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November 19, 2024
If you’re a meat lover, then you know that cooking flank steak in the oven is a great way to achieve tender and juicy results. Flank steak is a flavorful cut of meat that comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow. It’s known for its rich, beefy taste and is often used in dishes like fajitas, stir-fries, and steak tacos.
But what temperature should you use when cooking flank steak in the oven? The answer depends on how you want your steak to turn out. If you prefer your steak to be medium-rare, then you’ll want to cook it at a higher temperature. On the other hand, if you like your steak to be well-done, you’ll need to cook it at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.
To achieve a medium-rare flank steak, you should cook it in the oven at a temperature of 425°F (218°C). This will result in a nicely browned exterior and a pink, juicy interior. For a well-done steak, you’ll need to cook it at a lower temperature of around 375°F (190°C) for a longer period of time. This will allow the meat to cook evenly and reach an internal temperature of around 160°F (71°C).
Before cooking your flank steak, it’s important to let it come to room temperature. This will ensure that it cooks evenly throughout. You can also marinate your steak in your favorite seasonings or use a dry rub to enhance its flavor. Once your steak is marinated or seasoned, place it on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and cook it in the preheated oven until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your flank steak, so it’s a good idea to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Once your steak is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain. This will help to ensure that your steak remains tender and juicy.
Why Cook Flank Steak in the Oven?
Cooking flank steak in the oven is a great option for several reasons. When cooked properly, flank steak can be incredibly tender and flavorful. By using the oven, you can control the temperature more precisely, ensuring that the steak is cooked evenly and to your desired level of doneness. Additionally, cooking in the oven eliminates the need for constant flipping or monitoring, allowing you to focus on other tasks in the kitchen.
Benefits of Cooking Flank Steak in the Oven:
1. Even Cooking: Unlike cooking on the stovetop or grill, the oven provides a consistent and even heat distribution. This helps to ensure that the flank steak cooks evenly throughout, resulting in a perfectly cooked steak with a tender and juicy interior.
2. Less Effort: Using the oven to cook flank steak requires less effort and monitoring compared to other cooking methods. Once the steak is seasoned and placed in the oven, you can simply set a timer and let it cook. This allows you to focus on preparing other components of your meal or attending to other tasks.
3. Control Over Temperature: The oven allows you to control the cooking temperature more precisely. This is particularly important when cooking flank steak, as it is a lean cut of meat that can become tough if overcooked. By setting the oven temperature accurately, you can achieve the desired level of doneness without the risk of overcooking.
Tips for Cooking Flank Steak in the Oven:
1. Preheat the oven: Ensure that your oven is preheated to the desired temperature before placing the flank steak inside. This helps to promote even cooking and prevents the steak from drying out.
2. Season the steak: Prior to cooking, season the flank steak with your choice of spices, herbs, or marinades. This adds flavor and enhances the taste of the steak.
3. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your flank steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of around 135°F (57°C).
4. Let it rest: After removing the flank steak from the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
| Level of Doneness | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| Rare | 125°F (52°C) |
| Medium-Rare | 135°F (57°C) |
| Medium | 145°F (63°C) |
| Medium-Well | 155°F (68°C) |
| Well-Done | 160°F+ (71°C+) |
The Benefits of Oven Cooking for Flank Steak
Oven cooking is a popular method for preparing flank steak, and it offers several benefits that make it a great choice. Here are some of the advantages of cooking flank steak in the oven:
Even Cooking: When you cook flank steak in the oven, it ensures that the heat is evenly distributed around the meat, resulting in a uniformly cooked steak. This eliminates the risk of overcooking or undercooking certain areas of the steak.
Tenderness: Flank steak can sometimes be a tough cut of meat, but oven cooking helps to tenderize it. The heat from the oven breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in a more tender and juicy steak.
Controlled Temperature: In the oven, you have control over the temperature, allowing you to cook the flank steak at the desired level of doneness. This ensures that the steak is cooked to your preference, whether it’s rare, medium-rare, or well-done.
Convenience: Oven cooking requires minimal effort and attention. Once you place the flank steak in the oven, you can set the timer and attend to other tasks or preparations. This makes it a convenient method for cooking flank steak when you have limited time or need to multitask.
Flavorful Results: Oven cooking allows the flank steak to retain its natural juices and flavors. The enclosed environment of the oven helps to lock in the moisture, resulting in a flavorful and succulent steak.
