How To Make The Best Minute Steak In The Oven
Are you searching for an easy and delicious way to prepare a flavorful steak for dinner tonight? Look no further! This minute steak oven recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about minute steak, including its food science, how to select and prepare it, and some tasty recipe variations. By the end of this article, you’ll be confident in your ability to cook the perfect steak every time.
The Science Behind Minute Steak
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore the science behind minute steak. Minute steak, also known as cube steak, is a cut of meat that comes from either the sirloin or round. It’s thin and tenderized by a machine, which makes it a quick and easy meal option. The tenderization process creates small slits in the meat, which allows it to cook faster and absorb flavors more easily.
Because minute steak is so thin, it can be cooked quite quickly. However, this also means it can overcook easily, making it tough and chewy. To avoid this, it’s important to not overcook it and to keep an eye on it throughout the cooking process. Another thing to note is that minute steak is typically quite lean, which means it can benefit from a marinade or sauce to add flavor and moisture.
Selecting and Preparing Minute Steak
When selecting minute steak, look for cuts that are evenly thin and have no visible fat. If possible, choose grass-fed beef, which is leaner and healthier than grain-fed beef. When preparing the steak, you want to first remove any excess fat or gristle. Then, you can choose to season the steak with a marinade or dry rub. Marinades work particularly well with minute steak since it’s thin and can absorb the flavors quickly.
If you’re using a marinade, be sure to let the meat soak for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Dry rubs can be applied right before cooking. Rub the seasoning onto the meat and let it sit for a few minutes before placing the steak into the oven.
Minute Steak Oven Recipe
Now that you know the basics of cooking minute steak, let’s jump into our delicious oven recipe.
Ingredients:
-
4-minute steaks
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tbsp garlic powder
-
1 tbsp onion powder
-
1/2 tbsp paprika
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
-
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt and pepper.
-
Rub the mixture onto both sides of the minute steaks, taking care to fully cover each steak with the seasoning.
-
Place the steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
-
Bake the steaks for 8-10 minutes, or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
-
Remove the steaks from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
-
Don’t overcook the steak. Since minute steak is thin, it can cook quickly. Keep an eye on the steaks, and remove them from the oven as soon as they are done.
-
Be mindful of your baking time. If you leave the steak in the oven for too long, it can become dry and tough.
-
Add extra flavor by using different dry rubs or marinades.
-
Consider serving the minute steak with a side of roasted vegetables or potatoes.
Recipe Variations
If you’re looking to mix up your minute steak recipe, here are a few variations you can try:
Asian-Inspired Minute Steaks
-
4-minute steaks
-
1/4 cup soy sauce
-
1/4 cup honey
-
1 tbsp sesame oil
-
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
-
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
-
Combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Mix well.
-
Rub the mixture onto both sides of the steaks.
-
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
-
Place the steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
-
Bake the steaks for 8-10 minutes, or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Garlic Butter Minute Steaks
-
4-minute steaks
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
-
In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
-
Add minced garlic to the melted butter and stir well.
-
Place the steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
-
Brush the garlic butter over the top of the steaks, creating a thin layer.
-
Place the steaks in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Overcooking and Undercooking Minute Steak
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to keep an eye on minute steak while it’s cooking to avoid overcooking it. Overcooking can make the steak tough and chewy. Undercooking, on the other hand, can make it unsafe to eat. The best way to determine the doneness of a minute steak is to use a meat thermometer.
The USDA recommends cooking beef to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest part of the steak. Once it reaches 145°F, remove the steak from the oven.
Conclusion
In conclusion, minute steak is a fantastic option for a quick and easy dinner. By following our minute steak oven recipe, you’ll create a delicious and flavorful steak that’s sure to impress. Remember to select lean cuts, marinade or season the meat, and keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking. With our recipe variations and tips, you can mix things up and try new flavors. Happy cooking!
Sources
FAQS On Minute Steak Oven Recipe
What Is A Minute Steak?
A minute steak is a thin cut of beef that is usually derived from the sirloin or round. It gets its name from the fact that it cooks quickly, taking only a few minutes per side.
How Do I Prepare Minute Steak In The Oven?
To prepare minute steak in the oven, first, preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Season the steak with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat on the stovetop until smoking hot. Place the steak in the skillet and sear it for 60 seconds on each side to form a crust. Then, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness.
How Long Should I Cook Minute Steaks In The Oven?
Cooking times for minute steaks in the oven can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. Generally, a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) thick minute steak should be cooked in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for approximately 3-5 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness. For well-done minute steak, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Can I Marinate Minute Steaks Before Cooking Them In The Oven?
Marinating minute steaks is not typically necessary due to their thinness and quick cooking time. However, if you prefer to add flavor, you can marinate them for about 30 minutes before cooking them in the oven. Use a simple marinade consisting of oil, acid (such as vinegar or citrus juice), herbs, and spices.
What Are Some Delicious Serving Suggestions For Minute Steak Cooked In The Oven?
Once your minute steak is cooked to perfection in the oven, you can serve it sliced or whole alongside a variety of sides. Popular accompaniments include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a side salad, or even loaded nachos. You can also use the cooked minute steak as a filling for sandwiches or wraps for a quick and flavorful meal.