If you’re a steak lover, you know that cooking the perfect steak is an art. Whether you prefer your steak medium-rare or well-done, it’s important to know how long to cook it to achieve your desired level of doneness. One popular cut of steak that has gained popularity in recent years is the cowboy steak.
The cowboy steak is a bone-in ribeye steak that is known for its rich flavor and juicy texture. It’s a thick, hefty cut of meat that requires a unique cooking method to bring out its full potential. One of the most reliable methods for cooking cowboy steak is in the oven.
To cook a cowboy steak in the oven, you first need to preheat your oven to a high temperature. This will help to sear the steak and lock in the juices. Once the oven is preheated, place the steak on a baking sheet and season it with your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or you can get creative with a blend of herbs and spices.
The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your steak and how you like it cooked. As a general rule of thumb, you can cook a 1-inch thick cowboy steak in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, or 14-16 minutes for medium. Keep in mind that these times are just estimates, so it’s best to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak.
How to Cook Cowboy Steak in Oven: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re looking for a flavorful and perfectly cooked cowboy steak, using an oven is a great option. This step-by-step guide will take you through the process of cooking a delicious cowboy steak in the oven.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the cowboy steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will ensure even cooking.
- Season the steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other seasonings of your choice such as garlic powder or paprika.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat on the stovetop. Once the skillet is hot, add a small amount of oil and sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes per side until a nice crust develops.
- Transfer the skillet with the seared steak into the preheated oven. Cook the steak for about 6-8 minutes for medium-rare or longer depending on your preferred level of doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak.
- Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for around 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the steak more tender.
- Slice the cowboy steak against the grain and serve it hot. You can accompany it with your favorite sides like roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables.
Following these steps will help you achieve a perfectly cooked cowboy steak with a delicious crust on the outside and tender, juicy meat on the inside. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Preparing the Cowboy Steak
To cook a delicious cowboy steak in the oven, you need to prepare it properly. Follow these steps to ensure a mouthwatering result:
1. Take the steak out of the refrigerator
Remove the cowboy steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the meat to come to an even temperature, ensuring it cooks evenly.
2. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature will help achieve a perfectly seared crust on the outside of the steak while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
3. Season the steak
Generously season both sides of the cowboy steak with salt and pepper. You can also add your favorite dry rub or seasoning mix for extra flavor. Use your hands to press the seasonings into the meat, ensuring they adhere well.
4. Sear the steak
Heat a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over high heat on the stovetop. Add a small amount of oil and swirl it around to coat the pan. Carefully place the cowboy steak in the hot pan and sear it for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a golden brown crust forms.
5. Transfer to the oven
If using a separate oven-safe pan, transfer the seared cowboy steak to a preheated baking sheet or roasting pan. Place it in the oven and cook for about 12-15 minutes for medium-rare doneness, or adjust the cooking time to your desired level of doneness.
6. Rest the steak
Once the cowboy steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
Now you’re ready to enjoy a perfectly cooked cowboy steak straight from the oven! Serve it with your favorite sides and sauces for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Seasoning the Steak
Before cooking your cowboy steak in the oven, it’s important to season it properly to enhance its natural flavors. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients: |
– Cowboy steak |
– Salt |
– Pepper |
– Garlic powder |
– Olive oil |
1. Start by generously seasoning the cowboy steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the seasonings on both sides of the steak and rub them into the meat with your hands.
2. Allow the seasoned steak to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the steak to help it sear and form a crispy crust.
Now that your cowboy steak is properly seasoned, it’s time to cook it in the oven. Keep reading to learn how!
Preheating the Oven
To start cooking your cowboy steak in the oven, you need to preheat the oven to a high temperature. This will help sear the steak and lock in the juices, resulting in a delicious and tender meat.
Here is how you can preheat the oven for your cowboy steak:
- Make sure to remove any racks that are not needed from the oven. This will create enough space for the cowboy steak.
- Set the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and allow it to preheat for at least 20 minutes. This will ensure that the oven reaches the desired temperature.
- While the oven is preheating, take the cowboy steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will help the steak cook more evenly.
- Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, it is ready for you to start cooking the cowboy steak.
Remember, it is important to preheat the oven properly before cooking the cowboy steak to achieve the best results. Preheating allows for even cooking and gives the steak a nice sear on the outside.
Searing the Steak
Before cooking the cowboy steak in the oven, it’s important to sear it on high heat. This step helps to develop a delicious crust on the outside of the steak, sealing in the juices and enhancing the overall flavor.
To sear the steak, preheat a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet over high heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to comfortably fit the steak without overcrowding it. You want the steak to have enough room to brown evenly.
Once the skillet is hot, pat the cowboy steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning blend. The hot skillet will create a nice sear on the steak, adding flavor and visual appeal.
Add a small amount of oil to the skillet and swirl it around to evenly coat the bottom. Carefully place the seasoned cowboy steak in the hot skillet, making sure it lays flat. Allow the steak to sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until a rich, brown crust forms.
Using tongs, carefully flip the steak to sear the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. The high heat and quick cooking time will create a beautiful caramelization on the exterior of the steak while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Once both sides of the cowboy steak are seared, it’s ready to be transferred to the oven for further cooking. Use oven mitts to handle the hot skillet, as it will retain heat. Carefully place the skillet in the preheated oven and continue cooking the steak to your desired level of doneness.
Remember to always use proper safety precautions when handling hot skillets and ovens. Enjoy your perfectly seared cowboy steak cooked to perfection!
Cooking and Resting the Steak
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the cowboy steak on a wire rack set on a baking sheet.
This will help air circulate around the steak and ensure even cooking.
Season the steak generously with salt and pepper.
You can also add any desired herbs or spices to enhance the flavor.
Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak.
This will help you monitor the internal temperature and cook it to your desired level of doneness.
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven.
Cook the cowboy steak for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Remember to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.
For medium-rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C).
For medium, cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Once the cowboy steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
Allow the steak to rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing.
This will help the juices redistribute and ensure a tender and juicy steak.
After resting, slice the cowboy steak against the grain to maximize tenderness.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Q&A
What is a cowboy steak?
A cowboy steak is a thick-cut, bone-in ribeye steak. It is typically around 2 inches thick and is known for its rich marbling and intense flavor.
How long does it take to cook a cowboy steak in the oven?
The cooking time for a cowboy steak in the oven will vary depending on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. As a general guideline, for a medium-rare cowboy steak that is around 2 inches thick, it will take approximately 15-20 minutes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C).
Should I sear the cowboy steak before cooking it in the oven?
Searing the cowboy steak before cooking it in the oven is optional but recommended. Searing helps to develop a flavorful crust on the outside of the steak. To sear the steak, heat a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan over high heat and cook the steak for 1-2 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Then transfer the steak to the preheated oven to finish cooking.
Can I cook a cowboy steak in the oven without searing it?
Yes, you can cook a cowboy steak in the oven without searing it. Simply season the steak with salt and pepper, place it on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan, and put it in the preheated oven. The cooking time will be slightly longer compared to searing the steak first.
What temperature should the cowboy steak reach for medium-rare?
For a medium-rare cowboy steak, the internal temperature should reach around 135°F (57°C). It’s best to use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
What is cowboy steak?
Cowboy steak, also known as bone-in ribeye or tomahawk steak, is a thick cut of steak that includes a long bone, resembling a tomahawk axe.