If you’re a meat lover, then you probably enjoy a succulent and flavorful steak. While grilling is a popular method for cooking steak, using the oven can also yield delicious results. Cooking steak tips in the oven is a convenient and foolproof way to achieve a tender and juicy piece of meat.
One of the keys to cooking steak tips in the oven is to make sure you don’t overcook them. Overcooking can result in a dry and tough steak, so it’s important to keep an eye on the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak tips and your desired level of doneness.
To start, preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 450°F (230°C). This high heat will help to sear the steak tips and lock in the juices. While the oven is preheating, season your steak tips with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. For added flavor, you can marinate the steak tips in your favorite marinade for a few hours before cooking.
Once the oven is preheated, place the steak tips on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Make sure to leave some space between each piece so that they cook evenly. Cook the steak tips in the oven for about 10-15 minutes for medium-rare, or 15-20 minutes for medium. Remember to flip the steak tips halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
After the cooking time is up, remove the steak tips from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak. Serve your perfectly cooked steak tips with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Recommended Cooking Times for Steak Tips in the Oven
Steak tips are a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be easily cooked in the oven. Whether you prefer your steak tips rare, medium, or well-done, it’s important to know the recommended cooking times to achieve the desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines:
- Rare steak tips: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Medium steak tips: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 12-14 minutes.
- Well-done steak tips: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 14-16 minutes.
It’s important to note that these cooking times are approximate and can vary depending on the thickness of the steak tips. Thicker steak tips will require a longer cooking time, while thinner steak tips will cook more quickly.
Before cooking the steak tips, it’s a good idea to season them with your preferred spices and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help ensure even cooking and enhance the flavors of the meat.
When cooking the steak tips, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will help prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
Once the steak tips are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a juicier and more flavorful steak.
Remember to always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak tips. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for beef, but you can adjust this according to your personal preference.
By following these recommended cooking times and tips, you can enjoy delicious and perfectly cooked steak tips right from your oven.
Preparing the Steak Tips
Before cooking the steak tips in the oven, there are a few preparation steps to follow:
1. Seasoning: Start by seasoning the steak tips with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
2. Marinating: Consider marinating the steak tips to add more flavor and tenderness. You can use a marinade of your choice, such as a mix of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and herbs.
3. Preheating the Oven: Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the steak tips cook evenly and thoroughly.
4. Preparing the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent the steak tips from sticking to the pan and for easier cleanup.
5. Placing the Steak Tips: Arrange the seasoned steak tips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave enough space between each piece for even cooking.
6. Cooking Time: Follow the recommended cooking time for steak tips in the oven, which is usually around 12-15 minutes for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak tips and your oven, so it’s important to check for doneness using a meat thermometer.
By following these preparation steps, you can ensure that your steak tips are flavorful, tender, and cooked to perfection in the oven.
Preheating the Oven
Before you start cooking steak tips in the oven, it’s important to preheat the oven to ensure even cooking and proper browning. Preheating the oven allows it to reach the desired temperature, ensuring that your steak tips cook to perfection.
To preheat the oven, start by setting the temperature to 450°F (230°C) and allowing it to heat up for about 15 minutes. This high temperature will help sear the steak tips, creating a flavorful crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Why is preheating important?
Preheating the oven is crucial because it helps to achieve the desired cooking temperature from the start. Cooking without preheating can result in unevenly cooked food, as the oven needs time to reach the specified temperature. This can lead to overcooked or undercooked meat, affecting the overall taste and texture.
Tips for preheating the oven
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when preheating the oven:
- Ensure that the oven rack is in the middle position to allow for even heat distribution.
- Carefully place an oven thermometer inside the oven to monitor the temperature accurately. This will help ensure that your oven is reaching the correct temperature.
- Avoid opening the oven door frequently during the preheating process, as this can cause the oven temperature to drop and prolong the preheating time.
- Keep children and pets away from the hot oven during the preheating process to prevent accidents.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to perfectly preheating your oven for cooking delicious steak tips!
Seasoning the Steak Tips
Before cooking the steak tips in the oven, it’s important to properly season them to enhance their flavor. Here’s a simple and delicious seasoning idea:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of steak tips
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
Instructions:
- Place the steak tips in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil.
- Season the steak tips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Using your hands or tongs, toss the steak tips until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the steak tips marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
After marinating, you can proceed with cooking the steak tips in the oven according to your desired cooking time and temperature.
Cooking the Steak Tips
Once you have marinated your steak tips and are ready to cook them, you have several options. One of the easiest ways to cook steak tips is in the oven. Here is a simple recipe to follow:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of steak tips
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Remove the steak tips from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the steak tips and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the steak tips on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Roast the steak tips in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook them to an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
- Remove the steak tips from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the steak tips more tender.
- Serve the steak tips hot and enjoy!
Checking the Doneness
There are a few different methods you can use to check the doneness of your steak tips. Here are three common methods:
1. Meat Thermometer
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure your steak tips are cooked to the desired doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, making sure it is not touching any bone or fat. Here are the internal temperature ranges for different levels of doneness:
- Rare: 125-130°F (51-54°C)
- Medium Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium: 135-145°F (57-63°C)
- Medium Well: 145-155°F (63-68°C)
- Well Done: 160°F (71°C) and above
Remove the steak tips from the oven when the thermometer reaches the desired temperature and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Touch Test
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can use the touch test to determine the doneness of your steak tips. Here’s how it works:
- Rare: The meat will feel soft when pressed.
- Medium Rare: The meat will feel slightly springy when pressed.
- Medium: The meat will feel firmer and springy when pressed.
- Medium Well: The meat will feel firm with a slight resistance when pressed.
- Well Done: The meat will feel very firm and springy when pressed.
Keep in mind that the touch test is not as accurate as using a meat thermometer, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with a thermometer if possible.
3. Visual Test
An easy way to check the doneness of your steak tips is by visually inspecting the color and texture of the meat. Here are some general guidelines:
- Rare: The meat will be dark red with a cool, red center.
- Medium Rare: The meat will be pinkish-red in the center with some pink juices.
- Medium: The meat will be pink in the center and the juices will be clear.
- Medium Well: The meat will be slightly pink in the center with clear or slightly pink juices.
- Well Done: The meat will be brown throughout and the juices will be clear.
Remember that these are just guidelines and the best way to ensure your steak tips are cooked to your liking is by using a meat thermometer.
Q&A
How long should I cook steak tips in the oven if I want them rare?
If you want your steak tips rare, you should cook them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes. This will ensure that they are still pink and juicy in the middle.
What is the recommended cooking time for medium-rare steak tips in the oven?
If you prefer your steak tips cooked to medium-rare, you should cook them in the oven for around 12-14 minutes. This will give you a slightly pink and tender center.
How long should I cook steak tips in the oven if I want them medium?
If you like your steak tips cooked to a medium doneness, you should cook them in the oven for approximately 16-18 minutes. This will result in a slightly pink and firm center.
What is the suggested cooking time for well-done steak tips in the oven?
If you prefer your steak tips well-done, you should cook them in the oven for about 20-22 minutes. This will give you a fully cooked and browned steak tip without any pink in the center.