The ribeye steak, rich with flavor and tenderness, is complemented perfectly by the luscious garlic butter that melts over the top. The crispy seared crust and juicy, pink center make this oven-baked steak a truly indulgent treat.
This simple yet elegant dish is a showstopper for any dinner table, providing a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s also versatile enough to serve alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, making it perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal.
Full Recipe:
-
2 ribeye steaks (about 1.5 inches thick)
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1 tablespoon garlic powder
-
1 tablespoon onion powder
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
2 cloves garlic, smashed
-
Fresh thyme sprigs
Directions:
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Season both sides of the ribeye steaks with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
-
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steaks and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
-
Add butter, garlic, and thyme to the skillet. Spoon the melted butter over the steaks.
-
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness (5 minutes for medium-rare, 10 minutes for well-done).
-
Remove from the oven and let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Introduction to Oven Baked Steak with Garlic Butter
When it comes to cooking a delicious, satisfying, and comforting meal at home, few things rival a perfectly cooked steak. Steak is often considered a luxury dish, one that requires professional skills to prepare. However, with the right technique and ingredients, you can easily make a restaurant-quality oven-baked steak with garlic butter in your own kitchen. This dish is not only flavorful but also simple to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum results.
In this article, we will explore how you can prepare this amazing dish, dive into tips for cooking the perfect steak, and discuss variations and benefits of this popular recipe. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge needed to make this mouth-watering steak a regular on your dinner table.
Why Oven Baked Steak?
Many people are intimidated by the idea of cooking steak at home, particularly when it comes to achieving the right level of doneness. While grilling is a popular method, oven baking is an excellent alternative that allows for better control over cooking time and heat. The oven method helps retain the steak’s natural juices while allowing the exterior to develop a flavorful, crispy crust. By pairing this with garlic butter, you add an extra layer of rich flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
The oven baking process is simple: you start by searing the steak on a stovetop, creating a caramelized crust, then transfer it to the oven to finish cooking to perfection. This method ensures that the steak is evenly cooked, with a tender inside and a crispy, flavorful exterior. The addition of garlic butter adds a decadent touch that takes the dish to the next level.
Choosing the Right Cut of Steak
The first step in making a great oven-baked steak is choosing the right cut of meat. While ribeye is a classic choice for this recipe, you can also use other cuts like filet mignon, sirloin, or strip steak. The key is to select a steak that has enough marbling of fat, which contributes to the flavor and tenderness of the meat. Ribeye is particularly loved for its rich, juicy texture due to its high fat content, making it an ideal choice for oven baking with garlic butter.
When selecting your steak, look for cuts that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thicker steaks tend to retain their juiciness and cook more evenly in the oven. Make sure to also choose steaks that are well-marbled with fat, as the fat will melt during cooking, enhancing the flavor and ensuring a juicy steak.
Perfecting the Searing Process
Searing the steak is a critical step in making an oven-baked steak with garlic butter. When you sear the steak in a hot skillet, it forms a delicious caramelized crust on the outside, which locks in the juices and creates an appealing texture. This crust is crucial for flavor and aesthetic appeal.
To properly sear your steak, heat a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add a bit of oil, such as olive oil, and then place the steak in the pan. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring that you get a deep golden-brown color. During this time, you can also add butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to infuse the steak with even more flavor.
Adding Garlic Butter for Extra Flavor
Garlic butter is the perfect complement to a juicy steak. The rich, creamy butter enhances the flavor of the meat, while the garlic adds a wonderful aromatic depth. To make garlic butter, simply melt butter in a pan and stir in minced garlic, allowing it to cook for about a minute until fragrant. You can also add a bit of fresh thyme or rosemary to the butter for an additional layer of flavor.
Once the steak is seared, spoon the garlic butter over the top of the steak. This will not only add flavor but also help keep the steak moist as it finishes cooking in the oven. The butter will melt into the steak, creating a luscious coating that makes every bite irresistible.
Cooking the Steak to Perfection
After searing the steak, it’s time to finish it in the oven. Preheat your oven to around 400°F (200°C) and transfer the skillet with the steak to the oven. Depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness, it will need to bake for anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes.
For a medium-rare steak, aim for around 5 minutes of oven time. For a medium steak, aim for 7-8 minutes. If you prefer your steak more well-done, leave it in the oven for up to 10 minutes. The best way to determine doneness is by using a meat thermometer: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium, and 160°F (71°C) for well-done.
Remember to let your steak rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful steak.
Variations and Customizations
While the oven-baked steak with garlic butter is already a flavor-packed dish, you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
For example, you can switch up the herbs used in the garlic butter. Rosemary, thyme, or even fresh parsley can provide subtle variations in flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding chili flakes or fresh cracked black pepper to the butter mixture. Additionally, you could experiment with different types of butters, such as using compound butter with flavors like lemon or blue cheese.
If you’re looking to reduce the calories or add more nutrition to your meal, consider pairing the steak with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed cauliflower instead of traditional mashed potatoes. The richness of the steak pairs wonderfully with the lightness of these sides, making the meal more balanced.
Benefits of Cooking Steak at Home
Cooking steak at home provides several benefits. First, it allows you to control the quality of the meat, ensuring you get a fresh, high-quality cut that suits your preferences. Second, homemade steak is often more affordable than dining out, and you can make it in the comfort of your own home without having to worry about restaurant crowds or long waits.
Making steak at home also allows you to customize the seasoning and level of doneness to your liking. Whether you like your steak rare or well-done, you have complete control over the cooking process. Finally, cooking steak with garlic butter at home can be a fun and rewarding experience that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Conclusion
Oven-baked steak with garlic butter is a simple yet indulgent dish that brings together the richness of beef and the decadence of butter. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for customization based on your preferences, whether you want to experiment with different herbs or create a side dish to complement the meal. The oven-baking method ensures a perfectly cooked steak every time, while the garlic butter adds a level of flavor that takes it from ordinary to extraordinary.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, oven-baked steak with garlic butter is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Give it a try, and discover how easy and rewarding it can be to cook a restaurant-quality steak right at home.