A juicy, mouthwatering steak is the perfect centerpiece for a memorable dinner. But cooking a steak at home can be intimidating. Fear not! With a toaster oven, you can achieve a perfectly cooked steak that’s brimming with flavor. In this article, we’ll share four quick and easy recipes for cooking a succulent steak in a toaster oven. Whether you prefer rib-eye, T-bone, or filet, these recipes will satisfy your steak cravings. So, let’s dive into the recipe section without delay!
How Hot Should the Toaster Oven Be to Cook a Steak?
Before we get to the recipes, let’s talk about the ideal temperature for cooking a steak in a toaster oven. Timing and temperature are crucial for achieving that perfect steak. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F, 375°F, or 400°F. These temperatures are optimal for cooking steak in a toaster oven. You can increase the temperature to reduce the cooking time if desired.
Cooking at a medium temperature is key. Cooking a steak for a few minutes less than necessary will result in an undercooked steak, while leaving it in for too long can lead to burnt and smoky flavors. To ensure accuracy, consider using a meat thermometer. For a medium-rare steak, cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F.
Recipe 1: Easy Steak in the Toaster Oven
This recipe is perfect for those in a hurry or simply craving a delicious steak. It’s the simplest and easiest way to cook a mouthwatering steak.
Ingredients:
- Steak of your choice
- Salt
- Olive oil or cooking oil
- Pepper
Cooking Instructions:
- Thoroughly wash the steaks and let them reach room temperature on a flat plate or high-quality oven-safe cookware.
- Drizzle some olive oil over the steaks and sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper, if desired.
- Preheat the toaster oven to 450°F. Place a tray underneath to catch any steak juices.
- Place the steaks directly on the oven broiler rack and let them rest for approximately 10 minutes. For medium-rare steaks, cook for 7-8 minutes.
- Turn off the toaster oven and remove the steaks. They should have a brownish color on top. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before cutting into pieces. Enjoy the easiest and most delicious steak!
Recipe 2: Perfect Juicy Steak in No Time
If you’re short on time but still want a perfectly juicy steak, this recipe is for you.
Ingredients:
- Steak pieces
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cooking oil or butter
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F.
- Wash the steaks and transfer them to a cutting board. If using frozen steaks, let them come to room temperature.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the steaks.
- Coat the pan with oil or butter for added flavor.
- Place the steaks on the pan to ensure an even sear. Cook each side for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
- Once the steak starts to brown, turn off the heat.
- Transfer the steaks to the toaster oven tray and cook for 4-8 minutes.
- Clean your cutting surface or use a plate to let the steaks rest for 3-5 minutes.
- Cut the steaks into pieces and serve with your favorite vegetables or drinks.
Recipe 3: Thor’s Fork Special Steak
This recipe uses a simple yet incredible sauce to elevate the flavors of your steak.
Ingredients:
- T-bone or Ribeye steak pieces (700-900g)
- Thor’s Fork Special Sauce
- Olive oil
- Butter
Special Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon HP sauce (optional)
- Olive oil
- Chili flakes to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
- Half a spoon of garlic powder
Special Sauce Cooking Procedure:
- Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl to make a paste.
- Wipe the steak pieces with a kitchen towel to remove excess water.
- Use a hammer to lightly pound the steaks to help loosen the meat and allow the sauce to penetrate (optional).
- Marinate the steaks in the sauce for at least an hour for a flavorful result.
Cooking Procedure:
- Butter the toaster oven tray or use olive oil or cooking oil.
- Place the steak pieces on the tray and set the toaster oven to 375°F.
- Cook the steaks for 4 minutes, then flip them over.
- Return the steaks to the toaster oven and cook for another 4 minutes for a perfectly browned steak.
- If you prefer medium-rare steaks, reduce the cooking time to 2 minutes.
- Allow the steaks to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving them whole or cutting into pieces.
- Pair the steak with French fries, sauce, or salted vegetables for a delightful meal.
Recipe 4: Sweet-Sour Steak
For those who love a sweet and sour kick, this recipe will add a new taste dimension to your favorite steak.
Ingredients:
- Steak piece (700-900g)
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Ziplock bag
- Fork or toothpick
- Pepper
- Salt
- Vinegar
- Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
Cooking Procedure:
- Let the steaks rest on a plate for 30 minutes at room temperature. If using frozen steaks, thaw them in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the toaster oven to 370°F.
- In a bowl, mix all the ingredients (except the steaks) together. If you don’t have tamarind paste, soak raw tamarind in water for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Use a toothpick or fork to poke the steaks, allowing the ingredients to penetrate.
- Place the steaks in a ziplock bag and marinate them in the fridge for 8-10 hours.
- Brush the toaster oven tray with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the steaks in the toaster oven for 5-6 minutes.
- Remove the steaks, flip them over, and rub the excess gravy from the bag onto the steak.
- Return the steaks to the oven for another 5 minutes.
- Adjust the cooking time depending on your preferred doneness.
- After removing the steaks from the toaster oven, let them rest for 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Slice the steaks into small pieces and enjoy them with your favorite sides.
12 Tips for Cooking Steak in a Toaster Oven
Here are some tips to ensure your steak turns out fantastic when cooking it in a toaster oven:
- Choose a steak with nice marbling and some fat around the outside.
- Wash and wipe the steak properly with a kitchen towel.
- Spread the ingredients evenly on both sides of the steak.
- For a medium-rare steak, remove it when it appears pinkish on the inside.
- The color should be brown for well-cooked steaks.
- Opt for 1-inch-thick steaks, as they are perfect for juicy results.
- Avoid overcooking, as it can make the meat dry and hard.
- Thick steaks are easier to prepare, while thin steaks tend to dry out.
- Thicker steaks require less cooking time than thinner cuts.
- Bake for approximately 5 minutes per inch and let the meat rest for 5 more minutes in the oven to reabsorb its juices.
- Finish the dish with a coating of salted butter and garlic for added flavor.
- Steak is a great source of protein, with approximately 271 calories per 100g. Pair it with mashed potatoes, salted vegetables, or French fries for a complete main course.
Cooking steak in a toaster oven is simpler than you think. These tips and recipes will help you create a perfectly cooked steak for your dinner table. Remember, sharing is caring! Enjoy your delicious steak creations and share your culinary adventures with your loved ones.