How to Cook a Porterhouse Steak in the Oven

Porterhouse steak is a flavorful and generally expensive steak that comes from the short loin of the cow. The porterhouse is cut to include parts of the top loin and the tenderloin. It is similar to a T-bone steak; however, the T-bone contains a smaller portion of tenderloin. A porterhouse is best cooked in a dry heat, so the broiler on your oven becomes the perfect tool for the job.

Things You'll Need

• Oven with a broiler Porterhouse steak (as much as you need to feed the number of people you're serving) Salt, pepper and other spices to taste Oven-safe pan or broiling pan Oil (optional) Paring knife

Instructions

Broiling a Porterhouse

1. Turn on your oven and preheat the broiler to its highest setting. The broiler only uses the top burner, which is why it is an excellent choice for cooking meat. Baking, which an oven is usually used for, surrounds the food with heat on all sides.

2. Heat up a pan on your stove. Make sure that the pan is oven-safe. If your meat is a good cut and seasoned well, you won't need to add any oil. However, if you're not sure, it's best to err on the side of caution and coat the pan a bit.

3. Season your steak if you wish. You can do this with plain salt and pepper, or get fancy with a variety of spices. Stay away from marinades and sauces--porterhouse purists prefer to let the taste of the meat speak for itself.

4. Place your steak in the pan and then place the pan in the oven. Let the steak cook for about four minutes on one side, then flip it and do another four minutes on the other side.

5. Remove your pan from the oven and use a paring knife to cut into the meat. At this point, you can choose to keep it as is, or put it in for a little longer if you prefer a more well-done steak. Be careful not to overcook it, though--a minute or two should do it. Once your steak is cooked to your liking, serve it immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• To add additional layers of flavor to your meal, try roasting some garlic or onions alongside your steak.

• Don't try to bake the steak if your oven doesn't have a broiler. This method can toughen and dry out the meat. If you use a marinade, don't coat it too thickly. It can burn and ruin the meat.

References

• Beef Loin Cuts
• Apartment Therapy: How to Broil a Steak