How to Broil Steak

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The kids are back in school, the leaves are starting to change and pumpkin spice everything is around every corner. It’s time to face the facts. Summer is over.

This doesn’t mean you need to put the grill away just yet. But even us hardcore, outdoor loving, back yard cookout types realize it can get a little awkward trying to manage grill tongs while wearing a parka. As temperatures start falling and days get shorter, you’ll need a few alternatives to the outdoor grill if you want to enjoy your perfectly cooked steaks year-round.

Every armchair beef connoisseur has their own preferred, super-secret, “I swear by this” cooking method. Round these parts, we’re partial to broiling steak for that perfect mix of seared outside and perfectly pink center. Broiling a steak locks in those flavorful juices with a quick, high heat sear. Finishing your broiled steak up in the oven will ensure a consistent doneness, all the way through.

So now that we’ve piqued your interest, settle in. Keep your apron and tongs handy, by the time you’re done reading we’ll have you broiling steak like a pro in no time.

Best Beef Cuts for Broiling

  • Top sirloin steak
  • Tri-tip steak
  • Sirloin tip center steak
  • Tenderloin steak (filet mignon)
  • Strip steak, boneless
  • Flat iron steak
  • T-bone steak
  • Kabobs
  • Porterhouse steak
  • Rib eye steak
  • Denver steak
  • Shoulder petite tender
  • Ranch steak
  • Chuck eye steak (delmonico)
  • Strip steak

The Essential Kitchen Supplies for Oven Broiling

Before we get into how to broil steak, we’re going to need to talk supplies. The most essential item on the list will be your pan. But don’t go running off to the nearest Overpriced Kitchen and Things store for a high tech and even higher priced, non-stick broiler pan monstrosity just yet.

When it comes to broiling the perfect steak, it turns out the classic tools are the best. When broiling your steaks in the oven, few things can beat a solid, durable and relatively inexpensive cast iron broiling pan. Good cast iron will take a little prep work, but trust us, the fabulous sear you’ll get by broiling steak will be more than worth the effort.

A good set of tongs, olive oil, salt and pepper or a quality steak seasoning and a hearty appetite round out the list of items needed to start cooking. Sounds simple so far, right? Good, onto the execution!

Broiling Steak – The Technique

Your cast iron skillet pan is seasoned. Your tongs, platters and “kiss the chef” apron are all on standby and you’ve picked out a few quality, juicy, choice steaks for dinner. It’s time to broil. We’ve broken everything down step-by-step style, but have no worries. By the time we’re done you’ll be wondering why you didn’t start enjoying broiled steak sooner.

  • Season Your Steaks – Given them a generous coating of your seasoning of choice, set aside and let come to room temperature.
  • Oven Temperature – Preheat the oven to 500 degrees.
  • Pre-Heat Your Pan – Place your cast iron broil pan, with a bit of oil in the bottom, into the oven once you’ve turned it on.
  • Move to the Stovetop – Once the oven temp hits 500, the pan is ready to go. Remove pan to the stovetop.
  • Reduce Oven Temp – Reduce the heat to 375. We’re not done with the oven just yet.
  • Sear Steaks – Place your steaks in the preheated pan and sear 1-2 minutes on each side.
  • Move Pan and Steaks Back to the Oven – After you’ve gotten a good sear, place the pan with the meat back in the oven to finish off. Depending on thickness, you’ll need another 3-7 minutes cooking time.
  • Rest – Once your steaks have attained perfect doneness, remove to a platter to rest. A good, juicy steak needs a minimum 5-7 minutes to rest in order to retain maximum juiciness.
  • Eat and Enjoy!!

Broiling Steaks in the Oven

Steak Broiling Tips

See, that wasn’t so bad. It turns out, broiling steak in the oven is a fairly straightforward and simple method for cooking steak. And to make sure you’ll get broiled steak perfection, every time, we’ve got just a few tips to leave you with.
How Long to Broil Steak?

For the love of everything that is steak, do not overcook your steak. The last thing you want is to ruin a perfectly lovely piece of meat with too much pan action. Total cook time should be no more than absolutely necessary to create a nice, medium rare to medium level of doneness.

What to Serve with my Broiled Steak?

When it comes to sides, think simple. For a good oven broiled steak, we personally love a simple grilled vegetable and a nice potato or sweet potato. When it comes to the meat itself, one of our favorite “toppings” for steak broiled in the oven is a small dollop of whipped butter placed on top while the steak is resting.

When is the Best Time of Year to Broil Steak?

While Fall is near and winter is just around the corner, we happen to think that any time is a great time to enjoy broiled steaks. A quality cut of steak is a versatile staple. A great chef knows that a variety of cooking styles can reinvent a classic. So add broiling your steak cooking repertoire and enjoy any time and often!