If you love steak but don’t have access to a grill or just want an easy way to cook a T-bone steak indoors, cooking it in the oven is a fantastic option. Oven-cooked T-bone steaks come out juicy, tender, and full of flavor with a perfect crust. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to help you master this classic cut right in your kitchen.
What You’ll Need
– 1 T-bone steak (about 8-16 ounces)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Optional: your favorite steak seasoning or marinade
– Cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan
– Meat thermometer (highly recommended)
Step 1: Bring the Steak to Room Temperature
Start by taking your T-bone steak out of the fridge 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
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the center. This temperature is ideal for finishing the steak after searing, giving you a nice crust and juicy interior.
Step 3: Season the Steak
Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Drizzle olive oil on both sides, then season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add your favorite steak seasoning or marinade, but simple salt and pepper work beautifully to highlight the natural flavor of the T-bone.
Step 4: Sear the Steak
Heat a cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add butter and let it melt until it starts to sizzle. Place the steak in the hot pan and sear for 2-5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until a golden-brown crust forms. Don’t forget to sear the edges for about 30 seconds to get that full flavor all around.
Step 5: Finish Cooking in the Oven
Transfer the skillet with the seared steak directly into the preheated oven. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through if you like, until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness:
– 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+)
Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature for best results.
Step 6: Rest Your Steak
Once the steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and place it on a plate or cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your steak tender and juicy when you cut into it.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve with classic steakhouse sides like garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a fresh wedge salad. For an extra touch, top with compound butter, a creamy peppercorn sauce, or your favorite steak sauce.
Tips for Perfect Oven-Cooked T-Bone Steak
– Use a cast iron skillet for the best sear and even heat distribution.
– Don’t skip the resting step – it’s key to juicy steak.
– If you don’t have a meat thermometer, use the finger test for doneness, but a thermometer is much more accurate.
– Adjust oven time based on steak thickness; thicker steaks need longer.
– Experiment with seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs for variety.
Cooking a T-bone steak in the oven is straightforward and yields restaurant-quality results at home. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked, flavorful steak any time of year – no grill required!
Enjoy your delicious oven-cooked T-bone steak!
Perfectly cooked T-bone steak is achievable in your oven with simple preparation, a good sear, and careful finishing. Rest well and savor every juicy bite!