If you’re a meat lover and enjoy a tender and juicy steak, then ribeye is definitely a cut to consider. Ribeye steak is known for its rich marbling and bold flavor, making it a popular choice among steak enthusiasts. While grilling and pan-frying are commonly used cooking methods, you may wonder how long it takes to cook ribeye steak in the oven.
Cooking ribeye steak in the oven is a great alternative to grilling, especially when the weather doesn’t cooperate. It allows for even and controlled cooking, ensuring that your steak is cooked to perfection. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and desired level of doneness. However, as a general guideline, a 1-inch thick ribeye steak cooked in the oven at a temperature of 400°F (200°C) will take approximately 9-12 minutes for medium-rare, 12-15 minutes for medium, and 15-18 minutes for well done.
Before you start cooking, it’s important to bring the ribeye steak to room temperature. This allows for more even cooking throughout the steak. You can season the steak with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices. For extra flavor and tenderness, you can marinate the steak for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Once the steak is ready to be cooked, preheat the oven and place it on a baking sheet or in a cast iron skillet. Cooking times may vary, so it’s best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C), for medium it should be around 145°F (63°C), and for well done it should reach 160°F (71°C). Remember to let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful steak.
Preparation for cooking ribeye steak in the oven
Before cooking ribeye steak in the oven, it is important to properly prepare the steak to ensure a delicious and tender result. Here are the steps for preparing ribeye steak for oven cooking:
1. Choose a quality ribeye steak
Begin by selecting a high-quality ribeye steak. Look for a piece that has good marbling and is about 1-1.5 inches thick. This will ensure a juicy and flavorful steak.
2. Bring the steak to room temperature
Remove the ribeye steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes. Bringing the steak to room temperature will allow it to cook more evenly in the oven.
3. Season the steak
Season the ribeye steak generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Rub the seasoning into the steak, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
4. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help to sear the steak and lock in the juices.
5. Bring a cast iron skillet to high heat
Place a cast iron skillet over high heat on the stovetop for about 5 minutes, until it is smoking hot. The hot skillet will be used to sear the ribeye steak and create a caramelized crust.
6. Sear the steak
Using oven mitts, carefully place the ribeye steak into the hot skillet. Sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until a brown crust forms. This will help to seal in the steak’s natural juices.
7. Transfer to the oven
Once the steak is seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Cook the ribeye steak for about 6-8 minutes for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
8. Rest and serve
Remove the ribeye steak from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite. Slice the steak against the grain, and serve it hot.
By following these steps, you can achieve a perfectly cooked ribeye steak in the oven that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Choosing the right ribeye steak
When it comes to choosing a ribeye steak, there are several factors to consider.
First, look for a steak that has marbling throughout the meat. Marbling refers to the small veins of fat that are dispersed throughout the muscle. This fat adds flavor and tenderness to the steak.
Next, consider the grade of the steak. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) assigns grades to beef based on its quality. The most common grades you will come across are Prime, Choice, and Select. Prime is the highest grade, followed by Choice and then Select. Prime grade steaks have the most marbling and tend to be the most flavorful and tender.
Another factor to consider is the thickness of the steak. Generally, thicker steaks will take longer to cook than thinner ones. It is recommended to choose a steak that is at least 1 inch thick for best results.
Lastly, consider the source of the steak. Grass-fed beef is known for its rich flavor, while grain-fed beef tends to be more tender. Consider your personal preference when choosing the source of your ribeye steak.
Seasoning the ribeye steak
Before cooking ribeye steak in the oven, it is important to season it properly to enhance its flavor. Here are some common seasonings used for ribeye steak:
- Salt: Sprinkle a generous amount of salt on both sides of the steak. This helps to bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
- Pepper: Add a layer of freshly ground black pepper to enhance the taste of the steak.
- Garlic powder: Sprinkle garlic powder on the steak to add a subtle yet delicious garlic flavor.
- Paprika: For an extra kick of flavor and a beautiful color, sprinkle paprika on the steak.
It is important to rub the seasonings into the meat, ensuring that they are evenly distributed. Allow the seasoned steak to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking, as this helps the steak cook more evenly.
