[FULL GUIDE] How Long To Cook Strip Steak In Oven

Cooking strip steak in the oven can be a great way to achieve a perfectly seared and juicy steak without needing a grill. When prepared and cooked properly, strip steak can be a delicious and impressive dish to serve for a special meal or entertaining guests. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best practices for cooking strip steak in the oven, including selecting the perfect cut, preparing the steak, determining the ideal oven temperature, and achieving the desired level of doneness.

Quick Answer: How Long To Cook Strip Steak In The Oven

• Preparation Time: 40 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
• Total Time: 46-48 minutes

Choosing Strip Steak

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to select the right strip steak. The strip steak, also known as New York strip or Kansas City strip, comes from the short loin of the cow. It boasts a desirable balance of tenderness and rich flavor, making it a popular choice for steak lovers. When choosing strip steak for oven cooking, look for cuts with ample marbling, as this will contribute to juiciness and flavor.

Key Points to Consider When Choosing Strip Steak:

• Marbling: Look for strip steaks with visible marbling, as this will enhance tenderness and taste.
• Thickness: Opt for steaks that are at least 1 inch thick to ensure they cook evenly and retain moisture.
• Color: Choose steak with a bright red color and avoid cuts that appear discolored or have an off-putting odor.

Preparing Strip Steak

Properly preparing strip steak is crucial to ensuring a mouthwatering end result. Here are the steps to prepare your strip steak for cooking in the oven:

1. Bring The Steak To Room Temperature

Before cooking, it’s essential to allow the strip steak to come to room temperature. This ensures more even cooking and helps the steak retain its natural juices when it hits the oven.

2. Seasoning

Season the strip steak generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. For added flavor, you can also incorporate other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.

3. Resting And Patting Dry

Once seasoned, let the steak rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. During this time, the salt will draw out moisture from the steak, which will then be reabsorbed, resulting in a seasoned and juicy steak. After resting, use a paper towel to pat the steak dry, removing any excess moisture on the surface. This will help achieve a better sear when the steak is cooked.

4. Preheat The Oven

While the steak is coming to room temperature, preheat the oven to the desired temperature for cooking the strip steak.

Oven Temperature For Cooking Strip Steak

The oven temperature is a critical factor in achieving the desired level of doneness and texture for strip steak. The following guidelines will help you determine the appropriate oven temperature for cooking your strip steak:

Rare: 120-125°F Internal Temperature

For rare strip steak, which will be bright red in the center, preheat the oven to 275°F. This will allow for gentle, slow cooking that retains the steak’s natural juices and results in a tender texture.

Medium Rare: 130-135°F Internal Temperature

To achieve medium-rare strip steak with a warm red center, preheat the oven to 300°F. This slightly higher temperature allows for a gentle cooking process while reaching the desired level of doneness.

Medium: 140-145°F Internal Temperature

For medium strip steak with a pink center, preheat the oven to 325°F. This temperature provides a slightly faster cooking process, resulting in a more pronounced pink center while still maintaining juiciness.

Medium Well: 150-155°F Internal Temperature

If you prefer your strip steak to be cooked medium-well with a slightly pink center, preheat the oven to 350°F. This higher temperature will expedite the cooking process while still preserving some juiciness in the steak.

Well Done: 160-165°F Internal Temperature

For a well-done strip steak with no pinkness, preheat the oven to 375°F. Cooking at this higher temperature will result in a fully cooked, firm steak.

Cooking strip steak in the oven can yield impressive results when executed properly. From selecting the perfect cut and properly preparing the steak to determining the ideal oven temperature and achieving the desired level of doneness, every step plays a crucial role in the final outcome. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can confidently cook strip steak in the oven to perfection, delighting yourself and those you serve with a mouthwatering and tender steak experience.

Oven Cooking Time For Cooking Strip Steak

Cooking strip steak in the oven can be a great alternative to grilling, especially when the weather doesn’t permit outdoor cooking. By using the oven, you can achieve a juicy and flavorful steak with a beautiful sear on the outside. However, cooking times can vary depending on factors like steak thickness, desired doneness, and oven temperature.

