is completely thawed and is at room temperature. Don’t skip this step, or you’ll end up with unevenly cooked steak! Blot your steak dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then season with salt and pepper (our classic Montreal Steak Seasoning also fits the bill here).

Man cooking meat steaks

Step 3 - Prep Your Oven & Pan

Preheat your oven on the broiler setting for about 10 minutes, and move the oven rack as close as you can to the top of the oven. Then preheat your skillet on your stove and get it hot – really hot. A cast-iron pan works great here, in addition to stainless steel. A scorching hot pan ensures that you create a beautiful, thick, and caramelized crust that you get from grilling and stovetop cooking, without overcooking the meat.

Step 4 - Sear Your Steak

Now that your pan is hot, add butter to your pan. When the butter has melted, sear the steak—and only on one side. When the steak has seared for 3-4 minutes (depending on the cut and thickness of the steak), flip it over. The side you just flipped should have a nice, dark brown crust (and smell amazing to boot!). Quickly place the steak in the oven under the broiler as soon as you flip it—the other side will sear beautifully due to the high heat from the pan and the oven as well.

Step 5 - Cook The Steak

Once the pan is in the oven, cooking your steak should take anywhere between 6-10 minutes. This depends on the type and thickness of your steak, along with how you want your steak to be done. To check for your desired doneness, you can stick a thermometer in the thickest part of the steak. If you like your steak medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F. For medium, the temperature should be between 135-145°F, and for medium-well between 145-155°F.

Step 6 - Let The Steak Sit

Your steak is done, but here comes the hard part: letting it sit! While it may be very tempting to dig into your perfectly cooked steak (and trust us, we get it), don’t dig in just yet. Transfer your steak to a plate, create a tent above it with some aluminum foil, and let it rest for about 2-3 minutes for juicy, succulent steak. You want those juices in your meat – not on your cutting board or plate.

Step 7 - Cut The Steak & Eat!

Now that your steak is rested, you can start to slice it. However, you'll need to slice against the grain if you used tri-tip, flank, or skirt steak (if you used any other cut, then don't worry about this step). To slice against the grain, cut perpendicular to the grain to avoid toughness. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Want More Steak Recipes?

See all of our steak recipes.

Steak Seasonings And Marinades To Try In Your Next Meal

Learn More About Cooking Steak

Save your favorite steak recipes and organize your ingredients with McCormick Meal Planner. Create a Flavor Profile to save all your favorite recipes and create grocery lists for easy shopping.