How To Sear And Bake Steaks

Mastering the Art of Searing and Baking Steaks

Steak is a classic dish that many people enjoy, and there are countless ways to prepare it. One popular method is to sear and bake the steak, which results in a deliciously juicy and flavorful meal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to sear and bake the perfect steak, so you can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.

Choosing the Right Cut

Before you start cooking, it’s important to select the right cut of steak. Different cuts have different levels of tenderness and flavor, so it’s essential to choose one that suits your preferences. Some popular choices for searing and baking include:

• Ribeye: Known for its rich marbling and intense flavor.
• Sirloin: A leaner cut with a robust, beefy taste.
• New York Strip: Tender and flavorful, with a good amount of marbling.

Preparing the Steak

Once you’ve chosen your steak, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. Follow these steps to ensure your steak turns out perfectly:

1. Bring the steak to room temperature: Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows for more even cooking.
2. Season the steak: Generously season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder or paprika, for extra flavor.
3. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the steak.

Searing the Steak

The first step in searing and baking a steak is to sear it in a hot skillet. Follow these steps to achieve a perfect sear:

1. Heat the skillet: Place a cast-iron skillet over high heat and let it get very hot.
2. Add oil: Once the skillet is hot, add a high-heat oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil.
3. Sear the steak: Carefully place the steak in the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, until a golden-brown crust forms.
4. Flip the steak: Use tongs to flip the steak and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Baking the Steak

After achieving a perfect sear, it’s time to finish cooking the steak in the oven. Follow these steps to bake the steak to your desired level of doneness:

1. Transfer the steak to the oven: Carefully transfer the seared steak to the preheated oven using oven mitts or pot holders.
2. Use a meat thermometer: For optimal results, use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the steak. The USDA recommends the following temperatures for doneness:

• Rare: 125°F (52°C)
• Medium rare: 135°F (57°C)
• Medium: 145°F (63°C)
• Medium well: 150°F (66°C)
• Well done: 160°F (71°C)

Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook slightly after it’s removed from the oven, so it’s best to remove it from the oven when it’s a few degrees below your desired final temperature.

Resting and Serving

Once the steak reaches your preferred level of doneness, it’s crucial to let it rest before slicing and serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it against the grain and serving it with your favorite sides.

With these simple steps, you can sear and bake the perfect steak right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a delicious steak dinner, mastering the art of searing and baking will take your culinary skills to the next level.