Cooking strip steak in the oven requires precision to achieve the desired level of doneness. Depending on the thickness of the steak and the preferred level of doneness, the cooking time can range from around 8 minutes for a rare steak to 20 minutes for a well-done steak. The following table outlines the approximate cooking times for strip steak in the oven:

Level of Doneness	Cooking Time
Rare	8-10 minutes
Medium-Rare	10-12 minutes
Medium	12-14 minutes
Medium-Well	14-16 minutes
Well-Done	16-20 minutes

Please note that these times serve as a general guideline and may vary based on individual preferences and oven performance. To ensure the best possible outcome, it is crucial to use a meat thermometer to accurately monitor the internal temperature of the steak.

How To Cook Strip Steak In Oven

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook strip steak in the oven:

1. Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Start by selecting high-quality strip steaks that are evenly thick, preferably around 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thicker steaks are easier to cook to perfection while maintaining a juicy center.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). This high temperature will help sear the steak and lock in the juices.
3. Season the Steak: Generously season both sides of the strip steak with your desired seasoning. Common seasonings include coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
4. Prepare a Searing Pan: Use a heavy oven-safe skillet, such as a cast-iron skillet, for searing the steak on the stovetop. A well-seasoned skillet will help create a crusty exterior. Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil until it starts to smoke.
5. Sear the Steak: Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the seasoned steak into the pan. Allow it to sear for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until a golden brown crust forms. Use tongs to flip the steak and sear all sides evenly.
6. Transfer to the Oven: After searing, transfer the skillet with the steak directly to the preheated oven. This will allow the oven to continue cooking the steak evenly, both on the outside and inside.
7. Cook to Desired Doneness: Refer to the cooking times provided above to cook the strip steak to your preferred level of doneness. For accurate monitoring, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak without touching the bone, aiming for the desired internal temperature.
8. Rest the Steak: Once the steak reaches the desired doneness, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
9. Slice and Serve: Finally, slice the strip steak against the grain into thin slices. This will help ensure tender results. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly cooked strip steak!

Cooking Techniques

When cooking strip steak in the oven, there are different techniques you can employ to achieve the desired level of doneness and ensure a flavorful result:

1. High Heat Searing Method: This method involves searing the steak in a hot skillet on the stovetop before transferring it to the oven to finish cooking. Searing locks in the juices and creates a flavorful crust. This technique works well for thicker steaks and allows for better control over the level of doneness.
2. Direct Oven Roasting Method: If you prefer a more straightforward approach, you can skip the stovetop searing step and cook the strip steak directly in the oven. This method is suitable for thinner cuts and yields a more even cook throughout the steak.
3. Reverse Searing Method: In this technique, you start by slow-cooking the steak in a low-temperature oven until it reaches an internal temperature of around 115°F (46°C). Afterward, you sear it in a hot skillet for a few minutes, creating a flavorful crust. This method results in a more evenly cooked steak from edge to center and is ideal for achieving a perfect medium-rare or medium doneness.

Experiment with these different techniques to find the one that best suits your preferences and desired results.

Do I Need To Use Foil?

Using foil while cooking strip steak in the oven can be a matter of personal preference. While it is not necessary, many people choose to use foil to either enhance the cooking process or minimize mess. Here are some reasons why you might consider using foil:

1. Enhancing Flavors: Wrapping the strip steak in foil during the oven cooking process can help retain moisture and infuse the meat with the flavors of any added seasonings or marinades. The sealed environment created by the foil can also intensify the flavors.
2. Minimizing Mess: Cooking steak in the oven can sometimes result in splattering juices and oil, which can be difficult to clean. Using foil to line the baking dish or skillet can prevent these drippings from sticking and make clean-up easier.

If you choose to use foil, make sure to properly wrap the steak to create a sealed packet. This will help keep the moisture in the steak while it cooks in the oven.

Cooking strip steak in the oven is a versatile and convenient method that allows you to enjoy a tasty steak indoors. By following the recommended cooking times and techniques, you can achieve the perfect level of doneness and retain the natural juices of the steak. Whether you prefer a rare, medium, or well-done steak, the oven provides a consistent and reliable cooking method.

Remember to use a meat thermometer to accurately monitor the internal temperature of the steak and allow it to rest before slicing. These steps will ensure a deliciously juicy and flavorful strip steak every time. So, fire up your oven, grab a beautiful strip steak, and let it sizzle its way to perfection!

