How Long Do You Cook A Steak In The Oven

ByLily

Cooking a steak entirely in the oven gives you consistent results without the guesswork of stovetop searing. So how long do you cook a steak in the oven? The short answer is 12 to 20 minutes for most cuts, depending on thickness and your target doneness.

This guide breaks down exact times, temperatures, and a simple method you can repeat every time.

How Long Do You Cook A Steak In The Oven

The cooking time depends on three things: thickness, oven temperature, and how done you want the meat. A one-inch steak at 400°F usually takes 12 to 15 minutes for medium-rare. A thicker two-inch cut can take 20 to 25 minutes.

Always use a meat thermometer. Time gives you a starting point, but temperature gives you the truth.

Oven Time Chart By Thickness And Doneness

Use this chart as your baseline. Times are for a 400°F oven and a steak brought to room temperature before cooking.

  • 1 inch thick, rare (120°F): 8 to 10 minutes
  • 1 inch thick, medium-rare (130°F): 12 to 15 minutes
  • 1 inch thick, medium (140°F): 15 to 18 minutes
  • 1.5 inches thick, medium-rare: 16 to 20 minutes
  • 2 inches thick, medium-rare: 22 to 28 minutes

Add 3 to 5 minutes for medium and well done. Reduce time slightly if your oven runs hot.

Best Oven Temperature For Steak

Most home cooks get great results between 375°F and 425°F. A hotter oven builds a better crust but cooks the center faster. A lower oven is more forgiving but takes longer.

  • 400°F: the best all-around choice for steaks one to two inches thick
  • 450°F: good for thin steaks that need quick color
  • 275°F to 300°F: best for thick cuts and reverse searing

If your steak is under an inch thick, stick with high heat and watch it closely. Thin cuts go from perfect to overcooked in just a couple minutes.

Step-By-Step Oven Steak Method

Follow these steps for a reliable steak every time, even on a weeknight.

  1. Take the steak out of the fridge 30 to 40 minutes before cooking. Room temperature meat cooks more evenly.
  2. Pat the surface dry with paper towels. Moisture steams the meat and blocks browning.
  3. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Add garlic powder or a steak rub if you like.
  4. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place a cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan inside while it heats.
  5. Carefully lay the steak in the hot pan. It should sizzle right away.
  6. Sear for 2 minutes per side on the stovetop if you want a crust. Skip this step if cooking fully in the oven.
  7. Transfer the pan to the oven. Cook for the time listed in the chart above.
  8. Check the internal temperature at the earliest suggested time. Pull the steak 5°F before your target since it keeps rising as it rests.
  9. Rest the steak on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes. This keeps the juices inside.
  10. Slice against the grain and serve.

Do You Have To Sear Before Baking

No, you don’t. You can cook a steak completely in the oven and still get good results. The crust won’t be as deep, but the inside will be tender and evenly cooked.

If you want a restaurant-style crust without a stovetop sear, broil the steak for the final 2 minutes. Just keep a close eye on it.

How To Check Doneness Without A Thermometer

A thermometer is the best tool, but you can also use the touch test. Press the center of the steak with your finger.

  • Rare: soft and squishy, like the base of your thumb relaxed
  • Medium-rare: slight resistance, like touching your thumb to your index finger
  • Medium: firmer, like thumb to middle finger
  • Well done: very firm, like thumb to pinky

This method takes practice. When in doubt, cut a small slit and look inside.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Small errors cause tough, dry steak. Watch out for these.

  • Cooking cold meat straight from the fridge
  • Skipping the rest time and losing all the juices
  • Using a oven temp that’s to high for thick cuts
  • Not drying the surface before it hits the pan
  • Relying on time alone instead of temperature

Fix these and your oven steak will rival anything from a grill.

Best Cuts For Oven Cooking

Not every steak cooks the same way. These cuts work well in the oven.

  • Ribeye: rich and forgiving, great at 400°F
  • New York strip: firm texture, cooks evenly
  • Filet mignon: lean and tender, best at lower heat
  • Sirloin: budget friendly, watch the time closely
  • T-bone: thick and uneven, needs a thermometer

Thicker cuts give you more control. Thin cuts cook so fast that timing gets tricky.

Final Tips For A Perfect Oven Steak

Preheat the pan, not just the oven. A hot pan starts the crust the moment the meat touches it.

Let the steak rest before slicing. Five minutes makes a real difference in juiciness.

And remember, the answer to how long you cook a steak in the oven is really about temperature, not just minutes. Use the chart, trust your thermometer, and adjust from there.

With a little practice, you’ll nail the timing for your oven and your favorite cut.

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