Cooking process of ribeye steak in the oven
When cooking ribeye steak in the oven, it is important to follow a few steps to ensure the best flavor and tenderness. Here’s how you can cook ribeye steak in the oven:
Preparing the steak
Before cooking, take the ribeye steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This helps the steak cook more evenly.
While the steak is reaching room temperature, preheat the oven to a high temperature, around 450°F (230°C).
Seasoning the steak
Season the ribeye steak generously with salt and pepper. You can also add additional herbs and spices to enhance the flavor, such as garlic powder or rosemary.
You can marinate the steak beforehand to add even more flavor. Simply mix together your chosen marinade ingredients and let the steak soak for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking the steak
Place the ribeye steak on a baking sheet or in a shallow ovenproof dish. Make sure there is enough space around the steak for air to circulate.
For medium-rare, cook the steak in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). For medium, cook for about 18 minutes and for well-done, cook for about 20 minutes.
It is important to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature and avoid overcooking the steak.
Resting the steak
Once the steak reaches the desired doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak and make it more tender and flavorful.
After resting, you can slice the ribeye steak and serve it with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked ribeye steak from the oven!
Preheat the oven
Before cooking your ribeye steak in the oven, it is important to preheat the oven to ensure even cooking and optimal results.
Preheating the oven is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps:
- First, set the oven temperature to the desired cooking temperature. For ribeye steak, a temperature of 400°F (200°C) is recommended for a medium-rare to medium doneness.
- Allow the oven to preheat for at least 10 minutes, or until the oven reaches the desired temperature. This preheating time will vary depending on the type and efficiency of your oven.
- While waiting for the oven to preheat, you can prepare your ribeye steak by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or marinades.
- Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, you can place the seasoned ribeye steak on a baking sheet or in a preheated cast iron skillet.
- To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to place a wire rack over the baking sheet or skillet to elevate the steak and allow air to circulate underneath.
By preheating the oven before cooking your ribeye steak, you will promote even cooking and help achieve a deliciously tender and flavorful result.
Cooking time for ribeye steak in the oven
Ribeye steak is a delicious and flavorful cut of meat that can be enjoyed when cooked to perfection. When cooking ribeye steak in the oven, it is important to follow the recommended cooking times to achieve the desired level of doneness.
Preparation
Before cooking your ribeye steak, make sure to bring it to room temperature by taking it out of the refrigerator and letting it sit for about 30 minutes. This will help the steak cook more evenly.
Cooking times
The cooking time for ribeye steak in the oven can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the level of doneness you prefer. Here are the recommended cooking times per side:
- Rare: 4-5 minutes
- Medium-rare: 5-6 minutes
- Medium: 6-7 minutes
- Medium-well: 7-8 minutes
- Well done: 8-9 minutes
Keep in mind that these times are approximate and may need to be adjusted depending on your oven and personal preference. It is recommended to use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches the desired internal temperature:
- Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
- Medium-well: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
- Well done: 160°F (71°C) and above
Remember to let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the steak to become more tender.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked ribeye steak straight from the oven with your favorite side dishes and sauces!
Q&A
What is the recommended cooking time for ribeye steak in the oven?
The recommended cooking time for ribeye steak in the oven is about 12-15 minutes for medium-rare, 15-18 minutes for medium, and 18-20 minutes for well-done.
Can I cook a ribeye steak in the oven without searing it first?
Yes, you can cook a ribeye steak in the oven without searing it first. However, searing the steak before baking it in the oven helps to create a flavorful crust and enhance the overall taste and texture of the steak. If you choose to skip the searing step, you can still achieve a delicious steak by following the recommended cooking times in the oven.
Is it better to broil or bake a ribeye steak in the oven?
Both broiling and baking can be used to cook a ribeye steak in the oven. Broiling involves cooking the steak under direct heat from the top heating element, while baking involves cooking the steak at a consistent temperature in the oven. Broiling can result in a quicker cooking time and a charred crust, while baking allows for more even cooking. The method you choose depends on your preference and the desired outcome for your ribeye steak.