How long to cook fillet steak in oven
If you’re craving a mouthwatering fillet steak and want to learn how to cook it to perfection in the oven, you’ve come to the right place. Cooking fillet steak in the oven is a convenient way to enjoy a tender and juicy steak without having to fire up the grill or stove. This cooking method allows the steak to cook evenly and retain its natural flavor.
To achieve that perfect level of doneness, it’s important to know the recommended cooking times for fillet steak in the oven. While factors such as the steak’s thickness and your desired level of doneness can affect the cooking time, a general guideline is to cook a 1-inch thick fillet steak for about 12-15 minutes for medium-rare, 15-17 minutes for medium, and 18-20 minutes for well done.
Before you put the fillet steak in the oven, remember to properly season it with a generous amount of salt and pepper, as well as any other desired spices or herbs. The seasoning not only enhances the flavor of the steak, but also creates a delicious crust when cooked. For an extra burst of flavor, you can also marinate the fillet steak for a few hours or overnight before cooking it in the oven.
When cooking fillet steak in the oven, it’s essential to use an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Preheat your oven to a high temperature, such as 450°F (230°C), and place the seasoned fillet steak in the skillet or dish. Be sure to sear the steak on both sides before transferring it to the oven to enhance its taste and create an appetizing appearance. Once the steak is in the oven, cook it according to the recommended cooking times and use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Preparation of Fillet Steak
Before you can start cooking your fillet steak in the oven, it’s important to properly prepare the meat. Follow these steps for a mouthwatering result:
- Start by preheating your oven to the desired temperature. A recommended temperature for cooking a fillet steak in the oven is 400°F (200°C).
- While the oven is preheating, take your fillet steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This allows for even cooking.
- Next, season the fillet steak with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder or dried herbs according to your taste.
- Optional: For an extra flavor boost, marinate the fillet steak in your favorite marinade for at least 30 minutes. This step is not necessary but adds additional taste to the meat.
- Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, heat a skillet or oven-safe frying pan over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
- Sear the fillet steak on each side for about 2-3 minutes. This will give it a nice crust and seal in the juices.
- Transfer the skillet or frying pan to the preheated oven. Cook the fillet steak for about 5-7 minutes for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time according to your preference.
- Using oven mitts, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Let the fillet steak rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become tender.
- Slice the fillet steak against the grain and serve with your favorite side dishes or sauces.
Follow these preparation steps to achieve a deliciously cooked fillet steak in the oven. Enjoy your meal!
Choosing the Right Cut
When it comes to cooking fillet steak in the oven, selecting the right cut of meat is crucial. The fillet, also known as tenderloin, is one of the most tender cuts of beef. It is located next to the spine, and since it is not a weight-bearing area, the muscle does not develop much connective tissue. This lack of connective tissue makes fillet steak extremely tender.
There are different grades and types of fillet steak available on the market. Generally, the most prized fillet steaks are sourced from the central part of the tenderloin, known as the center-cut, or the thicker section known as the Chateaubriand. These portions are the most tender and flavorful.
When selecting a fillet steak, look for a cut that has a nice marbling of fat. Although the fillet is known for its leanness, a little fat can add a lot of flavor and juiciness. Remember, however, that too much fat may cause flare-ups if you are grilling the steak, so aim for a moderate amount.
It is also important to consider the thickness of the steak when cooking it in the oven. Thicker fillet steaks will require a longer cooking time to reach your desired level of doneness. If you prefer a medium-rare steak, a fillet steak that is 1.5 to 2 inches thick would be ideal. Thinner fillet steaks, around 1 inch thick, can be cooked for a shorter amount of time.
Lastly, keep in mind that the size of the fillet steak will affect the cooking time. Larger steaks will require more time in the oven than smaller ones. It’s always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your fillet steak is cooked to perfection. The internal temperature should reach around 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium, and 160°F (71°C) for well done.
Seasoning the Steak
Seasoning your fillet steak properly is key to achieving the best flavor. Before cooking, take the steak out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will ensure even cooking.
First, pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This will help the seasoning adhere better to the steak. Then, generously season both sides of the steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt will enhance the natural flavor of the meat and the pepper will add a subtle kick.
If you want to add extra flavor, you can also experiment with different seasonings or rubs. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary. Make sure to evenly coat the steak with the seasonings, gently pressing them into the meat.