Cooking Times For Frozen Strip Steak

Cooking a strip steak in the oven is a great way to enjoy a juicy and flavorful steak without the need for a grill. However, achieving the perfect level of doneness while cooking strip steak in the oven can be a bit tricky. The cooking time will vary depending on various factors such as the thickness of the steak, desired level of doneness, and whether the steak is frozen or thawed.

If you have a frozen strip steak and you’re looking to cook it in the oven, there are a few extra considerations. The first step is to properly defrost the steak. It is not recommended to cook a frozen steak directly in the oven as it may result in uneven cooking and a less desirable texture.

The best way to defrost a frozen strip steak is to allow it to thaw in the refrigerator. This method ensures that the steak thaws at a safe temperature and reduces the risk of bacterial growth. Depending on the thickness of the steak, the defrosting process may take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours.

Once the steak is fully thawed, we can proceed with the cooking process. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Allow the steak to come to room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before seasoning it to enhance the flavor.

Place the seasoned steak on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or a wire rack. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, making sure it does not touch any bone. The meat thermometer will help you monitor the internal temperature of the steak and ensure that it reaches the desired level of doneness.

When cooking a one-inch thick steak, the estimated cooking time for a medium-rare level of doneness is around 12-15 minutes. For medium doneness, cook the steak for 14-17 minutes, and for medium-well, cook it for 16-19 minutes. These times are approximate, and it is essential to monitor the internal temperature of the steak using the meat thermometer for accurate results.

Adjusting Oven Temperature For Cooking Strip Steak

A crucial factor in achieving a perfectly cooked strip steak in the oven is adjusting the oven temperature. The recommended oven temperature for cooking strip steak is 425°F (220°C). This high heat allows for a flavorful crust while maintaining a tender and juicy interior.

However, if your oven tends to run hotter or cooler than the set temperature, you might need to make some adjustments to achieve the desired level of doneness. To determine if your oven runs hotter or cooler, you can use an oven thermometer. Place it inside your oven and compare its reading with the temperature set on the oven dial. If there is a significant difference, you can make the necessary adjustments.

If your oven runs hotter, reduce the temperature by about 25°F (14°C). For example, if the recipe calls for 425°F (220°C), set your oven to 400°F (204°C). Conversely, if your oven runs cooler, increase the temperature by the same amount.

It is essential to note that every oven is different, and adjusting the temperature might require some trial and error to find the perfect setting. Keep a close eye on the steak’s internal temperature to ensure that it reaches the desired level of doneness.

Adjusting Oven Cook Times For Cooking Strip Steak

Besides adjusting the oven temperature, you may also need to modify the cooking times based on the thickness of the strip steak. Thicker steaks will generally require more time in the oven to reach the desired degree of doneness.

For a one-inch thick strip steak, as mentioned earlier, cooking times for medium-rare, medium, and medium-well are approximately 12-15 minutes, 14-17 minutes, and 16-19 minutes, respectively, at 425°F (220°C). However, if your steak is thicker or thinner than one inch, you should adjust the cooking times accordingly.

If you have a thicker steak, you will need to increase the cooking time. For every additional half an inch of thickness, add about 3-5 minutes to the cooking time. For example, if your steak is 1.5 inches thick, you would cook it for 15-20 minutes for medium-rare instead of the usual 12-15 minutes.

Similarly, if your steak is thinner, you will need to reduce the cooking time. Subtract about 2-3 minutes for every quarter-inch decrease in thickness. For instance, if you have a 3/4-inch thick steak, you would cook it for about 9-12 minutes instead of the regular 12-15 minutes for medium-rare.

By making these adjustments, you can ensure that your strip steak cooks evenly and reaches the desired level of doneness.

Undercooking

Keep in mind that undercooking the strip steak is generally more forgiving than overcooking it. If you prefer your steak to be cooked medium-rare, it is better to slightly undercook it and then allow it to rest.

Once the steak is removed from the oven, tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the steak, resulting in a more evenly cooked and juicier piece of meat.

During the resting period, the internal temperature of the steak will continue to rise slightly, known as carryover cooking. As a general rule, the internal temperature will rise by about 5°F (3°C) during resting. Therefore, you may wish to remove the steak from the oven when it is a couple of degrees below the desired doneness. The residual heat will continue to cook the steak to the desired level while ensuring it remains juicy.

