A T-bone steak is a prime cut of beef that gets its name from the T-shaped bone that divides it. It is cut from a vertebral cross-section of the strip loin and the tenderloin, two of the most succulent sections of meat on a cow. Regardless of which cooking method you choose, here are approximate temperatures you should be looking for: rare: 125ºF (51ºC); medium-rare: 130ºF (55ºC), medium: 140ºF (60ºC).

  • Prep time (Pan-Sear): 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 13-18 minutes
  • Total time: 25-30 minutes
Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Prepping Your Steak

  1. A firm, bright red steak will be fresher than a soft, darker colored, one. Also look for an even distribution of thin white lines of fat, known as marbling, throughout the surface. The marbling melts and moistens the meat during cooking, making your steak tender and flavorful. [1]
    • Choose an evenly cut steak that is about 1 1/4 inches (31.75 mm) thick.
    • Check the packing and expiration dates to confirm freshness.
    • If you're buying your steak in the United States, look out for the USDA beef grade on the label, which is an official indicator of quality: "Prime" is the best, followed by "Choice," and then "Select."
  2. Take your steak out of the fridge or freezer before cooking to let it thaw to room temperature, about 70ºF (21ºC). Avoid cooking your steak cold because the meat will contract and be tough to chew. [2]
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  3. Pat it down with a paper towel. The meat should be dry so that you do not end up steaming it instead!
  4. Gentle seasoning, such as a sprinkling of salt, will help enhance the natural flavors of your steak. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try pepper, paprika, or other dry spices.
    • Avoid over-seasoning because it will prevent you from tasting your steak's natural goodness.
    • If you use salt, don't season your steaks right before cooking, as this will add moisture which will interfere with the cooking process.
    • If you would like to use wet seasonings, it is best to marinate and refrigerate your steak for a couple of hours. Remember to also allow time for it to be removed from the fridge and reach room temperature before cooking. [3]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Pan-Searing

  1. Heat two tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. If possible, use a cast-iron skillet or another heavy frying pan. [4]
  2. Using tongs or a spatula, sear each side of the steak, occasionally moving it to ensure it doesn't stick to the pan. Hold the steak up vertically in the pan to sear the edges. Sear for about 5-6 minutes for rare, 6-7 minutes for medium-rare, and 7-8 minutes for medium.
  3. Remove the steak from the pan if it is charred to your liking. Wrap it in aluminum foil and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes, as this allows the flavors to mix and settle. Serve whole or sliced. [5]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Grilling

  1. Whether you're using a charcoal, gas, or electric grill, get it heated to about 500ºF (260ºC).
  2. Unless your grill has a non-stick surface, coat it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the meat from sticking to it.
  3. . Place the steak in the hottest part of the grill, usually the middle. For rare, cook it for 2 minutes on each side and then move it to the cooler part of the grill, usually the edges, for another 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. For medium-rare add 1-3 minutes and for medium add 3-5 minutes to the total cooking time.
  4. Remove the steak from the grill if it is charred to your liking. Use a small sharp knife, to make a small cut in the middle of the steak. If it looks done, allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes as this allows the flavors to mix and settle. If not, grill for another 1-2 minutes. Serve whole or sliced.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Broiling

  1. Turn on your broiler and get it heated to about 550ºF (290ºC). Also, position the top rack 5 inches (12 cm) from the top of the broiler.
  2. Unless your grill pan has a non-stick surface, coat it with non-stick cooking spray or oil to prevent the meat from sticking to it.
  3. Place your steak in the grill pan and place the pan on the top rack of the preheated broiler. For rare, close the door and allow it to cook for 4 minutes, before opening the door and flipping it to cook for another 4 minutes on the other side. For medium-rare, add 1-3 minutes and for medium, add 3-5 minutes, to the total cooking time.
  4. Remove the steak from the broiler if it is charred to your liking. Use a small sharp knife, to make a small cut in the middle of the steak. If it looks done, serve immediately; if not, return it to the oven and broil it for another minute before removing and serving it. Serve whole or sliced. [6]
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Sear-Roasting

  1. Turn on your oven and get it heated to about 450ºF (230ºC).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive, canola, or other vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet or another heavy pan on your burner, over high heat.
  3. Place your steak in the hot pan once it begins to smoke. Reduce heat and sear on each side for 4 minutes, until brown, for rare. For medium-rare, sear for 1 minute longer and for medium 2 minutes longer.
  4. Remove the skillet from the burner and transfer it to the preheated oven and roast for 6-8 minutes.
  5. Remove the steak from the oven if it is charred to your liking. Use a small sharp knife, to make a small cut in the middle of the steak. If it looks done, allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes as this allows the flavors to mix and settle. If not, roast for another 1-2 minutes. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes as this allows the flavors to mix and settle. Serve whole or sliced. [7]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I want to fry my t-bone steak without baking it, is it necessary to bake it?
    Community Answer
    You do not have to bake a steak to cook it. Just frying it will lead to an overcooked outside compared to the inside. That shouldn't be a problem if you are cooking it mid-rare, but anything over medium shouldn't just be pan-fried.
  • Question
    Can I cook a t-bone in a slow cooker?
    Community Answer
    I wouldn't do that. A t-bone is a great cut of meat, and slow cooking it would be a waste. Save the crockpot for cheaper cuts of meat, like chuck steak. They are tougher with more membranes and need moisture and time. A t-bone is best cooked dry, fast, and hot.
  • Question
    How do I cook a juicy steak?
    Community Answer
    Spread butter on top of the frozen steak. Then pour Worcestershire sauce over it and sprinkle liberally with meat tenderizer, garlic, salt, and pepper. Place steak on a roasting pan and broil for 6 to 8 minutes. Take it out and spread butter and seasoning on the other side. Then return to the broiler for another 6 to 8 minutes.
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      Tips

      • Sear-roasting is the most complex and time-consuming method, because you have to use a skillet as well as an oven. But this method does also give you the best of both worlds: searing provides a scrumptious crust to the outside of your steak, while roasting ensures that the inside is well-cooked and moist.
      • While pan-searing is the simplest method of cooking a T-bone steak, methods such as broiling and roasting, which use dry heat, are better options because they use less oil and cook the inside of your steak more thoroughly.
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      Things You'll Need

      • T-bone steak
      • Salt, pepper, or other seasonings
      • Canola, olive, or other vegetable oil
      • Paper towels
      • Tongs or spatula
      • Meat thermometer
      • Pairing knife or another sharp small knife

      About this article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to pan-sear a T-bone steak, pat the surface of the steak with paper towels to ensure it’s dry, then season it with salt, pepper, or whichever seasonings you choose. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil in a heavy frying pan over medium heat, then place the steak on the pan, flipping it about halfway through. Cook the T-bone 5-6 minutes if you like it rare, 6-7 minutes for medium rare, and 7-8 minutes for medium. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before you serve it. Read on to learn how to grill a T-bone steak!

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 914,408 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Jessy Sparks

        Apr 9, 2016

        "I used the pan searing method to cook a T-bone for my husband's birthday. He loved it. It came out juicy and ..." more

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