• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
Fox Valley Foodie
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About the Fox Valley Foodie
  • Subscribe
  • Recipe Index
  • Contact
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Entree

    How to Cook a Frozen Steak

    Published: Jan 3, 2020 · Modified: Mar 7, 2022 by Fox Valley Foodie · This post may contain affiliate links

    • Facebook47
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    How to Cook Frozen Steak #beef #steak

    Frozen steaks can be the best tasting steak to ever come out of your kitchen. Not only is it juicier and more evenly cooked, but the slower cook time also provides a greater margin for error.

    I grew up with a completely underwhelming idea of a steak. You know the ones, about as thick and shoe leather and just as tender - medium rare consisting of a thin pink line through the center; reminiscent more of a pregnancy test kit than prime culinary fare.

    How to Cooke Frozen Steak

    After becoming an adult I was fortunate enough to travel the country and in doing so eat at some fairly nice restaurants. What did I notice? The steaks were huge! They were at least twice as thick as the steaks I was accustomed to eating and far more enjoyable. I never wanted to eat thin steaks again.

    Recently I got my hands on a quarter cow, which not only saves me a bunch of money by purchasing in bulk, but I also got to provide all of the specifications for the butchering myself, which means I now have a freezer full of 1 ½” steaks waiting to do my bidding!

    Cook Frozen Steak

    Can you cook frozen steak?

    Yes! Not only can you successfully cook a frozen steak, but when done correctly it is actually one of the best ways to prepare a perfectly seared juicy steak. Properly cooking frozen steak is also the most forgiving method because it is cooked slowly to bring the interior to the ideal temperature, which also eliminates that overcooked gray band of meat directly below the seared crust.

    Thawing Steaks

    The problem with a freezer full of frozen steaks is that they are, well, frozen! It takes some planning ahead to thaw them out and have them ready for dinner. But have no fear, it is actually best to cook frozen steaks while they are still rock hard? I’m serious.

    Don’t pre-thaw your frozen steaks. Here’s why: When browning the steak in the pan the surface exterior will heat up sufficiently to form a nice crust while the inside stays nice and cold, preventing the residual ‘graying’ inside the meat nearest to the surface.

    When you finish the steak in the oven the interior will thaw and gently heat up to your desired temperature. Since the interior is heating up in the oven and not in the pan you will eliminate the gray band of meat encapsulating your medium-rare goodness which means a more tender steak and more moisture.

    So how do you do it exactly?

    How to Cook a Frozen Steak

    (Printable recipe summary at the bottom)

    Gather a couple of frozen steaks and get out your 12” pan (I recommend cast iron) and add enough oil to cover the bottom (~⅛”). Heat on high and lay your steaks into the pan.

    NOTE: Make sure there is not any noticeable ice on the steak or you will have a nasty flare up. If so, let the exterior thaw slightly and pat dry with a paper towel.

    How Long to Sear a Frozen Steak

    Cooks Illustrated, where I learned this trick, recommends cooking at 90 seconds per side. For my gas stove it is closer to 2-3 minutes per side. Use your judgment and adjust time and heat accordingly. You don’t want a carbon-dated charred mess but you also don’t want the steak to come out gray. If the time is up and it doesn’t look like it has browned sufficiently, just put it back in for a bit longer. Relax, you are burning meat. You should be good at that.

    How to Bake Steak

    You have your oven pre-heated to 275 degrees, right? Ok good. When the steaks are done in the skillet, place them on a wire rack sitting atop a baking sheet. You want the steaks elevated on the wire rack so they cook evenly in the oven.  If they sit directly on the pan there will be more heat transfer to the bottom of the steak.

