Baking a steak before searing it is unconventional, but it is a method you can use to cook a perfect steak every time. The baking cooks the meat just right. The searing seals in the flavor and crisps the outside.
Season both sides of steak with salt and pepper.
Poor olive oil into a saute pan and place it over medium-high heat.
Place a seasoned piece of steak into the pan once the oil begins to smoke.
Allow the steak to sear in the oil for exactly two minutes.
Put on an oven mitt and slide the entire pan with the steak still cooking into the preheated oven.
Cook the seared steak in the oven for 10 minutes without flipping for medium to medium-rare temperature. (Add three to five minutes to the baking time for a well done steak.)
Put on oven mitt again and remove hot pan from oven.
Place the steak on plate and serve it immediately.
Tip
The cooking times will be close, but check for exact doneness using an instant read thermometer.
Warning
Oil will spatter while cooking, so be sure to use caution when handling the hot pan.