• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Get our Freezer Meal Quick Start Guide
freezer meal quick start guide

Get Our Freezer Meal Quick Start Guide

Loading

About
Free Resources
Contact

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

YouTube

TikTok

Thriving Home

Food & Lifestyle

  • Recipe Index
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch & Dinner
      • Sides & Salads
      • Soups & Chilis
      • Appetizers
      • Snacks
      • Desserts
      • Baked Goods
      • Beverages
      • Condiments
    • Method
      • Freezer Meals
      • Stovetop
      • Oven
      • Slow Cooker
      • Instant Pot
      • Grill or Smoker
      • 6 Ingredients or Less
    • Diet
      • Gluten-Free
      • Dairy-Free
      • Vegetarian
    • Ingredients
      • Chicken & Turkey
      • Beef
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Pasta & Pizza
    • Holiday
      • Birthday
      • Christmas
      • Easter
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
      • Valentine's Day
    • All Recipes
  • Freezer Cooking
    • Start Here
    • Freezer Meal Recipes
    • 1 Hour Freezer Prep
    • Cookbooks
  • Menu Plans
  • Shop
    • Cookbooks
    • 1 Hour Freezer Prep
    • Shop Our Favorites
    • Gift Guides
Search...
Home Recipe Index Beef

The Perfect Pan-Seared, Oven-Finished Steak (Tips from a Chef)

★★★★★ 4.8 /5 Updated: 12/20/22
Jump to Recipe Rate Recipe

This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links. Please read our disclosure policy.

seasoned cooked steak that is sliced on a plate

Simple steps to make the perfect steak that starts on the stove and finishes in the oven.

seasoned cooked steak that is sliced on a plate

I struggled for a long time to cook a steak the right way on the stovetop. And then…I did it perfectly. (That was after setting my kitchen on fire. More on that in a moment.)

Over the years, I tried grilling and frying steak to no avail and after a few tries, I gave up. Part of my throwing in the towel is related to budget. (Who wants to experiment on the most expensive piece of meat?) Part of it is related to the fact that I’m not a huge steak lover. But neither of those excuses stands up to the fact that my husband and oldest son LOVE steak and I love them. 

So, on Valentine’s Day I did my research and planned to cook up my boys’ favorite hunk of meat perfectly this time. (Here is where I get meat that I trust by the way.)

valentine's day menu on chalkboard

I headed to my local Hy-Vee store to talk to the Personal Chef there named Bryan. He helped me select the perfect cut and amount of steak for our occasion. Then, he spent several minutes talking me through exactly how to prepare the perfect pan seared, oven finished steak. Upon Bryan’s suggestion, I went with the New York Strip, since it was on sale and had nice marbling (read: ripples of fat throughout but not too much).

two raw sirloin steaks on a white plate

Friends–IT WORKED! Chef Bryan’s method worked! We enjoyed the perfect pan-seared steak on Valentine’s Day, along with some peel-and-eat shrimp, twice-baked potatoes, broccoli with Homemade Cheese Sauce, strawberries, and brownies. Nothing fancy, but it pleased the little picky minions in my house tremendously.

This recipe would also be amazing with our Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts.

Now, I’m going to share my newly found secrets that even the newest of cooks can undertake!

Video Tutorial: How to Cook the Perfect Steak on the Stove and in the Oven

6 Steps to Cook Steak on the Stove and in the Oven

seasoned cooked steak that is sliced on a wooden cutting board

Step 1: Set Your Steak Out

It’s important to let your steaks come to room temperature instead of cooking them from cold. So, set them on the counter for 20-30 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

For this MONEY recipe, Chef Bryan directed me to create a crust on the steak over the stove and finish cooking it in the oven. So, you’ll preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 3: Pat Your Steak Dry and Season

A dry steak allows for browning to occur in a hot pan. So, pat it dry with a paper towel and season well with salt and pepper or your favorite steak seasoning.

Step 4: Sear the Steak in a Super Hot Pan

The goal of this step is to create a nice crust on the outside of your steak and seal in the flavor. Place an OVEN-SAFE, large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat for just a few minutes. Sear the steaks on the first side (without moving them!) for 1-2 minutes. When they come away from the pan easily and have sufficient browning on one side, flip the steaks to another part of the pan where it’s really hot (not the same spot it was just in). Sear steaks for 1-2 minutes on this side until browned well.

Step 5: Finish Cooking Your Steak in the Oven

Transfer your oven-safe pan directly to the preheated oven. Let steaks bake for 5-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steaks and how you like them done (medium-rare, medium, etc). Insert a digital meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to test for doneness near the end of the cooking time. Remove the steaks about 5 degrees sooner than the optimal finished temp, because they will continue to cook while they rest. (See optimal doneness temperature below.)

Step 6: Let the Steaks Rest

Once the steak is at your desired internal temperature, use oven mitts to remove the hot pan from the oven. Transfer steaks to a plate and cover loosely with foil. LET REST FOR 5-10 MINUTES so it finishes cooking and the juices can redistribute throughout the meat.