    Now you can season the steaks to your liking. I like to use my Steak Seasoning Rub recipe, or paint them with a steak marinade. (you can't really marinate a frozen steak, but they still taste great with the exterior brushed with a marinade)

    Now place the baking sheet in the oven and wait. How long? Well that depends on how well you want your steaks done and how thick they are. So that is going to vary. Figure 15 minutes – 30 minutes, although my 1 ½" steaks take up to an hour. Plan for much longer if you incessantly have to keep opening the oven to check on them…

    …which is why you need this:

    Yes, you need a digital meat thermometer. Using this allows you to pull your steaks out of the oven without ever once having to open the oven door to check their progress. This is one of my favorite items in the kitchen and at under $20 there is really no excuse why everyone shouldn’t have one. Say goodbye to rubber chicken, ruined Thanksgiving turkeys and overcooked steaks. This one piece of equipment will result in more successful meals than anything else you can buy.

    Resting Steak

    After the steak reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Why? Because if you cut into it now the juices will come running out and your steak won’t be nearly as moist and succulent as it could be. You already put in all this effort to make a great meal, don’t ruin it now.

    Cooking frozen steak

    Steak Toppings

    Your steak is done, but can still be customized any way you want. Jazz up your steak with any of these toppings:

    • Blue Cheese Crusted Steak
    • Mushroom Sauce for Steak
    • Steak Butter

    Looking for more ways to cook steak? Check out How to Grill Steak and the classic reverse sear steak tutorials.

    How to Cooke Frozen Steak

    How to Cook a Perfect Frozen Steak

    Frozen steaks can be the best tasting steak to ever come out of your kitchen. Not only is it juicier and more evenly cooked, but the slower cook time also provides a greater margin for error.
    4.62 from 18 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved
    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 536kcal
    Author: Fox Valley Foodie

    Equipment

    • Splatter Screen

    Ingredients

    • 2 Frozen Steaks
    • Cooking Oil
    • Salt and desired steak flavor enhancer see my recipe below

    Marinade (optional)

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon worcestshire
    • ¼ teaspoon balsamic vinegar
    • ¼ teaspoon high quality liquid smoke (don’t let BBQ diehards ever talk you out of buying it)
    • 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon brown sugar
    • ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
    • ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ⅛ teaspoon paprika (smoked is best)
    • ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
    • Dash of salt

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
    • Heat 12" pan on high and add enough oil to thinly cover the bottom of the pan, approximately 2 tablespoons of oil.
    • Sear each side of the steak for 90+ seconds, or until a brown crust forms. I recommend using a splatter screen to keep oil contained.
    • Remove from pan and place on wire rack over a baking sheet.
    • Add desired steak seasonings, such as the marinade listed, and generously dust with salt.
    • Insert oven thermometer inside the deepest part of the steak and place in the oven for 15-30 minutes, until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Opening the oven frequently will drastically increase cooking time. (Medium rare is 135 degrees)
    • Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes prior to cutting and serving.

    Marinade

    • Mix all ingredients together and brush on steak when putting it in the oven. Feel free to use a steak seasoning rub instead.

    Notes

    Important: Please use common sense. If there are noticeable chunks of ice on the steak, let it thaw slightly so the ice is removed before being placed in hot oil. Chunks of ice will turn into water, water will react violently with hot oil and splatter.
     
    Serve these steaks with my Steak Fries recipe!

    Nutritional Information

    Calories: 536kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 138mg | Sodium: 118mg | Potassium: 606mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 95IU | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @FoxValleyFoodie or tag #foxvalleyfoodie!

    If you enjoyed reading How to Cook a Perfect Frozen Steak then you should probably like me on Facebook and follow me on Pinterest too. That’s what I would do at least, because if you don’t get to know me but you still use my recipe it is kind of like taking candy from a stranger, and your mom taught you not to do that. Don’t disobey your mom, subscribe to Fox Valley Foodie today.

    Get My FREE eCookbook

    mailer

    Subscribe to FoxValleyFoodie.com and get each tantalizing new post sent directly to your inbox, along with my complementary eCookbook just for signing up!

