How to Cook Beef Strip Loin Steak in the Oven: A Complete Guide

Beef strip loin steak, also known as New York strip steak, is one of the most popular cuts of beef. It comes from the short loin primal cut and is known for its tenderness and rich, beefy flavor. When cooked properly, strip loin steak can be juicy and delicious right off the grill or skillet. But cooking it in the oven is also an excellent preparation method.

In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook perfect oven-baked strip loin steaks from start to finish. We’ll cover

• What is Strip Loin Steak?
• Benefits of Cooking Strip Loin Steak in the Oven
• How to Choose Good Strip Loin Steak
• Getting Your Steak Oven-Ready
• Oven Cooking Times and Temperatures
• How to Sear Strip Loin Steak
• Step-by-Step Oven Cooking Instructions
• Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
• Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

So whether you’re cooking for date night, Sunday family dinner or just treating yourself, read on for everything you need to get perfectly cooked, ridiculously delicious oven-baked strip loin steak on the table tonight. Let’s get started!

What is Strip Loin Steak?

Strip loin steak comes from the short loin primal cut, which runs from the rib through the mid-back of the steer It’s cut from a muscle called the longissimus dorsi. This muscle doesn’t get much exercise, so cuts from the loin tend to be very tender.

Strip loin steaks are also sometimes called New York strip, Kansas City strip, ambassador steak, or hotel-cut steak. They have a signature tapered shape with a flat, compact eye of meat nestled into a lining of outer fat.

When cooked correctly, strip loin steaks offer the perfect balance of tenderness and rich, beefy flavor. The fat provides plenty of juicy moisture, while the meat offers satisfying texture. It’s no wonder why the strip loin is so popular at steakhouses!

Benefits of Cooking Strip Loin Steak in the Oven

Cooking strip loin steaks in the oven offers several advantages:

• Consistent results The oven distributes heat evenly around the meat for edge-to-edge cooking No need to worry about cold spots.

• Cooks multiple steaks easily: You can bake several steaks at once by simply arranging them on a baking sheet. Much easier than grilling or pan searing multiple steaks.

• Adds flavor: The hot, dry oven air facilitates caramelization of the meat’s sugars, enhancing flavor.

• Less greasy: Some fat renders out in the oven, so the cooked steak isn’t overly greasy.

• Easy: Just pop it in the oven and you’re hands-free until it’s cooked through. No need to constantly flip and move it around.

Overall, the oven gives you consistently cooked, flavorful and tender strip loin steaks with less hands-on effort required.

How to Choose Good Strip Loin Steak

To end up with the perfect oven-cooked strip loin steak, you have to start with high quality meat. Here are a few things to look for when selecting strip loin steaks:

• Marbling: This refers to the intramuscular fat distributed throughout the meat. Moderate marbling provides flavor and moisture. Steaks graded “Prime” have the most marbling. “Choice” grade also has good marbling.

• Color: You want a steak with a bright red color rather than brown or gray. The redder, the better.

• Firmness: Raw steak should feel firm and springy to the touch, not mushy.

• Size: Look for steaks that are 10-14 ounces and 1-1.5 inches thick for the best results.

• Cut: Choose a nicely trimmed and evenly cut steak for the most professional presentation.

Don’t be afraid to ask your butcher for help selecting high quality strip loin steaks. They can pick out the best steaks and slice them to your desired thickness.

Getting Your Steak Oven-Ready

Properly preparing your strip loin steak before it goes into the oven will ensure the best results. Follow these steps:

• Pat dry: Blot steaks with paper towels to remove excess surface moisture. Wet meat won’t sear as nicely.

• Trim: Use a sharp knife to trim off any large pieces of fat around the edges that may burn. Leave the main fat cap intact.

• Season: Generously season both sides with kosher salt and ground pepper. Rub it in. Salt enhances flavor and helps brown the meat.

• Let sit: After seasoning, let the steaks rest for at least 40 minutes and up to 1 hour to allow the salt to deeply penetrate the meat.

• Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F while steaks are sitting out. Place oven rack in middle position.

Now your steaks are ready for searing before they head into the hot oven!

Oven Cooking Times and Temperatures

The oven cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steaks and your desired doneness level. Use these time ranges as a guide:

• 1-inch thick steaks

  • Rare: 4-6 minutes
  • Medium Rare: 6-8 minutes
  • Medium: 8-10 minutes

• 1.5-inch thick steaks

  • Rare: 6-8 minutes
  • Medium Rare: 10-12 minutes
  • Medium: 12-14 minutes

A good target oven temperature for strip loin steak is 450°F. This high heat facilitates browning on the outside before the inside overcooks.

To ensure your steaks turn out perfectly cooked, invest in an instant read thermometer. Thermometer readings for different doneness levels are:

• Rare: 120-125°F
• Medium Rare: 130-135°F
• Medium: 135-145°F

Use the thermometer to check the thickest part of the steak a couple minutes before the recommended oven time is up. This ensures you pull the steaks at just the right moment.

Now let’s talk about how to get that beautiful, caramelized brown exterior…

How to Sear Strip Loin Steak

Searing the steaks before they go into the oven is the key to developing a flavorful, browned crust. Here’s how to do it right:

• Heat cast iron skillet: Over high heat, warm a lightly oiled cast iron skillet until very hot. Cast iron holds heat well for excellent searing.

• Pat steaks dry: Make sure surface moisture is removed before searing.

• Sear briefly: Place steaks in the hot skillet and sear for just 45-60 seconds per side. Don’t move them around too much.

• Add butter: After flipping once, add a tablespoon of butter to the pan and use a spoon to baste the steaks with the melted butter. This adds richness.

• Transfer to oven: Immediately transfer the seared steaks to a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Top with any butter in the skillet. Straight into the hot oven!

The quick sear gives you a beautiful brown crust without overcooking the interior. Now the oven will finish them off gently.

Step-by-Step Oven Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for flawlessly cooked oven strip loin steaks:

1. Take steaks out of fridge and pat dry thoroughly. Trim off any loose fat. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper. Allow to sit at room temp for 40 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 450°F. Place wire rack on rimmed baking sheet. Preheat cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot.

3. Add a tsp oil to hot skillet. Sear steaks for 45-60 seconds per side until nicely browned.

4. Add 1 tbsp butter to skillet. Tilt pan to pool butter and baste steaks for 30 seconds per side.

5. Immediately transfer steaks to wire rack. Top with any butter in skillet.

6. Bake steaks for time recommended above, until thermometer shows 5 degrees below target temp.

7. Remove steaks from oven,