Yes, you can cook a steak in the oven without searing it. While searing a steak before oven cooking can add some additional flavor and texture, it is not strictly necessary for cooking the steak. Oven cooking alone can still yield a delicious and tender result.
Here's a simple method to cook a steak in the oven without searing it:
Ingredients:
- Steak (of your choice, e.g., ribeye, sirloin, etc.)
- Salt and pepper (or your preferred seasoning)
Instructions:
Take the steak out of the refrigerator: Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the steak cook more evenly.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to the desired temperature. For example, if you prefer medium-rare, set the oven to 135-140°C (275-285°F).
Season the steak: Generously season the steak with salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning. You can also use a dry rub if you like.
Prepare a baking sheet or oven-safe pan: Place a wire rack on a baking sheet or use an oven-safe pan with a raised rack. This helps air circulation and allows excess moisture to escape, preventing the steak from steaming.
Cooking the steak: Place the seasoned steak on the wire rack or the oven-safe pan. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak.
Oven cooking: Cook the steak in the preheated oven until it reaches your desired doneness. Here are some approximate cooking times for a steak, but it's essential to rely on a meat thermometer for accurate results:
- Rare: 50-54°C (120-130°F) internal temperature; 10-15 minutes in the oven.
- Medium-Rare: 57-60°C (135-140°F) internal temperature; 15-20 minutes in the oven.
- Medium: 63°C (145°F) internal temperature; 20-25 minutes in the oven.
- Medium-Well: 68°C (155°F) internal temperature; 25-30 minutes in the oven.
Resting the steak: Once the steak reaches the desired internal temperature, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it juicier and more flavorful.
Serve: After resting, slice the steak and serve it as desired.
Remember, the cooking times provided above are approximate and can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the accuracy of your oven. Using a meat thermometer to check for doneness is the most reliable method. Enjoy your oven-cooked steak!