When cooking a thick steak in the oven, the most important factors to consider are the thickness of the steak, the cooking temperature, and the desired level of doneness. Generally, a thicker steak requires more cooking time than a thin steak in order to reach the proper internal temperature.
Quick Answer
For a 1-inch thick steak, bake at 350°F for 15-25 minutes for medium doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for 135°F for medium. For medium-rare, cook to 130°F and for well-done cook to 145°F.
How Thickness Impacts Cooking Time
Steak thickness has a direct impact on the required cooking time. The thicker the steak, the more time is needed for the heat to fully penetrate and cook the center. Here are some general guidelines for cooking times based on thickness:
| Steak Thickness | Cooking Time at 350°F |
|---|---|
| 0.5 inch | 8-14 minutes |
| 1 inch | 15-25 minutes |
| 1.5 inches | 25-30 minutes |
| 2 inches | 30-40 minutes |
As you can see, cooking time increases significantly with each half-inch added in steak thickness. The greater the thickness, the more time needed for the inside to cook through.
Ideal Oven Temperature for Steak
The oven temperature has an impact on both the cooking time and how the steak browns. Most chefs recommend baking steaks at 350-450°F. Here’s a breakdown:
- 300-350°F: More gentle heat, best for very thick cuts. Cooks slower but gives more even browning.
- 375-450°F: Hotter heat, better for thinner steaks. Provides faster cooking but can cause uneven browning.
- 500°F+: Very hot oven better suited for searing then baking. Can overcook outside before inside is done.
For a 1-inch thick steak, baking at 350°F is just about ideal. It provides moderately high heat to cook through, while still slow enough to develop nice browning without overcooking the exterior.
Internal Temperature for Various Doneness Levels
When baking steak, use an instant-read thermometer to test for doneness instead of relying on cook times alone. The internal temp will give you the most accurate way to know when it’s done to your liking. Here are the target temperatures for different doneness levels:
| Doneness | Internal Temp °F |
|---|---|
| Rare | 120-125°F |
| Medium Rare | 130-135°F |
| Medium | 135-145°F |
| Medium Well | 150-155°F |
| Well Done | 160°F+ |
For a 1-inch thick steak, cooking to an internal temperature of 135°F will produce a juicy, tender medium doneness. Always let steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into them to allow juices to redistribute.
Seasoning and Prep for Oven-Baked Steak
Properly preparing the steak before oven baking will help ensure the best results:
- Trim any excess fat and silver skin – this can cause flare-ups in the oven.
- Pat the steaks dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Brush lightly with oil to promote even browning.
- Season the steaks well with salt, pepper, herbs and spices.
- Allow seasoned steaks to sit at room temp for 30-60 minutes before baking.
- Use a heavy baking sheet or pan – this helps conduct heat evenly.
You can also use a roasting rack set inside a sheet pan to elevate the steaks – this allows for better air circulation and prevents steaming.
Best Herbs and Spices for Oven Steak
Coat steaks with your favorite blend of herbs, spices and aromatics before baking. Great options include:
- Fresh rosemary, thyme and/or oregano
- Garlic powder, onion powder
- Smoked paprika, chili powder
- Mustard powder, coriander
- Cumin, curry powder
- Peppercorns, red pepper flakes
Get creative mixing and matching dried and fresh herbs and spices for delicious flavor profiles.
Baking Methods for Oven Steaks
There are a few different methods that can be used to bake steaks in the oven:
1. Basic Oven Baking
Simple and straightforward. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place seasoned steak on a baking sheet or pan and bake until desired doneness, flipping halfway through. Best for thinner steaks up to 1-inch thick.
2. Reverse Sear
For thicker steaks 1-inch or more. Bake at 275°F until steak is 5-10° below target temp. Then, quickly sear both sides in a hot skillet to finish. This helps evenly cook the inside while searing the outside.
3. Broiler Finishing
Bake steak most of the way through at 350°F. Then turn broiler to high and quickly broil each side for added browning at the end. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Conclusion
For baking a 1-inch thick steak, use a temperature of 350°F and bake for around 15-25 minutes until it reaches the desired doneness. Monitor temperature with an instant-read thermometer for the most accurate results. Properly seasoning, searing and resting the steak are also key for juicy, flavorful oven-baked steak.
FAQs
Is it okay to bake steak at 350°F?
Yes, 350°F is an ideal temperature for baking most steaks. It provides enough heat to thoroughly cook steaks up to around 1 inch thick, while still allowing time for even browning without overcooking the exterior.
How long should I bake steaks at 350°F?
Cooking time depends on thickness. For 1-inch steaks, bake at 350°F for around 15-25 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to test doneness rather than relying solely on bake times. Thinner steaks may take 12-18 minutes, thicker steaks 25-40 minutes.
Do you need to flip steak when baking?
It’s a good idea to flip steaks at least once midway through baking. This helps promote even cooking and browning on both sides. For thinner steaks under 1-inch, you may not need to flip.
What temperature is medium steak when baking?
An internal temperature of 135-140°F is considered medium doneness for steaks. Always use a meat thermometer to test for your desired degree of doneness when oven baking. The temp is more accurate than judging by time alone.
Should steaks be covered when baking?
Covering steaks when baking is not recommended, as this can cause a steaming effect rather than properly roasting and browning the meat. Leave uncovered for best results.