How to Cook Steak in the Oven Correctly: A Complete Guide

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Do you want to learn how to cook steak in the oven? Many love juicy and tender steak. While it seems easy to cook steak, it can be a bit tricky. Just a small mistake, you can lose all the juice and tenderness that you love so much.

There are many ways to cook steak, such as grilling, pan-searing, or using an air fryer. However, the oven is one of the most popular methods. It gives you better control over the temperature and ensures even cooking. You can also cook several steaks at once, making it great for family meals or small gatherings.

In this article, we will learn how to cook steak in the oven step by step, how long you should do it, and some extra tips for success. We will also talk about how to store and reheat the leftover steak so you won't waste any slice of steak that you cook at home. We gathered the information from various sources, (20/10/2025).

The oven method is one of the best and easiest ways to cook steak. Here's how to cook steak in the oven correctly so you get the juiciest and most tender steak at home:

What You’ll Need:

- Steaks (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon)

- Salt and pepper

- Olive oil or butter

- Oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron)

- Meat thermometer

- Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a convection oven, 425°F (218°C) will also work.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

Pat the steak dry with a paper towel. This helps it sear better. Season both sides with salt and pepper. You can also add a little olive oil or melted butter.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Heat your skillet on the stove over high heat for about 2 minutes. Place the steak on the pan and sear each side for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden brown.

Step 4: Transfer to Oven

Once both sides are seared, move the skillet directly into the preheated oven. Let the steak cook until it reaches your preferred level of doneness.

Step 5: Check the Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This ensures your steak is cooked perfectly.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Once done, remove the steak from the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to spread evenly throughout the meat.

After you learn how to cook steak in the oven, now you need to know how long to cook it. The cooking time will be different based on several factors, such as the doneness and thickness of your meat. Here's a general guide for you:

- Rare (125°F / 52°C): Bake the steak in the oven for 4-6 minutes

- Medium Rare (130°F / 55°C): Bake the steak in the oven for 6-8 minutes

- Medium (140°F / 60°C): Bake the steak in the oven for 8-10 minutes

- Medium Well (150°F / 66°C): Bake the steak in the oven for 10-12 minutes

- Well Done (160°F / 71°C): Bake the steak in the oven for 12-14 minutes

Keep in mind that these times may vary based on oven type and steak thickness. Always use a thermometer to check for accuracy.

Cooking steak in the oven is simple, but these practical tips can help you get even better results:

1. Use a Cast Iron Skillet: It holds heat very well, helping your steak develop a deep brown crust while keeping the inside juicy and full of flavor.

2. Bring Steak to Room Temperature: Let your steak rest outside the fridge for about 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even heating and prevents the edges from overcooking.

3. Add Butter for Flavor: In the final minutes of cooking, melt a small piece of butter over the steak to give it a rich, smooth taste and shiny finish.

4. Avoid Overcrowding: When cooking multiple steaks, leave enough space between each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook them evenly on all sides.

5. Finish with Herbs: Once you remove the steak from the oven, sprinkle it with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to enhance the aroma and overall flavor.

If you have leftover steak, don’t worry. As long as you store it correctly, it can still taste great later. Proper storage helps keep the meat juicy and prevents it from drying out.

To store in the refrigerator, let the steak cool to room temperature first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to freeze it, wrap the steak in foil or freezer paper, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen steak can last up to 2-3 months. To defrost, move it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight before reheating.

After learning how to store it, the next step is reheating your steak the right way. You want to keep it tender without drying it out.

The best method is to use the oven again. Set your oven to 250°F (120°C) and place the steak on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also sear it briefly in a hot pan afterward to restore the crispy crust.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your leftover steak almost as much as when it was freshly cooked.