How Long to Cook Steak in Oven at 400 Degrees? Recipe!

How Long to Cook Steak in Oven at 400 Degrees? Recipe!

Do you know how long does it take to cook steak in oven at 400 degrees? I will show you the best cooking time and temperatures and the best recipe!

Steaks are one of those foods, that are independent of seasons and occasions. It’s totally doable to enjoy one on a weeknight, but it goes well for a birthday bash as well. That is rare, and you should make use of it because it’s not just tasty, but high in protein, amino acids, and good fibers. Overall, it’s considered quite a healthy feast.

Somehow, I still crave a juicy steak regularly on hot summer evenings accompanied by a cold beer from the fridge and some light vegetables. As a seasoned cook, believe me when I say, it’s a piece of cake to make a great steak, even if you are a novice chef.

Restaurant steaks are regularly elevated with small tricks, like cooking in a lot of butter and using extremely fresh herbs. But that doesn’t mean you can’t replicate a restaurant-made fancy steak at home. Let us show you how.

How long does it take to make steak in oven?

Steak in oven

You can grill a steak in the oven, a frying pan, a cast-iron skillet, or a combination of these.

A bigger steak takes around 10 minutes to cook in the oven, whereas a smaller slice takes about 6-7 minutes.

Don’t believe any fancy propaganda about steak that claims it can’t be cooked in the oven. You certainly can, but if you’re making a thick slice, always sear one side of the steak in a pan prior.

This ensures that moisture stays inside, and afterward, it can be cooked in the oven. Also, you have to flip them even in the oven for each side to cook properly, even if you prefer medium or medium-rare meat on your plate.

Steak in oven: the best cooking time and temperature

Steak

Experts say, the trick to a wonderful oven-made steak is a thoroughly preheated oven, in high heat, up to 425 degrees, and a batch of butter, with generous seasoning, and I can’t argue them.

The higher the temperature of your oven, the faster your steak will cook and the juicier it will remain. Those are the ironclad rules. That is, assuming you like your slices medium or medium-rare. Depending on the size, the cooking time should be between 7 and 10 minutes.

For well-done, you should preheat the oven to 400 degrees, and cook it for 13-15 minutes, after searing their sides in a pan. Whichever you prefer, for the best taste, always use butter, preferably a premium one, because it really makes a difference. 

You can also go for a healthier weeknight meal, and use olive oil, in that case, never use extra virgin, because any extra virgin oil becomes carcinogenic (cancer-inducing and extremely unhealthy) above 280 degrees. Instead, look for olive oil that is for cooking.

How long to cook steak in oven at 400 degrees?

How long to cook steak in oven at 400 degrees

400 degrees is a perfect cooking temperature to get a well-done, but juicy stake, but only if it was previously seared on one side in a pan, before cooking it in an oven for 7-10 minutes. After that, it gradually becomes dry and rubbery.

If you plan to make a medium-rare slice, use a higher temperature, up to 425 degrees, and a shorter cooking time between 6-7 minutes for a perfect finish. Always flip the meat to the other side during cooking to evenly heat it.

The most typical mistake when cooking a steak is cutting it too soon and in the wrong direction. You should always let it rest for 10 minutes before serving, and cut it against the grains. These rules apply whether you prefer a ribeye, tenderloin, or strip steak.

How Long to Cook Steak in Oven at 400 Degrees? Recipe!

Rosemary Honeycomb Steak in oven recipe at 400 degrees

Rosemary and steak are a classic pairing, but honey is a powerful ingredient that caramelizes the meat while keeping the majority of its moisture. Under-seasoning is one of the most common rookie mistakes. For robust flavors, be daring and apply a generous amount of seasoning. You can also use a meat thermometer to see whether it's done; a medium-well steak should be approximately 150 degrees on the inside for this meal.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People

Ingredients
  

  • A handful of Fresh Rosemary
  • 2 tbsp Kosher salt
  • ½ tbsp Ground ginger
  • 4 tbsp Honey
  • 4 tbsp Butter
  • 4 slices Thick tenderloin steaks

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Brown the butter in a cast-iron skillet or a frying pan and sear exactly one side of each steak, then let them rest for 10 minutes.
  • Prepare your basking mixture, by adding the rosemary, ginger, honey, salt, and the butter used for searing the meat and heat it slightly on low heat for 5-10 minutes. The flavor will blend together beautifully.
  • Spread your mixture on each side of your steaks and put them into the preheated oven.
  • Cook each side for 5 minutes, and when it’s ready, let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

When you have to open the oven door midway, and you know that cooking time is a critical part of a perfect steak, it's an insider technique to raise the temperature only a minute before you open it, then lower it as soon as you close it. This way, the oven will retain a steadier internal temperature.
Keyword steak at 400 degrees, Steak in oven

Can I cook the steak at a higher temperature? 

You can absolutely cook your steak at a higher temperature, and should do so when you prefer your steak as rare, or medium-rare. In that case, bake them on a higher temperature, at 425 maximum, for a shorter time, around 5-7 minutes.

Searing in a skillet beforehand is also a must when you bake them at a higher temperature. It’s also worth considering, that several herbs and spices, especially green ones, don’t take well high heat and lose their aromas, but garlic loves it very much.

Also, it’s better to use butter than olive oil when cooking at high temperatures.

Final tips and tricks 

The biggest enemy of a fine meal is impatience, under-seasoning, and lack of planning.

A common mistake led by impatience is taking your steak from the fridge and searing it straight in the skillet. That’s a huge no! Anytime you prepare meat, let them come to room temperature before you start to cook them.

This allows better moisture retention, stronger aromas, and even cooking. Also, if you’re preparing a flank or skirt steak, you don’t need to sear them on the stovetop, the oven baking will be plenty.

Steaks are amazing with grilled potatoes, buttery green beans, or balsamic salads.

So, do you already know how long does it take to bake or cook the steak in oven at 400 degrees? Please, feel free to leave your comments below!

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Candy Seideman has been cooking for most of her life. In fact she is referred to as "The Chef" by most of her close family not only because she attended culinary school and was an actual chef, but also because she has a passion for cooking for friends and family.