How Long to Cook Steak in Oven at 350°F: Perfect Timing for Juicy Steak Every Time

Cooking a steak in the oven at 350°F is a simple and reliable way to get a juicy, tender result without the need for a grill. Whether you’re aiming for rare, medium, or well-done, knowing the right cooking time is key to hitting that perfect doneness. I’ve found that with the right timing and a few helpful tips, oven-cooked steak can rival any steakhouse quality.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how long to cook steak at 350°F based on thickness and desired doneness. With this guide, you’ll feel confident turning your oven into the ultimate steak-cooking tool. Let’s dive in and make your next steak dinner a delicious success.

Understanding Steak Cooking Basics

Mastering steak cooking in the oven requires knowledge of key factors like thickness, doneness, and cut type. Getting these right influences cooking time and final texture.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

Thickness affects cooking time directly. For example, a 1-inch thick steak typically takes 20 to 25 minutes at 350°F for medium doneness, while a 1.5-inch steak requires about 30 minutes. Doneness level also changes time: rare steak needs 15 to 20 minutes; well-done steak extends beyond 35 minutes. Oven type and steak starting temperature influence cooking speed; steaks straight from the fridge take longer than those at room temperature. Lastly, the presence of bone slows heat transfer, increasing cook time by 5 to 10 minutes versus boneless cuts.

Choosing the Right Cut for Oven Cooking

Tough cuts like chuck and round benefit from low and slow oven cooking to break down connective tissue, requiring 1 to 2 hours at 350°F. Tender cuts such as ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon cook well at higher heat and shorter times, usually under 30 minutes. Personally, I prefer cuts with moderate marbling for oven cooking, as fat melts evenly, enhancing flavor and juiciness. Avoid very thin cuts for oven cooking—they tend to dry out quickly.

Preparing Your Steak for the Oven

Preparing your steak properly enhances flavor and texture. I focus on seasoning, marinating, and setting up the oven for consistent results.

Seasoning and Marinating Tips

Season steaks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the flavors to penetrate. I apply other dry spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika sparingly, ensuring they don’t overpower the meat’s natural taste. For marinating, a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, and herbs works well when marinated for 1 to 3 hours in the refrigerator. Avoid acidic marinades over 3 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy. Pat the steak dry with paper towels before placing it in the oven to get a better crust.

Preheating and Oven Setup

Preheat the oven fully to 350°F before inserting the steak to ensure even cooking. I use an oven-safe wire rack placed over a baking sheet to allow air circulation and prevent the steak from sitting in its juices. Position the rack in the middle of the oven for balanced heat distribution. If available, I use a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature, checking for desired doneness without opening the oven door frequently.

How Long to Cook Steak in Oven at 350°F

Cooking steak at 350°F requires attention to thickness and desired doneness to achieve perfect results. I’ll break down the timing guidelines based on these factors.

Cooking Times for Different Thicknesses

Thickness directly affects cooking time at 350°F. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for about 20 to 25 minutes. For a 1.5-inch thick steak, expect around 30 minutes. Steaks thicker than 2 inches usually need 35 to 40 minutes. Using an oven-safe wire rack helps cook evenly by allowing heat circulation around the steak. I start checking the internal temperature after the earliest time to avoid overcooking.

Adjusting Time for Desired Doneness

Time adjustments depend on preferred doneness:

• Rare: Reduce cooking time by 3 to 5 minutes, targeting 120°F internal temperature.
• Medium rare: Cook for the standard time, 130°F internal temperature.
• Medium: Add 3 to 5 minutes, reaching 140°F internal temperature.
• Medium well: Add 6 to 8 minutes, aiming for 150°F internal temperature.
• Well done: Extend cooking time by 10 minutes or more, checking for 160°F internal temperature.

I always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature without opening the oven frequently. Rest the steak for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow juices to redistribute.

Techniques for Perfect Steak in the Oven

Mastering oven-cooked steak relies on precise temperature control and timing. Applying careful techniques guarantees juicy, flavorful results every time.

Using a Meat Thermometer

Relying on a meat thermometer ensures accurate doneness without overcooking. I insert the probe into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding bones. Monitoring internal temperature steadily during cooking keeps the steak within target ranges: 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium rare, 140°F for medium, 150°F for medium well, and 160°F for well done. Removing the steak from the oven at 5°F below the desired temperature accounts for carryover cooking, maintaining perfect tenderness.

Resting and Serving Tips

Resting the steak after cooking redistributes juices for a tender bite. I let steaks rest loosely tented with foil for 5 to 10 minutes to retain heat without steaming. Slicing just before serving preserves moisture. Serving steaks with a simple compound butter or finishing salt emphasizes natural flavors without overpowering the meat.

Conclusion

Cooking steak at 350°F in the oven is a reliable way to get tender and juicy results without the hassle of the grill. With the right timing and a good meat thermometer, you can hit your preferred doneness every time.

Remember that thickness and cut matter, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. Letting the steak rest after cooking makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.

Once you get comfortable with these steps, oven-cooked steak can easily become your go-to method for a delicious meal at home.