Cooking a T-bone steak in the oven is a fantastic way to enjoy a juicy, flavorful steak without needing a grill. Whether you’re new to cooking steak or just looking for a reliable method, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to cook a T-bone steak in the oven to perfection. Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need
– 1 T-bone steak (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– Optional: your favorite steak seasoning or herbs
– A cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan
– Meat thermometer (highly recommended)
Step 1: Bring the Steak to Room Temperature
Take your T-bone steak out of the refrigerator about 30 to 45 minutes before cooking. Letting it sit at room temperature helps the steak cook evenly and prevents the outside from overcooking while the inside warms up.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position your oven rack in the center to ensure even heat circulation around the steak.
Step 3: Season the Steak
Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture – this helps create a better crust. Drizzle olive oil or rub melted butter on both sides of the steak. Generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add your favorite steak rub or herbs if you like, but simple salt and pepper work beautifully to highlight the natural flavor of the T-bone.
Step 4: Sear the Steak on the Stovetop
Heat a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter or oil and let it get hot until it starts to shimmer or lightly smoke. Place the steak in the pan and sear for about 2 to 5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until a golden-brown crust forms. Don’t forget to also sear the edges for about 30 seconds to lock in flavor.
Step 5: Transfer the Steak to the Oven
Once seared, transfer the skillet with the steak directly into the preheated oven. Cook for 5 to 15 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness and steak thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
– Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
– Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
– Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
– Medium-well: 150-155°F (65-68°C)
– Well done: 160°F+ (71°C+)
Remove the steak from the oven when it is about 5 degrees below your target temperature, as it will continue to cook while resting.
Step 6: Let the Steak Rest
Transfer the steak to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making your steak tender and juicy when you cut into it.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve alongside your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. A glass of red wine pairs wonderfully with a perfectly cooked T-bone steak.
Tips for the Perfect Oven-Cooked T-Bone Steak
– Use a cast-iron skillet: It retains heat well and helps create a beautiful crust.
– Don’t skip resting: It’s the secret to juicy steak.
– Use a meat thermometer: It’s the best way to ensure your steak is cooked exactly how you like it.
– Season generously: T-bone steaks have great natural flavor, so simple seasoning is often best.
– Adjust cooking time for thickness: Thicker steaks need more time in the oven.
Cooking a T-bone steak in the oven is straightforward and yields delicious results. With just a few simple steps-bringing the steak to room temperature, seasoning, searing, baking, and resting-you’ll have a restaurant-quality steak right at home. Enjoy every juicy bite!