How long should I cook a steak on the stove or in the oven?

To pan-sear a steak on the stovetop, cook it on high heat for approximately three minutes per side, depending on desired doneness. For oven-baked steak, some recipes require pan-searing before baking for 15 minutes at 425 F, while others suggest baking steak at 250 F for 30 to 90 minutes.

Before cooking or baking, season steaks with salt and pepper, if preferred, and allow them to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This process, called tempering, allows steaks to cook evenly. Once steaks are cooked, they should be allowed to rest, covered, for at least 10 minutes to finish cooking and redistribute flavor. The minimum safe internal temperature for steak is 135 F.