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September 20, 2024
Beef ranch steak is a delicious and flavorful cut of meat that can be enjoyed in various ways. If you’re looking to cook beef ranch steak in the oven, you’re in luck! This article will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to prepare and cook this mouthwatering dish.
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to select the right cut of beef ranch steak. Look for well-marbled steak with a generous amount of fat. This will ensure that the meat stays juicy and tender while cooking.
To begin, preheat your oven to the desired temperature (usually around 400°F or 200°C). While the oven is preheating, take the beef ranch steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This will allow for more even cooking.
Preparation and Equipment for Cooking Beef Ranch Steak in Oven
Before you begin cooking beef ranch steak in the oven, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary equipment and ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Equipment:
- A sheet pan or oven-safe skillet
- Tongs or a spatula for flipping the steak
- An oven thermometer to monitor the internal temperature
Ingredients:
- Beef ranch steak
- Seasonings of your choice (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
- Olive oil or a cooking spray
Step 1: Preparing the Steak:
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Start by removing the beef ranch steak from the packaging and patting it dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasonings stick better to the meat and aid in achieving a delicious crust.
Step 2: Seasoning the Steak:
Next, season the steak generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other seasonings of your choice. Rub the seasonings into the meat to ensure even distribution.
Step 3: Preheating the Oven:
Preheat your oven to the desired temperature. For medium-rare steak, a temperature of 135-140°C (275-285°F) is recommended. Use an oven thermometer to accurately monitor the temperature.
Step 4: Heating the Pan:
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Place the sheet pan or oven-safe skillet in the preheated oven for a few minutes to allow it to heat up. This step will help to achieve a seared crust on the steak.
Step 5: Cooking the Steak:
Once the pan is heated, carefully remove it from the oven using oven mitts or potholders. Place the seasoned beef ranch steak onto the hot pan, either directly on the rack or on top of a wire cooling rack to allow heat circulation.
Pro tip: For even better results, you can sear the steak in a hot skillet on the stovetop for a few minutes before transferring it to the oven.
Step 6: Monitoring the Temperature:
Insert an oven thermometer probe into the thickest part of the steak, making sure it doesn’t touch any bones. This will help you monitor the internal temperature of the meat as it cooks.
Step 7: Cooking Time:
Cook the beef ranch steak in the oven for about 15-25 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use the following internal temperature guidelines as a reference:
- Rare: 50-52°C (120-125°F)
- Medium-rare: 55-60°C (130-140°F)
- Medium: 60-65°C (140-150°F)
- Medium-well: 65-70°C (150-160°F)
- Well-done: 70-73°C (160-165°F)
Step 8: Resting the Steak:
Once the steak has reached your desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Step 9: Serving:
Slice the beef ranch steak against the grain and serve it hot with your favorite sides.
Now that you have the preparation and equipment information, you’re ready to cook a delicious beef ranch steak in the oven!
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
When it comes to cooking beef, choosing the right cut is essential for achieving the best results. Different cuts of beef have different textures, flavors, and cooking methods.
Here are some popular cuts of beef and their characteristics:
| Cut | Description | Best Cooking Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Ribeye | A tender and flavorful cut, with marbling throughout the meat | Grilling, pan-searing, broiling |
| Sirloin | Lean and moderately tender, with a bold beef flavor | Grilling, roasting, sautéing |
| Tenderloin | The most tender cut, with a mild flavor | Grilling, roasting, pan-searing |
| New York Strip | A lean and relatively tender cut, with good marbling | Grilling, pan-searing, broiling |
| Chuck Roast | A flavorful cut, with good marbling and connective tissue | Slow cooking, braising, pot-roasting |
| Brisket | A tough and fatty cut, with lots of flavor | Slow cooking, smoking |
When choosing a cut of beef, consider your preferred cooking method and the level of tenderness you desire. Also, be mindful of your budget, as different cuts of beef vary in price. Remember, a well-cooked piece of beef starts with selecting the right cut!
Gathering the Necessary Ingredients
Before you begin cooking your beef ranch steak in the oven, make sure you have all the required ingredients ready to go.
Ingredients:
1. Beef Ranch Steak: Choose a high-quality beef ranch steak from your local grocery store or butcher. Look for a well-marbled steak with a good amount of fat, as this will add flavor and juiciness to the final dish. Aim for a steak that is about 1 inch thick.
