How Long to Cook Steak in Oven for Juicy, Restaurant-Style Flavor

Steak in the oven is easy to do and tastes like it was cooked at a steakhouse. To get the perfect steak, you need to know how long to cook it in the oven. If you want medium, bake at 450°F for 8–10 minutes.

If you want medium-rare, bake for 6–8 minutes. This way makes sure that the inside stays juicy and the outside gets caramelized, so you always get a tender, tasty steak.

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How Long to Cook Steak in Oven?

Putting steak in the oven is an easy and reliable way to make it taste like it came from a steakhouse. When, how hot, and what tools you use are all important. If you know the right oven temperature and method, you can make sure that your steak has a crisp crust and a tender, juicy center, whether you're using ribeye steaks, filet mignon, or another cut.

Oven Timing and Temperature Guide

Let the steak sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking it. This will make it juicy. To help them brown evenly, always pat steaks dry before cooking. For a classic steak taste, lightly coat the steak in olive oil and generously season it with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. For accurate results and safe cooking, use a meat thermometer to check if the meat is done.

• Preheat oven: Set it to 450°F for the best results. Use a cast iron skillet or cast iron pan for even heat retention.

• Pan searing: Heat the pan over medium high heat until it becomes a hot skillet, then sear the steak for 1–2 minutes on each side.

• Bake time: After searing, transfer the skillet to the oven with an oven mitt and bake for 6–8 minutes for medium rare steak, 8–10 minutes for medium, or 10–12 minutes for a thicker steak.

• Finish with butter: Top with unsalted butter and fresh herbs like fresh thyme before letting it rest.

Steak Doneness and Internal Temperature Chart

Checking the temperature inside as well as the time is the best way to get consistent results. Take out your steak 5°F below the temperature you want it to be at because it will continue to cook while it rests.

• Rare steak: 125°F – red center and very tender.

• Medium rare steak: 130–140°F – warm red center, juicy, and flavorful.

• Medium: 140–150°F – pink center and slightly firm.

• Medium-well: 150–160°F – slightly pink, less juicy.

• Well done: 160°F+ – fully brown, little to no pink.

Allow the steak to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing for maximum juiciness.

What Is the 3-3-3 Rule for Steak?

The 3-3-3 rule is a simple way to cook steak that helps you get it cooked evenly and in the right amount of time. It's great for thicker steaks that need to be caramelized on the outside and soft on the inside.

Understanding the 3-3-3 Rule

This method is more about timing and control than guessing. To make it smell and taste even better, add a little unsalted butter and fresh thyme while it's resting.

• Step 1: Sear one side for 3 minutes using olive oil and high heat on a hot skillet.

• Step 2: Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes to build flavor and color.

• Step 3: Rest the steak for 3 minutes before slicing to let the juices settle.

Reverse Sear vs. 3-3-3 Rule

The reverse sear method gives you even more control over high-end cuts like filet mignon or ribeye steaks. You start by baking at a low temperature instead of hot and finish with a quick sear.

• Bake first: Set the oven to 275°F and cook until the steak is just below your desired temp.

• Finish with high heat: Transfer to a cast iron pan and sear both sides for 1 minute each to create a crisp crust.

• End result: A perfectly even juicy steak with a buttery exterior and tender inside.

How Do You Cook a Steak in the Oven Without Drying It Out?

Keeping the meat moist is the key to a great oven-baked steak recipe. The key is to use low heat, sear the steak well, and not move it too much. In order to keep the food moist, do not press on it while it is cooking.

Key Steps for a Juicy Oven Steak

With these easy steps, you can make restaurant-quality food at home. After baking, use a meat thermometer to make sure the desired temperature is at the safe and tasty level you want it to be.

• Pat steaks dry: Always pat steaks with paper towels before adding oil or seasoning.

• Use olive oil: A thin layer helps with browning and prevents sticking.

• Preheat oven: Always preheat oven to the right temperature before placing your steak inside.

• Pan searing: Quickly brown both sides in a cast iron pan before transferring to the oven.

Pro Tips to Lock In Juices

The way something is finished makes a big difference in how it tastes and feels. If you follow these steps, your oven-baked steak will always be tender, flavorful, and cooked just the way you like it.

• Rest before cutting: Let your steak rest 5–10 minutes under foil to retain juices.

• Add butter and herbs: Top with unsalted butter, fresh thyme, or other fresh herbs for richness.

• Proper storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or thaw overnight if frozen.

• Review recipe: Adjust cooking time or seasoning next time to improve and meet required recipe ratings.

Can I Cook a Steak in the Oven Without Searing It?

Yes, you don't have to sear the steak on the stove to make it juicy and tender. You can do it in the oven instead. This works great when you don't want oil to fly everywhere or don't have a grill handy. The key is to keep an eye on the temperature and resting time so the steak stays juicy and flavorful, and the finish looks great.

How to Bake Steak Without Searing

If you don't sear your steak first, you'll have to cook it a little longer and broil it in the oven to get that nice crust and deep flavor. Use this easy recipe card method to get the same results every time.

• Prepare the steak: Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Pat it dry, then season generously with salt and pepper for more flavor and even browning.

• Use the first pan wisely: Place the steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet so air can circulate evenly for better texture.

• Bake properly: Set your oven to 400°F. Cook for 10–12 minutes for a medium-rare desired level, or slightly longer for medium or well-done.

• Broil for a crust: Switch to the broiler for 1–2 minutes per side to create a good crust that mimics the effect of pan searing.

After baking, rest your steak on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes so the juices redistribute, keeping it moist and full of flavor with every bite.

When to Use the Broiler Trick

The broiler is great for finishing a steak that has only been cooked in the oven because it gives it the same color and texture as a sear. It spreads the fat out evenly and gives your steak a nice edge without making it dry.

• Keep it short: Broil for only 1–2 minutes per side to prevent overcooking.

• Watch the texture: Keep an eye on it so the crust browns without burning while the center stays pink.

• Natural healthy fats: Steak contains monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat with minimal trans fat, providing both flavor and balance.

• No extra tools needed: Your first pan and oven broiler will do the work, no stovetop grill required.

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Final Thoughts

The best way to make a perfect steak at home is to learn how long to cook steak in the oven. The most important things are the timing and temperature, not the type of pan you use or whether you sear the food first or not. For juicy and tender meat, always give it a break so the muscle fibers can relax and the juices can redistribute. Put the heat on the thickest part and finish with butter or herbs for the best sear. If this oven-baked steak recipe helped you make it better, don't forget to rate it!

FAQs

How long do I cook a thick steak in the oven for the best sear?

Cook about 10–12 minutes at 450°F and make sure to sear the thickest part first for the best sear and crust.

Why is resting steak important for juicy results?

Resting lets muscle fibers relax and juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist after slicing.

What’s the easiest way to check doneness?

Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the steak to hit your desired internal temperature.

Can I still get the best sear without a grill?

Yes, a cast iron skillet gives the best sear even without a grill—just make sure the pan is hot before cooking.

How can I improve my steak next time?

Review your steps, watch the thickest part for doneness, and comment something about your experience or tips to help others make a perfect steak too.