Mastering the Art of Cooking Steak in the Oven
Cooking steak in the oven is a delightful way to achieve a perfect balance of flavor and texture. This method combines the benefits of searing on the stove with slow cooking in the oven, resulting in a succulent and flavorful dish every time. Whether you prefer your steak well-done or rare, this guide will help you cook a delicious New York strip steak in the oven.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To start, you'll need the following ingredients and equipment:
New York Strip Steaks (preferably 1.5 inches thick with moderate marbling) Olive Oil or Avocado Oil Sea Salt or Kosher Salt Black Pepper Unsalted Butter Cooling Rack on a Sheet PanPreparation and Seasoning
Begin by removing the steaks from the refrigerator and letting them come to room temperature. Rub the steaks with olive or avocado oil, then generously season with sea salt and black pepper. It's essential to let the steaks rest, allowing the seasonings to adhere properly.
Stovetop Searing
Preheat a cast iron grill pan over very high heat. Add a generous amount of butter to the pan and sear the steaks for about 2 minutes per side. The pan will produce those beautiful grill marks that lock in flavor. Once the steaks are seared, transfer them to a cooling rack on a sheet pan to preheat in the oven.
Final Baking in the Oven
Position an oven rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Place the sheet pan with the steaks on the cooling rack in the hot oven. Bake for approximately 7 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness. For a well-done steak, you may want to bake it for a bit longer. It's important to note that cooking times may vary, so you'll need to be a bit flexible.
Finishing and Serving
Remove the pan from the oven and let the steaks rest on a plate for 2-3 minutes. During this resting period, the juices will redistribute, making the steak more flavorful. If desired, you can top the steaks with a pat of compound butter made with unsalted butter and a good blue cheese. Serve with a side of your choice and enjoy the perfectly cooked, delicious steak.
Optional Enhancements
If you prefer an extra crispy edge, you can turn on your oven's broiler after the steaks have been in the oven for 10 minutes. This will give the edges a delightful crispiness without overcooking the center.
Cooking Times
The following chart provides a general guideline for the cooking times of a 1.5-inch-thick New York strip steak:
Cooking TimeDoneness 7 minutesRare to medium 9-11 minutesMedium to medium-well 12-14 minutesWell-doneRemember that cooking times may vary based on the thickness and initial temperature of the steak, as well as your personal preference. It's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches the desired internal temperature.
Bon appetit!