If you’re craving a juicy, tender porterhouse steak but don’t have access to a grill, cooking it in the oven is a fantastic alternative. Oven-cooked porterhouse steaks can be just as flavorful and satisfying as their grilled counterparts. This guide will walk you through how to cook a porterhouse steak in the oven with simple steps and tips to get that perfect crust and juicy interior every time.
What Is a Porterhouse Steak?
Before we dive into cooking, it’s good to know what makes a porterhouse steak special. This cut combines two prized parts of beef: the tenderloin (filet mignon) and the strip loin, separated by a T-shaped bone. It’s thick, flavorful, and perfect for sharing or a hearty solo meal.
Preparing Your Porterhouse Steak for the Oven
1. Bring the Steak to Room Temperature
Take your porterhouse out of the fridge about 30 to 45 minutes before cooking. Letting it come to room temperature helps it cook more evenly and prevents the outside from overcooking while the inside warms up.
2. Season Generously
Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Then, season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other favorite seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or a steak rub if you like.
3. Optional: Add a Flavorful Crust
For an extra layer of flavor, brush the steak with a mixture of olive oil, melted butter, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. This will help create a beautiful crust when searing.
Step-by-Step: Cooking a Porterhouse Steak in the Oven
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Skillet
Set your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). Place a cast-iron skillet or another oven-safe pan inside the oven to preheat for 10-15 minutes. This ensures the pan is hot enough to sear the steak properly.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and place it on the stove over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil or butter. Place the steak in the skillet and sear for 2-5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until a golden-brown crust forms. This step locks in the juices and adds flavor.
Step 3: Finish Cooking in the Oven
After searing, transfer the skillet with the steak back to the oven. Cook for:
– 8-12 minutes for rare
– 12-15 minutes for medium-rare
– 15-18 minutes for medium
– 18-20 minutes for medium-well
– 20-25 minutes for well-done
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for precision:
– 130-135°F for rare
– 135-140°F for medium-rare
– 140-145°F for medium
– 145-150°F for medium-well
– 150-155°F for well-done.
Step 4: Rest the Steak
Remove the steak from the oven and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making your steak juicy and tender.
Tips for Perfect Oven-Cooked Porterhouse Steak
– Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your steak reaches your preferred doneness without guessing.
– Don’t skip searing: Searing creates a flavorful crust that makes all the difference in taste and texture.
– Let it rest: Resting is crucial for juicy steak. Cutting too soon causes the juices to run out.
– Choose a thick steak: Aim for at least 1.5 inches thick to get that perfect balance of crust and tender interior.
– Season simply: Salt and pepper are classic, but feel free to experiment with herbs and spices to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Porterhouse steak pairs wonderfully with classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. A pat of herb butter on top just before serving can elevate the flavor even more.
Cooking a porterhouse steak in the oven is straightforward and yields delicious results. With a little preparation and attention to temperature, you can enjoy steakhouse-quality porterhouse right at home.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked porterhouse steak!