Versatility: Oven cooking allows you to experiment with various marinades, rubs, and seasonings to enhance the flavor of the flank steak. You can also add vegetables or other ingredients to the cooking pan to create a complete one-pan meal.
Overall, oven cooking offers numerous benefits for preparing flank steak. It ensures even cooking, tenderness, controlled temperature, convenience, flavorful results, and versatility. Give it a try and enjoy a deliciously cooked flank steak!
How to Prep Flank Steak for Oven Cooking
Preparing flank steak properly can make all the difference in achieving a flavorful and tender end result. Whether you plan to marinate or season your meat, taking the time to prep it correctly is essential for a delicious and satisfying meal. Follow these steps to properly prepare flank steak for cooking in the oven.
1. Choose a Quality Cut of Flank Steak
Start with a high-quality cut of flank steak. Look for fresh, well-marbled meat that is bright red in color. It should have minimal visible fat and should feel firm to the touch. Selecting a well-marbled and evenly thick cut of flank steak will ensure even cooking and a flavorful end result.
2. Season or Marinate the Steak
Seasoning or marinating the flank steak is an important step to enhance its flavor. Choose a seasoning blend or marinade that complements the flavors you desire. A simple mixture of salt, pepper, and garlic powder can go a long way in enhancing the natural flavors of the meat. Alternatively, consider marinating the steak for a few hours or overnight to infuse it with additional flavors.
3. Tenderize the Meat
To achieve a tender flank steak, it is crucial to tenderize the meat. Tenderizing breaks down the tough muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of meat. Use a meat tenderizer to gently pierce the surface of the steak all over. This will help the marinade or seasonings penetrate the meat, enhancing its taste and tenderness.
4. Preheat the Oven
Before cooking the flank steak, preheat your oven to the desired temperature. The recommended temperature for cooking flank steak in the oven is 400°F (204°C). Preheating the oven ensures that it reaches the appropriate temperature, allowing for even and consistent cooking of the meat.
5. Cook the Flank Steak
Place the seasoned or marinated flank steak on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or in a roasting pan. Cook the steak in the preheated oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook it until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C).
Remember to let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorsome piece of meat.
By following these steps, you can easily prep flank steak for cooking in the oven. With proper seasoning, tenderizing, and cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and tender flank steak that will impress your family and guests.
Step-by-Step Guide to Prepping Flank Steak
Preparing flank steak requires some careful preparation to ensure a tender and flavorful result. Follow these steps to properly prep your flank steak for cooking:
- Start by trimming any excess fat from the steak. Flank steak is a lean cut of meat, but it may still have some visible fat that can be removed. Use a sharp knife to carefully trim away any unwanted fat.
- Next, score both sides of the steak. This involves making shallow cuts diagonally across the surface of the meat. This helps to tenderize the steak and allows marinades or seasonings to penetrate deeper.
- Marinate the flank steak for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. A marinade can help to infuse the meat with flavor and tenderize it further. Choose a marinade that complements the flavors you want to highlight in your dish.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard the marinade.
- Allow the steak to come to room temperature. This helps to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat your oven to the desired temperature. For medium-rare flank steak, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over high heat. Once hot, add a small amount of oil and sear the flank steak on each side for 2-3 minutes, or until a brown crust forms.
- Transfer the seared steak to the preheated oven and continue cooking until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare result, cook the steak for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a more tender and flavorful result.
- Slice the flank steak against the grain. This helps to further tenderize the meat and ensures a more enjoyable texture.
Following these steps will help you achieve a perfectly-prepared flank steak that is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Q&A
What is the recommended cooking temperature for flank steak in the oven?
The recommended cooking temperature for flank steak in the oven is 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do you cook flank steak in the oven?
The cooking time for flank steak in the oven depends on the desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook for about 10-12 minutes. For medium, cook for about 12-14 minutes. It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches the desired internal temperature.
Can you cook flank steak in the oven at a lower temperature?
Yes, you can cook flank steak in the oven at a lower temperature. However, the cooking time will be longer. For example, if you cook flank steak at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, it may take around 18-20 minutes for medium-rare doneness. It is important to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What temperature should the internal temperature of flank steak be when cooked in the oven?
The internal temperature of flank steak should be around 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare doneness. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to accurately measure the internal temperature.
Can you cook flank steak in the oven without searing it first?
Yes, you can cook flank steak in the oven without searing it first. However, searing the steak before cooking it in the oven can help enhance the flavor and create a delicious crust. If you choose not to sear the steak, make sure to season it well and cook it at the recommended temperature and time to ensure it is cooked evenly.