Marinated steak that is cooked to perfection is heavenly. Most people know that you can grill steak, but this post will walk you through how to cook marinated steak in the oven so you get perfect meat every time.
What to look for when buying a steak?
Steak is a term that almost every foodie knows. It is something that brings comfort and luxury at the same time. A steak is always there to lift your mood on a dull day. It is associated with so many memories, like the first date, first anniversary, graduation party, etc. But the question is, what to look for when buying a steak? Worry not! Here is a detailed guide on everything you need to know about a steak!
Quality
Quality is directly proportional to flavor. Even if you use premium quality marinade ingredients, the true flavor of the steak itself must shine through. So, when buying a steak, look for the quality! It should be fresh, red, and have the right amount of fat. If you want luxury, you can go for dry-aged steak, but they are a bit expensive.
Cuts
There are several cuts you can choose from. You can get Filet mignon, T-bone, ribeye steak, sirloin steak, New York strip steak, skirt steak, flank steak, or steak tips. Whatever suits you!
Thickness
Thickness is very important when buying a steak. The perfect thickness is 1 ½ inches. A steak with less thickness than this will dry out, and one with more thickness will not cook properly.
Temperature chart
Rare, medium, or well done! Which one is your favorite? The line between these is quite thick, so you must keep the temperatures in mind. Here is what you should always remember:
- Rare: When the steak reaches 120°F in the oven.
- Medium-rare: When the steak reaches 130°F in the oven.
- Medium: When the steak reaches 140°F in the oven.
- Medium-well: When the steak reaches 145°F in the oven.
- Well done: When the steak reaches 155°F in the oven.
Steak marinade ideas
There are so many different ideas for beef marinade! Here are a few you should try:
- Kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix it and rub it on your steak. Enjoy the natural flavor of your cut!
- Avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Ever heard of jerk seasoning? If not, you can easily find it in the spice aisle of any grocery store. If yes, try it NOW!
- Use dry Italian herbs, lemon juice, and mustard powder.
My favorite steak marinade is made with minced garlic and brown sugar
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions:
- Combine Marinade Ingredients:Â In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
- Marinate the Steak:Â Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish that is large enough to hold the steak. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it is completely covered. If using a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it. If using a dish, cover it with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate:Â Let the steak marinate in the refrigerator. For best results, marinate the steak for at least 2 hours, but for a more intense flavor, you can marinate it for up to 24 hours. Turn the steak or shake the bag occasionally to ensure even marinating.
- Prepare for Cooking:Â When you’re ready to cook the steak, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This helps in cooking the steak more evenly.
How to cook marinated steak in the oven?
Here are some simple steps to follow when cooking a marinated steak:
- Step 1: Marinate the steak. Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl, place the steak in a plastic Ziploc bag, and pour the mixture into the bag. You can also use a marinade container instead of a bag. Seal the bag and let it sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Place a cast iron pan on medium heat with a little olive oil and let it heat up. Once it is very hot, place the steak using tongs and let it sear for 30 seconds. Flip using the tongs and let it sear on the other side as well.
- Step 3: Place the cast iron pan in a preheated oven at 350 degrees. Let the steak cook for 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Flip the steak using tongs and let it cook for another 3 minutes.
- Step 5: Measure the internal temperature of the steak using a thermometer. If it reaches your desired temperature, remove it from the pan.
- Step 6: Place it directly on the serving plate so that the cooking stops. Let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes. You can also pour the leftover juices on the steak or use it to make gravy.
- Step 7: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives, and serve with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a salad.
How to store a cooked steak?
Storing cooked steak is super easy. All you have to do is store it in an air-tight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days. However, ensure it is cool before storing it; otherwise, it will develop moisture.
You can also freeze it. Place it in a zip lock freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. It is better to dice or shred the steak before freezing it.
Easy Marinated Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 steaks 8 ounces each
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- ¾ tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ¾ tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tbsp honey
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a bowl, add avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and set aside.
- Pat the steaks dry using a kitchen towel. Place these in a plastic zip-lock bag, and pour in the marinade.
- Seal the Ziploc bag and massage the steaks so that the marinade coats every inch.
- Place the Ziploc bag in the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Place a cast pan over medium heat.
- Once it is heated, place the steaks using a pair of tongs.
- Press it gently to sear for about 30 seconds.
- Flip the steak and press to sear it on the other side for 30 seconds.
- Place the cast iron pan in a preheated oven at 350-degree F for 3 minutes.
- Flip the steak so that it cooks from the other side for 3 more minutes.
- Check the internal temperature of the steak. When it reaches your desired temperature, take the pan out of the oven and transfer the steak to a serving plate.
- Spoon the juices in the pan over the steak and let it sit for 3-5 minutes.
- Serve alongside a baked potato with sour cream, grilled red pepper, or salad.
FAQs
Can You Freeze Meat with Marinade?
Yes, you can freeze meat with marinade. In fact, doing so can help infuse more flavor into the meat and make it more tender. However, be aware that freezing can alter the texture of certain ingredients in the marinade, such as herbs or spices. To freeze meat with marinade, make sure the mixture is tightly sealed, preferably in plastic freezer bags or airtight containers.
Are Marinades Gluten-Free?
Marinades can be gluten-free, but it depends on the ingredients used. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can be present in many common marinade ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or certain thickeners. To ensure a gluten-free marinade, carefully check the labels for gluten-free certification, or you can create your own marinades using gluten-free ingredients.
Do Marinades Add Calories?
Marinades can add calories to your dishes, but the amount will depend on your specific ingredients. Typically, highly caloric ingredients include oil, sugar, and high-fat sauces. To minimize calorie intake, consider using healthy alternatives like low-calorie vinegar, olive oil, or natural sweeteners. Keep in mind that most of the added calories will come from the marinade that is ultimately absorbed by the meat, not the entire marinade mixture.
Can You Marinade Frozen Meat?
You can marinade frozen meat, but the flavors will take longer to penetrate thoroughly. Additionally, the texture of the marinade may be altered due to the freezing process. It’s generally recommended to thaw your meat first and then marinade for at least 30 minutes for small cuts of meat or up to 24 hours for larger cuts to ensure optimal flavor absorption.
Is Italian Dressing a Good Marinade for Steak?
Italian dressing can be an excellent marinade for steak due to its combination of oil, vinegar, and various herbs and spices. The acidic nature of vinegar helps to tenderize the steak while providing a tangy flavor. However, be careful not to marinate for too long, as the acids in the vinegar can make the meat mushy. A recommended marination time for steak with Italian dressing would be 2 to 4 hours.
What Is the Difference Between Brine and Marinade?
The main difference between a brine and a marinade is their purpose – brines focus on moisture retention, while marinades are primarily concerned with adding flavor.
- Brine: A brine is a saline solution usually made from water, salt, and a variety of herbs and spices. It is primarily used to enhance the moisture content in meat, especially lean cuts like poultry, through a process called osmosis.
- Marinade: A marinade is a mixture of various ingredients, including oils, acids (like vinegar or citrus juice), herbs, and spices meant to infuse flavor into a protein. It can also help tenderize the meat but does not provide the same moisture retention as a brine.
