There are so many different ways of cooking a steak. One of the best ways involves wrapping it in aluminum foil and baking it in the oven. This tin foil pack method not only cooks up a perfect steak but is also very convenient. So, if you are interested in a one-pan, fuss-free, quick, and convenient dinner, keep reading to learn how to cook steak in the oven with foil.
Different Cuts of Steak
Steaks come in different varieties, from affordable to premium. So, you have several good options. If you are new at the steak-shopping, here is a quick review of the different types of steaks:
- Filet Mignon: Also known as tenderloin, this cut is boneless. It is quite expensive because of the quality of this cut. When cooked, it is juicy, rich, and tender.
- Ribeye: Ribeye steak is a cut from the beef rib or the primal section. This cut is widely known for its evenly distributed fat. You can see the white lines of fat, which are usually known as marbling. This steak cut is juicy, tender, and delicious. You can enjoy it both boneless and in-bone.
- New York Strip: Also known as top sirloin, this cut comes from a muscular area. For this reason, it is not as tender as the ribeye and filet mignon and has a chewy texture. However, it is still loaded with beefy flavor and is quite delicious.
- T-Bone: In simple words, T-bone is two steaks in one. It is a blend of tenderloin and New York strip. It is always bone-in and has a strong beefy flavor. This steak cut is tricky to cook, but once done properly; it is very juicy and delicious.
- Porterhouse: This steak cut is just like a T-bone but is a bitter thicker. If you love T-bone cut and have a huge appetite, choose Porterhouse!
Different Ways of Cooking Steak
There are so many ways to cook a steak. Here are a few ways:
- Stovetop: Searing the steak on an iron skillet pan, covering it with aluminum foil, and letting it cook on a low flame works well. However, you have to check on it constantly. This makes it a bit hectic. But it is totally doable.
- Oven: Wrap the steak in aluminum foil and then place it in the oven. The steak foil pack method is super convenient and works really well. The steak comes out juicy, tender, and delicious.
- Grill: You can also wrap it in aluminum foil and cook it on a grill. If you love outdoor cooking, this method works really well. Create individual steak foil packets for everyone with their favorite vegetables.
Meat Temperature Guide
Different people have different preferences when it comes to cooked steak. Some love their steak well done, while others go for rare or medium-rare. So, if you are cooking a steak for more than one person, you might want to closely monitor its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Here is a guide to help you remember the right temperature for each steak:
- Rare: Internal temperature of 125 degrees F.
- Medium rare: Internal temperature of 135 degrees F.
- Most Popular- Medium: Internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
- Medium well: Internal temperature of 150 degrees F.
- Well done: Internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
Can you Cook Vegetables with Steak?
Absolutely! People love to cook steak in aluminum foil because you don’t have to cook the vegetables separately. Just pop your favorite vegetables in the aluminum foil, place the steak on top, wrap it, and place it in the oven. The veggies cook in the juices from the steak and always turn out perfect. Some of my favorite vegetables to cook in foil packs are potato, bell pepper, minced garlic
How to Cook Steak in the Oven with Foil
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Serving: 1
Ingredients
- 8 oz steak of choice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Pat the steak dry and trim extra fat.
- Drizzle olive oil and rub it all over the steak using your hands.
- Season the steak with dried thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt, and rub using your hands on all sides.
- Place the steak on an aluminum foil and seal it tightly.
- Place the aluminum foil packet steak on a baking tray and into a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 30 to 40 minutes or until the steak’s internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F.
- Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
- Take the steak out of the aluminum foil and serve alongside mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.
How to Cook Steak in the Oven with Foil
Ingredients
- 8 oz steak of choice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Pat the steak dry and trim extra fat.
- Drizzle olive oil, and using your hands, rub it all over the steak.
- Season the steak with dried thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt, and rub using your hands on all sides.
- Place the steak on aluminum foil and seal it tightly.
- Place the aluminum foil packet steak on a baking tray and into a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 30 to 40 minutes or until the internal temperature of steak reaches 140 degrees F.
- Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
- Take the steak out of the aluminum foil and serve alongside mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.
FAQs
How to defrost steak
Here are a few methods to defrost steak:
- Refrigerator: This is the safest and most recommended method. Simply place the frozen steak on a plate or tray and leave it in the refrigerator overnight. The steak will defrost slowly and evenly.
- Cold water: If you don’t have time to defrost the steak in the refrigerator, you can use the cold water method. Place the steak in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the steak is defrosted.
- Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can defrost the steak in the microwave. Place the steak on a microwave-safe plate and use the defrost setting. Be sure to follow the microwave’s instructions for defrosting meat, as overcooking can result in a tough, dry steak.
How long can you marinate steak?
Steak should marinate on average thirty minutes up to two hours. Tougher meats can marinate for up to twenty-four hours.
What’s the best temperature to cook steak in the oven using aluminum foil?
For optimal flavor and tenderness, cook your steak in the oven at a temperature range of 375°F to 400°F. The higher heat helps to create a delicious crust while the foil locks in the juices.
How can I ensure my steak stays juicy when cooking in an aluminum foil packet?
Seal the foil packet well to lock in moisture so your steak is juicy. You can also add a little butter or a splash of liquid like broth or wine before sealing the packet to enhance juiciness.
What are some suggested vegetables for oven cooking in a steak and veggie foil packet?
Great vegetable options for your steak foil packet include sliced potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, onions, and asparagus. Choose veggies with similar cooking times or cut them to size for even cooking.
How can I tell when my steak and potato foil packet is perfectly cooked in the oven?
Use a meat thermometer to check your steak’s internal temperature; a medium-rare steak should read around 130°F to 135°F. Potatoes should be fork-tender.
Is it necessary to flip steak foil packets during cooking, and if so, how often?
It is not strictly necessary to flip steak foil packets. However, if you want to promote even cooking, especially with added vegetables, you can flip the packet once halfway through the cooking time.