How to Cook Rib-eye Steak in Wood-Fired Oven

In this article, we will give you guidelines on how to cook a whole rib-eye steak in a pizza oven. Whether you have all the necessary tools and equipment or not, it is possible to prepare a delicious steak in a pizza oven. These tips and techniques will help you impress your guests and serve a mouthwatering wood-fired rib-eye steak that is sure to be a hit!

While a margarita pizza is always a satisfying choice, it’s important to remember that your pizza oven is versatile enough to cook a variety of dishes depending on the season. One of our family’s favorite recipes is wood-fired rib-eye steak with roasted fingerling potatoes. This delicious twist on the classic steak and fries is easy to prepare and sure to please. Give it a try and see for yourself.

Here’s a few pointers for getting the most of our your wood-fired rib eye steak:

• Allow the rib eye to rest
• Season the rib eye
• Monitor the internal temperature

How Long Should you let a Rib-Eye Steak Rest?

The importance of rest in the cooking process cannot be overstated. Before cooking your rib eye steak, take it out of the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about an hour. Generously sprinkle salt on the steak and place it on a cooling rack over a baking tray. The salt will help bring out the flavor of the meat and draw out moisture, which is necessary for creating a good crust. It is also important to let the steak rest after it has been cooked. Transfer the steak to a new cooling rack over a baking tray to collect the juices, and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting into it. Although the steak will be warm, it is essential to let it rest to allow the juices to distribute evenly throughout the meat.

How do you Season the Steak?

For the best flavor and texture, it is recommended to season your steak with salt about an hour before cooking it. Freshly ground black pepper should be added just before the steak is placed in the oven. You can also try using other seasonings to your liking. When cooking a rib-eye steak in a wood-fired oven, we often add butter, garlic, thyme, or rosemary during the grilling process for additional flavor.

How Long Should You Cook Your Rib-Eye Steak?

Cooking time for steak in a wood-fired oven can vary greatly depending on the thickness of the steak, which can be difficult to gauge. As you gain more experience cooking in the oven, you will become more confident in your ability to estimate cooking times. Using a thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the steak is a good idea to ensure that it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. As a general rule, remove the steak from the oven when the internal temperature is 5-8 degrees Fahrenheit lower than your desired temperature. Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook after it is removed from the oven, so take that into consideration when deciding when to take it out. Also the key in wood fired cooking is to control the fire If you don’t you will wind up over cooking the meat. So get to know your oven. Place your cast iron away from the fire and monitor the cooking. I also like to baste the meat with butter or a nice burgundy while cooking for extra flavor.

Cooking the steak for a longer time in a wood-fired stove will not result in criticism from your guests, as the taste will likely be enjoyable regardless. On average, it will take around 8-12 minutes to prepare the steak.

Equipment you’ll need:

• Refractory Oven
• Large Cast Iron Pan (12-14″ diameter)
• Cast Iron Fire Poker with Hook
• Heat Resistant Silicone Glove (for handling)
• Large Steel Spoon for Basting
• Baking Tray
• Cooling Rack

Ingredients for Rib Eye Steak:

• 2.5 – 3lb Dry Aged Rib Eye Steak (or any cut you choose).
• 1 Tbsp. Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp. Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
• 2 Tbsp. Vegetable-Olive Cooking Blend Oil
• 3 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter
• 3 Garlic Cloves
• 2-3 Sprigs Woody Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, Sage)

Ingredients for Fingerling Potatoes:

• 1½ qts. Fingerling or Yukon Gold Potatoes, skin on, sliced lengthwise
• 3 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter
• 5 cloves Garlic
• 1 Shallot, sliced finely lengthwise
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 Tbsp. Rosemary, finely diced
• ½ tsp. Sea Salt Flakes or Kosher Salt

Here’s how to cook:

1. Before using a refractory wood-fired oven, it needs to be preheated. Its internal dome will change color from black to white when it reaches 800ºF, which is the target temperature. Then, the heat can be lowered to a cooking temperature of 650-700ºF for food like steak, which needs to be cooked at high heat to create a crispy golden crust.
2. Put two large frying pans in the oven, putting two tablespoons of oil in each. Monitor them regularly. The oil should not give off a lot of smoke but should be lightly smoked to show that the pans are hot and ready to be used.
3. When you’re all set to prepare your rib-eye steak with a wood-fired oven, you should take the cast iron skillet to the entrance of the pizza oven and carefully place the steak in the pan, making sure to move away from it to avoid the hot oil that might splatter out. Then bring it back to the back part of the oven and let it cook for four minutes.
4. Retrieve the cast iron skillet and assess the rate of browning. This is particularly important during cooking steak in the pizza oven for the first few times. The steak will quickly develop a blistering crust. Refrain from flipping the steak too many times while cooking.
5. Examine the bottom of the steak using a large spoon. When it turns golden, flip it over and put it back in the oven for two minutes. After that, bring the cast iron skillet and put butter, garlic, and herbs in it. Keep a close eye on the butter as it starts to turn brown. Angle the pan so the butter pools near the edge nearest to you. The sizzling butter, herbs, and garlic are used to baste the steak and let the juices trickle back down. Do this for two minutes taking advantage of the remaining heat in the cast iron. Finally, place the steak in the oven for another 1-2 minutes. Measure the internal temperature with a digital thermometer, referring to the guide provided, to get the desired Doneness.
6. Heat some oil in another pan and place the diced potatoes in the pan with their cut sides facing downwards. Please place them in the oven to cook for around two to three minutes, then observe the potatoes for color, texture, and softness. When the potatoes have achieved a consistent golden brown, add some butter, garlic, a bay leaf, and any other herbs you wish to use and mix the potatoes around until they are coated. You can use a spoon or your hands to shake the skillet. Keep cooking the potatoes for an additional four minutes and mix them now and then. Afterward, add some sliced shallots (and more butter if needed) and move the pan to the front of the oven to let them cook more slowly until they reach the desired tenderness.
7. Once you have taken out the rib eye steak, place it on a baking rack and let it sit for around 10-15 minutes. This will ensure that it is as tender as possible when served. Serve the steak with roasted potatoes and a good amount of sea salt for added flavor.

Advice on How to Use a Wood-Fired Oven for Cooking:

In addition to prodding the fire and rearranging logs, the fire poker can be used to move, put in place and draw out your cast iron skillet from the back of the oven. Take advantage of the hook of the fire poker to attach to the opening in the skillet’s handle (most skillets should come with a hole at the end of the handle).

Using wood-fired ovens is an excellent method for preparing your meals with extra creativity, and it offers the opportunity to expand past the boundaries of a barbeque or grill. Be sure to come back for more delectable wood-fired recipes, and also look at some of our other wood-fired pizza oven meals.

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