2. Olive Oil: You will need olive oil to coat the steak and prevent it from sticking to the baking dish. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor.
3. Seasonings: Prepare a mixture of your favorite seasonings to enhance the flavor of the steak. Common options include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. Use about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per steak.
4. Baking Dish: You will need a baking dish large enough to comfortably fit the steak. A glass or ceramic dish is preferred as it distributes heat evenly.
5. Meat Thermometer: To ensure your steak is cooked to perfection, have a meat thermometer on hand. This will help you monitor the internal temperature of the steak and achieve your desired level of doneness.
6. Oven Mitts: Don’t forget to protect your hands when handling hot dishes and removing the steak from the oven. Make sure you have a pair of oven mitts or kitchen towels nearby.
Note: Feel free to customize your recipe by adding additional ingredients such as onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms if desired.
Preparing the Steak for Cooking
Before cooking the beef ranch steak in the oven, it is important to properly prepare the steak to ensure optimal flavor and tenderness. Follow these steps to prepare the steak:
- Remove the steak from the packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture on the surface of the steak.
- Season the steak with salt and pepper. This enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
- Optional: Marinate the steak. You can marinate the steak in your choice of marinade to add more flavor. Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the steak. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Let the steak come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking. Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Preheat the oven to the desired cooking temperature. The exact temperature will depend on your preference for doneness and the thickness of the steak. A general guideline is to preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) for medium-rare.
By properly preparing the steak before cooking, you will enhance its flavor and ensure a delicious and tender result.
Setting up the Oven
Before you start cooking the beef ranch steak, you need to preheat your oven. Follow these steps to set up your oven:
- Make sure the oven racks are in the correct position for roasting. For most ovens, the middle rack is ideal.
- Remove any racks or trays that may be inside the oven, as they can interfere with the air circulation.
- Check if your oven has a convection feature. If it does, consider using it for faster, more even cooking.
- Set the temperature on your oven to the desired cooking temperature. For beef ranch steak, a temperature of 425°F (220°C) is recommended.
- Allow the oven to preheat. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your oven.
Once your oven is preheated, you can move on to preparing the beef ranch steak for cooking.
Cooking the Beef Ranch Steak
Before cooking the beef ranch steak, you should ensure that it is properly thawed if it was frozen. Leave it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you need to thaw it quickly.
Once the steak is thawed, remove it from the packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the steak with salt, black pepper, and any other desired spices or seasonings. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a cast-iron skillet or a heavy ovenproof skillet in the oven while it preheats. Heating the skillet in the oven ensures that it will be hot enough to sear the steak once it is added.
Searing and Roasting the Steak
Remove the preheated skillet from the oven using oven mitts, as it will be very hot. Place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Carefully transfer the seasoned steak to the hot skillet.
Sear the steak on each side for 2-3 minutes, or until a golden-brown crust forms. Use a pair of tongs to flip the steak and sear the other side. This step helps to seal in the juices and give the steak a nice caramelized exterior.
Once both sides are seared, transfer the skillet back to the preheated oven. Cook the steak for an additional 10-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. A meat thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature for accuracy:
- Rare: 120°F (49°C)
- Medium Rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
- Medium Well: 150°F (66°C)
- Well Done: 160°F (71°C)
Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook as it rests, so you may want to remove it from the oven when it is a few degrees below your desired temperature.
Once the steak reaches the desired doneness, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover the steak loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the natural juices to redistribute within the steak, resulting in a tender and flavorful meal.
Slice the beef ranch steak against the grain into thin strips. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Q&A
What is a ranch steak?
A ranch steak is a beef steak cut from the shoulder, also known as the chuck shoulder steak. It is a flavorful and tender cut of meat that is perfect for grilling or cooking in the oven.
How do I cook a beef ranch steak in the oven?
To cook a beef ranch steak in the oven, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the steak with salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings. Place the steak on a baking sheet and cook for about 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, or until desired doneness. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.
Can I marinate a beef ranch steak before cooking in the oven?
Yes, you can marinate a beef ranch steak before cooking in the oven to enhance its flavor. Simply place the steak in a marinade of your choice, such as a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs. Marinate for at least 1 hour, then cook in the oven as usual.
What are some side dishes that go well with beef ranch steak?
There are many side dishes that pair well with beef ranch steak. Some popular options include roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a fresh salad. Choose sides that complement the flavors of the steak and create a well-balanced meal.