As a beloved and popular dish, steak can make for a delicious and satisfying meal when cooked correctly. However, cooking steak to perfection can be a challenge, especially for those who are still refining their culinary skills. So, how long to bake steak at 350? One critical factor that can make or break a good steak is the cooking time. 

Baking steak at 350°F is a simple and effective method of cooking steak that requires minimal effort and yields great results. The key to baking steak to perfection is understanding how long to cook it based on the desired level of doneness.

It’s essential to know the different levels of steak doneness, such as rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, and well-done. Each level corresponds to a specific internal temperature and texture of the steak. For example, a rare steak has an internal temperature of 120-132°F and is characterized by a cool red center, whereas a well-done steak has an internal temperature of 160°F or higher and is completely cooked through with no visible pinkness.

In this article, we will explore how long to bake steak at 350 °F to achieve different levels of doneness and provide some tips for ensuring your steak turns out perfectly every time.

Factors to Consider to Cook Steak In the Oven

When it comes to baking steak at 350°F, there are several factors to consider to ensure that your steak turns out perfectly cooked with the desired level of doneness.

Thickness of Steak

One of the primary factors to consider is the thickness of the steak. The thicker the steak, the longer it will take to cook. As a general rule, a 1-inch thick steak should be baked for approximately 12-14 minutes for medium-rare doneness. However, if your steak is thicker or thinner, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Desired Level of Doneness

Another important factor to consider is the desired level of doneness. As mentioned earlier, each level of doneness corresponds to a specific internal temperature, which can be measured using a meat thermometer. For example, a rare steak has an internal temperature of 130-135°F, while a medium-well steak has an internal temperature of 150-155°F.

Steak Cut and Quality

The cut and quality of the steak can also impact the cooking time and the desired level of doneness. Tender cuts like ribeye or filet mignon will cook faster than tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak. Additionally, higher-quality steaks may require less cooking time than lower-quality cuts.

Oven Accuracy

The accuracy of your oven is another factor to consider. Some ovens may cook faster or slower than others, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your steak and use a meat thermometer to ensure that it reaches the desired internal temperature.

Preparing the Steak At 350

Baking steak at 350°F to perfection requires more than just cooking time. Preparing the steak correctly is another crucial factor in achieving a delicious and juicy end result.

The first step in preparing the steak is selecting the right cut. Tender cuts like ribeye, filet mignon, or sirloin are ideal for baking as they contain the right amount of marbling that keeps the steak moist and adds flavor. It’s also important to choose a steak with even thickness to ensure that it cooks evenly.

The next step is seasoning the steak. While some people prefer to keep it simple and just use salt and pepper, others like to add a variety of spices and herbs. Whichever seasoning you choose, make sure to rub it into the steak thoroughly to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.

Another essential step is bringing the steak to room temperature before baking. This allows the steak to cook more evenly as the heat will penetrate the meat more easily. Simply take the steak out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before baking.

Preheating the Oven At 350 Degrees

Another crucial factor when baking steak at 350°F is to preheat oven. Proper preheating is the way to cook that ensures that the oven reaches the desired temperature and stays consistent throughout the cooking process.

Preheating the oven is important because it enables the steak to cook evenly and correctly. Without preheating, the steak may take longer to cook, resulting in an overcooked or undercooked steak.

Once you have decided to bake or broil your steak, it’s important to set the oven temperature to 350°F. This temperature allows for the steak to cook thoroughly without burning or drying out. But how long to bake steak at 350?

Preheating time can vary based on oven type. A conventional oven generally takes about 10-15 minutes to preheat, while a convection oven may take less time. To ensure that your oven has reached the right temperature, use an oven thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Baking the Steak

After preheating the oven, it’s time to bake the steak at 350°F. Here are some important steps to follow:

1. Place the seasoned steak on a baking sheet or rack. A rack is preferable as it allows air to circulate around the steak and prevents it from sticking to the pan.
2. Determine the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak. As a general rule, a 1-inch thick steak should be baked for 12-14 minutes for medium-rare doneness. Thicker steaks will require more time, while thinner steaks will cook faster.
3. Other factors that can affect cooking time include whether the juicy steak is bone-in or boneless, the desired level of doneness, and the quality of the meat.
4. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. A rare steak should have an internal temperature of 130-135°F, while a well-done steak should have an internal temperature of 160°F or higher.
5. Adjust the cooking time as needed for the desired level of doneness. If the steak needs more time, continue baking in 2-minute increments until it reaches the desired temperature.