How to Cook Your Steak to Desired Doneness

Keep in mind that your steak will continue to “carry over cook” once you remove it from the oven and let it rest, rising another 5 degrees. So, according to Chef Bryan Williams, remove steaks at these temperatures, which is a little lower temp than they were finish at, for the perfect doneness:

  • 115-125 degrees = Rare
  • 125-135 degrees = Medium Rare
  • 135-145 degrees = Medium
  • 145-155 degrees = Medium Well
  • 155-165 degrees = Well Done

After removing your steak, transfer it to a plate or cutting board and cover with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

How Not to Catch Your Kitchen on Fire While Making Steak

Public Service Announcement: Ummm, like I mentioned, I might have caught my kitchen on fire in the process of making this perfect pan-seared steak. Yikes! So, tip #1 is don’t do that!

In this recipe, you’ll be instructed to get your pan extremely hot on the stove-top. My pans are steel with a copper bottom, and I forgot that they get VERY hot over my electric stove. Too hot in fact. When I poured in a little bit of olive oil in, the pan burst into flames. (I will NOT instruct you to put oil in the pan in this recipe, so don’t worry! I don’t think it even needs oil.)

Needless to say, it was very scary! And I may have cussed in front of the kids for the first time. (#oops) What should you do in that situation? Chef Bryan told me to calmly find a lid or sheet pan and set it over the fire to smother it. Another messy option is to douse the pan in baking soda (always have some right by the stove top).

But, DON’T DO WHAT I DID! I ran the pan to the sink and threw the water on…which was the absolutely WRONG thing to do. I learned later that I could have splattered oil and fire everywhere! I’m lucky the flames didn’t travel to our paper towel roll right next to the sink, too! My husband and I made a strong mental note to get our fire extinguisher recharged (they lose their ability to work over time) at the fire department this week, too.

seasoned cooked steak that is sliced on a plate

So, now that you know not to catch your kitchen on fire, let’s get on with this easy pan-seared, oven-finished steak recipe that may win over the heart of someone you love. Serve it with some Garlic Herb Butter to make it extra special!

Did you make this? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!

seasoned cooked steak that is sliced on a plate
★★★★★ 4.8 from 12 reviews

The Perfect Pan-Seared, Oven-Finished Steak

The perfect pan-seared, oven-finished steak isn’t complicated and turns out great every time if you use this chef’s method. It starts on the stove and finishes in the oven.

Yield: 2 steaks 1x
Prep: 20 minutesCook: 16 minutesTotal: 36 minutes
Print Recipe Rate Pin for Later
  • Email
Scale:

Ingredients

  • 1–2 steaks (suggested: New York Strip) (Get meat you can trust here.)
  • Steak seasoning

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions

  1. Pull the steaks out of the refrigerator about 20-30 minutes before cooking and let rest on counter.
  2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  3. Pat steaks dry on both sides. Then, season generously with steak seasoning on all sides, rubbing it in with your fingers.
  4. Place an OVEN-SAFE, large, heavy-bottomed pan* over medium-high heat for just a few minutes. To test if it’s hot enough, sprinkle a little water on it. If it sizzles, it’s ready. (Note: Don’t leave your pan over this high heat for long at all or it will get too hot. Mine only took about 1-2 minutes to get to temperature.)
  5. Using tongs, place steaks in pan without letting them touch. You will hear them immediately start to sizzle. Let them sear on this first side (without moving them!) for 1-2 minutes. When they come away from the pan easily and have sufficient browning on one side, flip the steaks to another part of the pan where it’s really hot (not the same spot it was just in). Sear steaks for 1-2 minutes on this side until browned well. The goal of this step is to create a nice crust on the outside of your steak.
  6. Now, you’re going to finish cooking your steak in the oven. Transfer your oven-safe pan* directly to the preheated oven. Let steaks bake for 5-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steaks and how you like them done (medium-rare, medium, etc). Insert a digital meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to test for doneness near the end of the cooking time. You want to remove the steaks about 5 degrees sooner than the optimal finished temp, because they will continue to cook while they rest. So, remove the steak at the temperatures listed below for the perfect doneness.
  7. Once the steak is at your desired internal temperature, use oven mitts to remove the hot pan from the oven. Transfer steaks to a plate and cover loosely with foil. LET REST FOR 5-10 MINUTES so it finishes cooking and the juices can redistribute throughout the meat. (This is a very important step!)
  8. Enjoy the perfect steak!

Steak Doneness Temperatures: Remove steaks at these temperatures before resting for the perfect doneness:

  • 115-125 degrees = Rare
  • 125-135 degrees = Medium Rare
  • 135-145 degrees = Medium
  • 145-155 degrees = Medium Well
  • 155-165 degrees = Well Done

Equipment

Cast Iron Skillet

Buy Now →

Meat thermometer

Buy Now →

Notes/Tips

*An oven-safe pan is one that is all metal and does not have rubber or plastic on the handle. If you don’t have an oven-safe pan, then preheat a metal sheet pan (with sides) in the oven. After the steak has been seared, transfer the steak using tongs to this hot sheet pan to finish in the oven. For easy clean up, you may want to cover it with foil.