After seasoning, you can let the steak rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional but can help enhance the taste even more.
Once your steak is properly seasoned, it’s ready to be cooked to perfection in the oven. Prepare your cooking pan or a cast-iron skillet and follow the recommended cooking time and temperature for your desired level of doneness.
Preheating the Oven
Before cooking your fillet steak in the oven, it is essential to preheat the oven to the right temperature. Preheating the oven ensures that the steak cooks evenly and helps to develop the desired crust on the outside.
To preheat the oven for cooking fillet steak:
- Start by checking the recipe or cooking instructions for the specific temperature required. Generally, a temperature of 400°F (200°C) is suitable for cooking fillet steak in the oven.
- Turn on the oven and set it to the desired temperature. Many ovens have preheating options, so you can select the temperature and wait for it to reach the desired heat.
- Allow the oven to preheat for at least 10-15 minutes. This gives the oven enough time to reach and stabilize at the desired temperature. Preheating ensures that your fillet steak cooks at the right heat level from the moment it enters the oven.
Preheating the oven is an important step in cooking fillet steak to ensure the best possible results. It allows the steak to cook evenly and achieve the desired level of doneness. Skipping this step can result in uneven cooking and an unsatisfactory steak.
Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, you can proceed to the next step of cooking your delicious fillet steak.
Cooking the Fillet Steak
When cooking a fillet steak in the oven, there are a few important steps to follow to ensure a perfectly cooked and delicious result.
1. Preheat your oven to a high temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C) to 450°F (230°C). This will help sear the steak and create a delicious crust.
2. While the oven is preheating, season your fillet steak with salt and pepper, or any other desired seasonings. Make sure to rub the seasonings evenly on both sides of the steak.
3. In a hot skillet, heat some oil or butter over high heat. Once the skillet is hot, sear the fillet steak on each side for about 2 minutes or until it develops a golden-brown crust.
4. Once the steak is seared, transfer it to a baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. Place the dish or skillet in the preheated oven and cook the fillet steak for about 6 to 8 minutes for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
5. To ensure accurate cook time, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fillet steak. The internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
6. Once the desired level of doneness is achieved, remove the fillet steak from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and flavorful steak.
7. Slice the fillet steak against the grain and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Checking the Doneness
It is important to check the doneness of your fillet steak to ensure it is cooked to your preference. Here are a few methods you can use:
1. Thermometer: The most accurate way to check the doneness of your steak is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding the bone if present. The internal temperature should be:
- Rare: 52°C – 55°C
- Medium rare: 55°C – 60°C
- Medium: 60°C – 65°C
- Medium well: 65°C – 70°C
- Well done: 70°C+
2. Touch: If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can use the touch method. Press the middle of the steak with your finger:
- Rare: The steak will feel very soft and squishy.
- Medium rare: The steak will feel soft but firm.
- Medium: The steak will feel firm but still have some give.
- Medium well: The steak will feel firmer with less give.
- Well done: The steak will feel very firm with no give.
Note: With practice, you will be able to gauge the doneness of a steak by touch more accurately.
3. Visual cue: You can also gauge the doneness of the steak by its color. Use a fork or tongs to lift the steak and examine the color of the juices:
- Rare: The juices will have a bright red or pink color.
- Medium rare: The juices will have a lighter pink color.
- Medium: The juices will have a pinkish-brown color.
- Medium well: The juices will have a light brown color.
- Well done: The juices will be brown and clear.
Note: This method may not always be reliable as the color can vary depending on the type of steak and cooking method used.
Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so it is best to remove it from the oven or grill slightly before it reaches your desired doneness. Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute evenly.
Resting and Serving the Steak
After cooking the fillet steak in the oven, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender. To rest the steak, remove it from the oven and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes.
During this time, the temperature of the steak will continue to rise slightly. It’s best to let the steak rest until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness. For rare steak, the internal temperature should be around 125°F (52°C), while for medium-rare, it should be around 135°F (57°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches the desired temperature.
Once the steak has rested, it is ready to be served. It can be sliced against the grain into thick, juicy pieces. Serve the steak hot, and if desired, garnish it with fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables, for a complete and satisfying meal.
Remember, resting the steak is a crucial step in achieving the juiciest and most flavorful results. Take the time to allow the steak to rest before serving, and you will be rewarded with a perfectly cooked fillet steak!
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