Resting and Serving

Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it’s important to let it rest before slicing and serving.

Resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute inside the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful steak. The resting time should be based on the thickness of the steak. As a general rule, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes for every inch of thickness.

To slice the steak, place it on a cutting board and cut against the grain to ensure tender slices. Serve the steak with your favorite accompaniments, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Other serving suggestions include adding a sauce like chimichurri or béarnaise or topping the steak with sautéed mushrooms or onions. So, cook a steak and invite your loved ones over for lunch. 

Troubleshooting

While baking steak at 350°F is a simple and effective cooking method, it’s not uncommon to encounter some problems. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

If your steak is undercooked or overcooked, adjust the cooking time accordingly For an undercooked, place it back in the oven for another 2-3 minutes. If it’s overcooked, try reducing the cooking time to 2-minute increments.

Adjusting cooking time for different oven types is essential. For example, convection ovens tend to cook faster than conventional ovens, so you may need to reduce the cooking time if using a convection oven.

Tips for achieving a perfect steak at 350°F include using a meat thermometer to check for doneness, bringing the steak to room temperature before baking, and letting it rest before slicing. It’s also important to choose the right cut of steak and season it well.

Safety Considerations To Cook Steak In Oven

It’s important to keep safety considerations in mind when baking steak at 350°F to ensure that your meal is not only delicious but also safe to eat.

Proper food handling and storage are crucial in addition to the steak recipe. Make sure to wash your hands and work surfaces before and after handling raw meat, and store it at the right temperature to prevent bacteria growth.

Safe minimum internal temperatures for steak vary based on the level of doneness. A rare steak should have an internal temperature of 130-135°F, while a well-done steak should have an internal temperature of 160°F or higher. However, if you broil steak, the temperature has to be different. 

When handling raw meat or T-bone steak, it’s important to take precautions to prevent cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards, skillet, utensils, and dishes for raw meat. Also, make sure to clean and sanitize any surfaces that come into contact with raw meat.

FAQs to Grill or Cook Steak

If you want your steak to taste delicious, you need to know the right way to cook steak. You might have an amazing recipe, but a delicious steak requires much more than that. You can broil the steak, go for a steak on the grill, or cook your steak in a hot skillet, you need to be patient and thorough. Flank steak cooking is crucial. So, preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and let the thickest part of the steak cook.  

Cooking steak every time doesn’t have to be a mess. Hence, we have put together a way for you to create the perfect steak and continue to cook and impress! Here are some of the frequently asked questions about cooking steak at home. Let’s find out. 

Can I use a different oven temperature?

Yes, you can use a different oven temperature depending on your preference and the thickness of the steak. Cooking the steak at a higher temperature will result in a crisper and more caramelized exterior, while a lower temperature will result in a more tender and evenly cooked interior. It depends on the flank or flip steak and how tender and juicy steak you want. 

Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. However, baking steak at 350°F is a popular and convenient option that works well for many types of steak.

How do I know when the steak is done?

The best way to know when the steak is done is by checking its internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The safe minimum internal temperature for steak varies based on the level of doneness desired, ranging from 130-135°F for rare to 160°F or higher for well-done.

Another way to check if the strip steak is done is to use the touch test, where you press the center of the steak with your finger and compare the texture to the softness of your palm.

Can I marinate the steak before baking?

Yes, you can marinate the steak before baking it at 350°F. Marinating the steak adds flavor and can also help tenderize the meat. However, make sure to pat the steak dry before placing it in the oven to prevent excess moisture and ensure proper browning.

Also, adjust the cooking time accordingly if the marinade contains sugar or acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juice, as they can affect the texture and color of the steak. Sear it at 350 degrees then. 

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, you can use a different cut of steak for baking at 350°F. However, not all cuts are created equal and may require different cooking times or temperatures. For example, a thick and marbled ribeye steak may require more cooking time than a thin and lean sirloin steak.

A tender and even thickness cut like filet mignon may also require less cooking time. Consider the characteristics of the cut, its thickness, and your desired level of doneness when adjusting the cooking time and temperature. Experiment with different cuts to find the one that suits your taste and preference.

Conclusion

In conclusion, baking steak at 350°F can be a convenient and delicious way to prepare your favorite cut of meat. It’s important to ensure proper food handling and storage, check the internal temperature for doneness, and adjust cooking times and temperatures based on the thickness and characteristics of the steak.

Experiment with different cuts, marinades, and oven temperatures to find your personal preferences. With these key points in mind, you can enjoy a perfectly baked steak that is both safe and flavorful.