Sometimes we find ourselves craving a great steak, but are faced with a problem: it’s cold or rainy outside and we can’t get to the grill! While this circumstance is always unfortunate, all hope is not lost – there are many great methods for cooking a steak inside your home. If you’re not used to cooking a steak in your kitchen, Circle M Meats is here to help you discover the best ways to cook steak indoors.
It’s important to note that these instructions provide temperatures and cook times for your steak to be cooked medium-rare to medium. You may use any cut of steak, however, we do recommend using more tender cuts such as ribeyes or filets. Also, be sure to allow your steak to reach room temperature prior to cooking to ensure a tender steak and even cook.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- Large baking sheet
- Cast iron skillet (or any oven-safe skillet)
- Steaks! (we recommend our 21 day dry aged ribeyes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Take your steak up a notch with butter and fresh thyme!
Method #1: Reverse Sear
Ah, yes, the famous reverse sear method. You’ve probably heard chefs talking about this way to cook a steak on several cooking shows. The reverse sear method starts with cooking the steak in the oven and then transferring it to a pan to sear at the end, hence the name “reverse sear.”
Step 1: Season Your Steak
While this step may seem like common sense, it’s super important to season your steak before cooking because, well, don’t you want it to be flavorful? A perfect steak only really needs salt and pepper, but feel free to branch out and use other seasonings if you’d like, too! Just be sure to season evenly on all sides of the steak.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven 200°F and 275°F. We recommend 200°F, because, while this takes longer, it will provide a more even cook on your steak.
Step 3: Cook the Steak in the Oven
Gather your favorite baking sheet and place your steak (or steaks) on it. Place the baking sheet with the steaks into the oven and cook them for about 20-25 minutes until the meat reaches a temperature of about 120°F to 130°F (the steak will continue cooking when you sear it).
Step 4: Time to Sear!
Before taking your steaks out of the oven, turn on your stove’s strongest burner. Add a drizzle of vegetable oil (or other cooking oil with a high smoke point) to a cast iron skillet and place on the burner. Once the pan is very hot, take the steaks out of the oven and place on the hot pan for about 1 minute per side. Be certain to hold the steaks sideways to sear the edges as well. If you want to take your steak up a notch, add butter and fresh thyme to the skillet and baste while it sears!
Step 5: Rest
Once your steak has reached a temperature of about 135°F (medium rare), take them off the pan and let them rest for about 5 minutes, then serve.
Method #2: Sear First, then Finish in the Oven
You’ll notice that this method is just like the reverse-sear, except, well, in backwards order. With this method, you’ll perform the searing of the steak on the stovetop first, then pop it in the oven at the end to finish cooking. As always, be sure to bring your steak to room temperature and season on all sides before cooking.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
This may seem odd, but instead of preheating your oven to around 200°F, this time you’ll want to preheat it to 350°F. That’s because you’re going to cook the steak for a very short period of time in the oven at the end.
Step 2: Heat Your Skillet
Heat your cast iron skillet over high heat. Don’t have a cast iron skillet? No worries! You can use nonstick or stainless, just make sure the skillet is oven safe! Once hot, add vegetable oil or another high smoke point cooking oil.
Step 3: Sear Your Steak
Once your skillet gets really hot, add your steak. Be sure to set your steak on each side and sear to render the fat. Then, sear on one side for 2 minutes. Flip your steak and sear for another 2 minutes.
If you want to take your steak up a notch, add butter and fresh thyme to the skillet and baste while it sears!
Step 4: Place in Oven
After searing your steak in the pan, take the entire skillet – with the steak in it – and place it in the oven. Cook for about 5 minutes and remove from the oven.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Take the steak out of the oven, remove it from the skillet, and cover it in foil. Let it rest for about 5 minutes and then serve.
Hungry yet? Visit our shop to view the amazing cuts of steak we offer here at Circle M Meats! Have questions? Contact us here.