    « Burger Sauce
    Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sheryl

      May 24, 2021 at 10:42 am

      5 stars
      I tried this when I forgot to thaw my steak. My husband said I want you to make it this way every time! It was the most tender, juicy steak I'd ever made! Now, it's my go to. I'm making it again today for the fourth time. It hasn't failed yet! Each time, it has come out perfect! I just can't believe it. Easiest method and most delicious! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Jade

        August 13, 2021 at 12:11 pm

        275c or f? I can't find it anywhere in the recipe and 135c doesn't sound right...

        Reply
        • Fox Valley Foodie

          August 17, 2021 at 9:11 am

          Yes, Fahrenheit.

          Reply
    2. Jill Rovani

      November 28, 2020 at 6:48 pm

      4 stars
      Used a cast iron skillet, heated in the oven as I usually do. However, it wasn't nearly hot enough to brown the steak in 90 seconds per side. The marinade was good (brushed it on all sides), but I used the full recipe for 1 steak. Steak was in the oven for almost 30 min. (I used a temperature probe), but next time I'll just take it to 125 degrees, not 135 (seemed closer to medium than what we liked). As per comments, I had a splatter screen ready so that didn't give me a problem and had my stove vent on medium to take care of the smoke. Even tho directions didn't say to rest the steak before serving, I did for about 5 minutes so the juices weren't all released.

      Reply
    3. Rich

      August 29, 2020 at 10:09 pm

      5 stars
      Fantastic way to cook frozen steak - used your recipe/suggestions all the way through. Nifty I could clean my cast iron skillet before sitting down to eat.

      Reply
    4. KK

      July 18, 2020 at 6:48 pm

      That happened to me, too, even though I read all the instructions and warning about ice. I wonder if that is the purpose of using a cast iron pan? Something that should be mentioned more specifically, this "flare up" (???), could actually be a full blown fire - think about what was within that "6 foot radius!"

      I will say after my kitchen being a horrible greasy mess, the bloody steaks (no pun intended) were *finally* done and delicious.

      Something that should be definitely mentioned is, the statement below, has nothing to do with common sense. Please change that immediately.

      [Notes
      Important: Please use common sense. If there are noticeable chunks of ice on the steak, let it thaw slightly so the ice is removed before being placed in hot oil. Chunks of ice will turn into water, water will react violently with hot oil and splatter.]

      Reply
    5. Tony

      May 02, 2020 at 11:54 pm

      5 stars
      An outstanding way to cook steak!...will never cook steak any other way in future.Thankyou for your warning to ensure there was no ice on the steak also. I used the coffee rub & rubbed the steak before I froze it. There were no dramas cooking this steak from frozen along your guidelines. Thankyou so much for this !!

      Reply
      • John Paradis

        May 07, 2020 at 7:20 pm

        1 star
        Steak still raw after 40 minutes

        Reply
    6. tony

      April 24, 2020 at 5:10 pm

      Cant wait to try this, love your tips...ive never heard of liquid smoke??where does one buy that?...really want to try your coffee rubs,I do that once the steaks have been seared in the pan - just before they go in the oven...right?,could I marinate then also? sorry for the questions its just ive never done this at all...also,what temp is well done steak please? thankyou for these recipes & love, love,love reading your descriptions I lmao :))

      Reply
      • Fox Valley Foodie

        April 28, 2020 at 8:53 am

        Your local grocer will carry liquid smoke. I would either apply the rub or marinate the steaks. You could do both but there is a good chance the flavors wouldn't be complimentary.

        Reply
    7. Mark L.

      January 03, 2020 at 6:06 pm

      Interesting approach. Thank you for sharing! In my kitchen, if faced with the need to get a steak from freezer to table, I would turn to sous vide (water bath) cooking. I think you add half the thawed cook time for frozen steaks, so you'd need 90 minutes or so to get a steak perfectly done and ready to sear and serve. You can use a sous vide heater, like the Joule, or SeriousEats.com has a cooler-based method. Just an alternative. Again, thanks for sharing your method!