Cooking strip steak in the oven allows you to enjoy a delicious and flavorful steak without the need for a grill. By adjusting the oven temperature and cooking times to account for factors such as the thickness of the steak, you can achieve the perfect level of doneness.

When working with frozen strip steak, ensure it is properly thawed before cooking. Adjust the oven temperature to compensate for any inconsistencies in your oven's heating. Remember to consider the thickness of the steak and adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Always use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the steak and check for the desired level of doneness. And if you're uncertain, it's always a safer bet to slightly undercook the steak and allow it to rest, as the carryover cooking will continue to cook the steak while it rests.

With these tips and considerations in mind, you can confidently cook a strip steak to perfection in the oven, delivering a delectable and mouthwatering dining experience.

Overcooking

Many people enjoy a juicy and flavorful steak, and one of the most popular cuts is the strip steak. While some may prefer to grill it, others prefer the convenience of cooking it in the oven. Cooking strip steak in the oven can be a great option, as it allows you to control the temperature and ensure that the steak is cooked to your preference. However, it can be tricky to get the timing right.

Before we discuss how long to cook strip steak in the oven, it’s important to understand the consequences of overcooking it. Overcooked strip steak can be tough, dry, and unappetizing. The internal temperature of the steak should reach around 135°F for a medium-rare steak, while a medium steak should be cooked to around 145°F. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure that the steak is cooked to your preference.

When Things Go Wrong

If you overcook your strip steak in the oven, there are some things you can do to salvage it. One option is to slice it thinly and use it for sandwiches or salads. Another option is to marinate it to help tenderize it and add flavor. However, the best option is to avoid overcooking it in the first place by following the recommended cooking times and using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Tips For Cooking Strip Steak In Oven

1. Choose the right cut – As mentioned earlier, the strip steak is a popular cut for a reason. It has a good balance of marbling and tenderness that make it ideal for cooking in the oven. Other cuts may not turn out as well, so if you’re unsure, ask your butcher for recommendations.
2. Let it come to room temperature – Before cooking your steak, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help ensure even cooking throughout the steak.
3. Preheat your oven – To ensure that your steak cooks evenly, it’s important to preheat your oven to 425°F.
4. Season it well – Season your steak with salt and pepper or your preferred steak rub. If you have time, let the steak sit for an hour or two to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
5. Use a cast iron skillet – Cast iron skillets are great for searing steak and creating a flavorful crust. Heat the skillet on high heat until it’s hot, then add some oil or butter and sear the steak for about 2 minutes on each side.
6. Finish it in the oven – Once you’ve seared your steak, transfer it to the preheated oven. Depending on the thickness of your steak, cook it for about 6-8 minutes for medium-rare, or 8-10 minutes for medium. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
7. Rest the steak – Once your steak is done cooking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make for a juicier, more flavorful steak.

Conclusion

Cooking strip steak in the oven can be a great option for those who prefer to bake instead of grill. You can achieve a delicious, juicy, and tender steak by following the tips above. Remember, cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of your steak, so use a meat thermometer to ensure that it’s cooked to your liking. Avoid overcooking your steak to prevent it from becoming tough and dry. With these tips, you’ll be able to cook the perfect strip steak in the oven every time.

FAQS

How Long Should I Cook A Strip Steak In The Oven?

The cooking time for a strip steak in the oven can vary based on the thickness of the steak and how well done you want it. Generally, a 1-inch thick strip steak will take about 12-14 minutes for medium-rare, 15-17 minutes for medium, and 18-20 minutes for well done.

Do I Need To Marinate The Steak Before Cooking It In The Oven?

Marinating is not necessary for strip steak, but it can add flavor and help tenderize the meat. If you choose to marinate, do so for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

How Do I Know When The Steak Is Done Cooking?

The best way to determine if a steak is done is by using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should read about 135-140°F, for medium it should be 145-150°F, and for well done it should be 160°F.

Should I Use A Rack Or A Baking Dish To Cook The Steak In The Oven?

It is recommended to use a rack placed inside a baking dish to cook the steak in the oven. This allows for air circulation and helps cook the steak evenly.

Do I Need To Rest The Steak After Cooking It In The Oven?

Yes, it is important to let the steak rest for about 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. This helps ensure a juicy and tender steak when you slice into it.