Where We Get Our Beef: We get our beef from ButcherBox. The beef is grass-fed and curated from trusted farms. We highly recommend this service to source healthy meat–like uncured bacon, organic chicken, and wild salmon–and have used it for years ourselves.

© Author: Thriving Home
Cuisine: American Method: Stovetop and Oven

Did you make this?

Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!

Rate Recipe

Tag Us on Instagram

4.9K shares
  • Share
  • Email
Rachel Tiemeyer

Rachel Tiemeyer

As co-founder of Thriving Home, Rachel dreams about creating recipes (literally) and uses her husband, her 3 kids, and even the neighbors as guinea pigs several nights a week. She believes that good food has the power to bring families and friends closer together and continues to wake up excited about her job each day, even after 10+ years!

Read more...

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. AvatarJanet says

    Posted on 1/2/23 at 4:13 pm

    Delicious, best steak we’ve had in a long time. Will definitely use the recipe again . Thank you for putting it on line!

    Reply
    • Carla from Thriving HomeCarla from Thriving Home says

      Posted on 1/3/23 at 8:49 am

      You’re so welcome Janet. Glad you found us!

      Reply
  2. AvatarNancy says

    Posted on 12/10/22 at 8:13 pm

    Great steak every time

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Carla from Thriving HomeCarla from Thriving Home says

      Posted on 12/11/22 at 1:50 pm

      Yes! Love to hear it Nancy!

      Reply
  3. AvatarJanet Vandergrift says

    Posted on 10/30/22 at 9:46 pm

    delicious steaks

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Carla from Thriving HomeCarla from Thriving Home says

      Posted on 10/31/22 at 9:33 am

      Thanks Janet!

      Reply
  4. AvatarPattie says

    Posted on 8/26/22 at 7:05 pm

    I always heat my pan (cast iron) in the oven as the oven is heating. Saves the energy of heating the pan on the stove and the pan is truly hot all the way through when I start browning the steaks.

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • AvatarTillie says

      Posted on 12/25/22 at 1:44 pm

      Great idea! I’m going to try this method tonight!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Carla from Thriving HomeCarla from Thriving Home says

        Posted on 12/26/22 at 11:54 am

        That is an excellent suggestion Pattie. Tillie, how did it go for you? I made filets this way for Christmas dinner yesterday but hadn’t yet seen the suggestion about heating the skillet in the oven. Makes total sense. Ours turned out great though and hopefully I’ll remember to do it next time.

        Reply
  5. AvatarStarrlynna says

    Posted on 8/21/22 at 4:07 pm

    OMG due to weather had no barbecue to use in a sever storm, however found your steak idea amazing recults. Ty for saving my dinner

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Polly ConnerPolly Conner says

      Posted on 8/23/22 at 11:26 am

      Hooray!

      Reply
    • Rachel TiemeyerRachel Tiemeyer says

      Posted on 8/24/22 at 7:57 am

      Awesome, glad to know this saved the day!

      Reply
  6. AvatarWm. Robby says

    Posted on 7/26/22 at 6:03 pm

    Normally grill my steaks, this was pretty good, steak was tender

    ★★★★

    Reply
  7. AvatarC says

    Posted on 4/20/22 at 10:26 pm

    This was yummy

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • Rachel TiemeyerRachel Tiemeyer says

      Posted on 4/21/22 at 10:42 am

      Happy to hear it worked well for you!

      Reply
Older Comments

sidebar

polly and rachel

Welcome

We’re moms, cookbook authors, and freezer cooking evangelists. Our mission is to help your home thrive, one delicious meal at a time. Let’s make the most of your time in the kitchen! Read more.

Follow Us On Instagram!

freezer cooking

Order On:

Amazon • Target

Autographed Copy

Learn More

freezer to table

Order On:

Amazon • Target

Autographed Copy

Learn More
freezer meal quick start guide

Get Our Freezer Meal Quick Start Guide!

We’ll send you the best of the best recipes, tutorials, and freezer meal expertise. A $9.99 value for free!

Loading

Reader Favorites

marinades for chicken breasts in freezer bags

7 BEST Chicken Marinades

freezer meal

The 70+ Best Freezer Meals on the Planet

20+ Easy Crock Pot Recipes

smoothie packs

7 Frozen Smoothie Packs (+ Printable with Shopping List)

freezer meal update
New to freezer cooking?

Grab Our Freezer Meal Quick Start Guide!

5 days of recipes & tips from freezer meal experts.

Loading

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

YouTube

TikTok

About
About Us
Work With Us
Press
Recipes
All Recipes
Freezer Meals
Menu Plans
Shop
Cookbooks
1 Hour Prep Sessions
Gift Guides
Explore
Free Resources
Shop Our Favorites
Facebook Group
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Disclaimers
Contact
© 2023 Thriving Home
Site Credits
Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top
4.9K shares