      Reply
    8. P.D.

      August 11, 2019 at 7:00 pm

      5 stars

      Reply
    9. P. D.

      August 11, 2019 at 6:59 pm

      Mighty, mighty munches.

      Reply
    10. MARION CONLY

      June 03, 2019 at 12:32 am

      5 stars
      I know this is the best steak I have ever cooked. Absolutely delicious. I have actually cooked 3 steaks like this. So grateful for these tips.

      Reply
    11. Steakless

      May 16, 2019 at 9:49 pm

      That was stupid. I just splattered oil in a 6 foot radius around the pan, all over me and my kitchen. Now I’m covered in burns. Should have just gone to McDonald’s. I couldn’t even get close enough to flip it. Waste of steak and now I have a bunch of nasty clean-up.

      Reply
    12. Royo

      March 05, 2019 at 2:06 pm

      This is a great technique for cooking frozen steaks but i feel bad for all the people saying its the best theyve ever cooked. Like, really?? Even compared to cooking fresh meat?? Impossible. Seriously guys, get some fresh steaks! Lol

      Reply
    13. Ally

      February 20, 2019 at 1:55 pm

      5 stars
      Ive been cooking for my family for 30yrs, this by far is the best steak dinner Ive made.
      Thanks!!

      Reply
    14. Courtney

      March 02, 2018 at 11:42 pm

      5 stars
      Vegetarian here 🙋🏻 never had a steak in my life...but I'm a good wife and we were given some nice frozen steaks, so here I am. 😂

      Reply
      • Fox Valley Foodie

        March 03, 2018 at 4:31 pm

        I love it!

        Reply
    15. Ruth

      January 28, 2018 at 6:16 pm

      5 stars
      Tried this recipe with a perfect medium rare result. Thanks so much,

      Reply
    16. Carl

      January 07, 2018 at 9:00 am

      5 stars
      Came across this recipe a few days ago and I figured no way.
      Yesterday I opened the refrigerator and realized I forgot to take the steak out to thaw so I gave it a try. I figured what’s the worst that could happen is I call and order pizza and the dogs get steak ( I know the outcome they were hoping for) But I have to tell you this is one of the best oven steaks I’ve have done! My steak was 1 inch thick so 90 seconds on each side is all it took in a real hot cast-iron skillet. Topped it with some Lawrye’s seasoned salt before it went in the oven. Pulled it out at 130° came out a perfect rare.
      Can’t wait to have a few friends over and see their faces when I cook up some frozen steaks

      Thanks Fox Valley Foodie

      Reply
      • Danielle

        July 05, 2018 at 8:24 pm

        Can’t wait to try this. Also kudos on the lawry’s!

        Reply
    17. Shelley

      May 12, 2016 at 5:33 pm

      So that's 275 Fahrenheit? And what should my temp read for medium rare?

      Reply
      • Fox Valley Foodie

        May 12, 2016 at 5:36 pm

        Fahrenheit is correct, aim for 135 degrees for medium rare.

        Reply
    18. Marie Anne Depault

      April 03, 2016 at 5:13 pm

      Best steak I ever cooked. Saved the day!

      Reply
      • Fox Valley Foodie

        April 04, 2016 at 11:51 am

        I love to hear that!

        Reply
      • JJ

        May 23, 2019 at 10:11 pm

        5 stars
        Results as promised! Used ghee to pan-fry. Covered cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Used some bottled barbecue sauce. Baked for 30 minutes. Yum! What’s there not to like?! Will incorporate this method again!

        Reply
    19. Kevin

      November 29, 2014 at 9:43 am

      I know what I'm making for dinner tomorrow night! Thanks Fox Valley Foodie! Keep these helpful posts coming!

      Reply
    20. matt

      November 15, 2014 at 12:15 am

      great idea man.

      Reply
    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Subscribe

    15834

    Get each tantalizing new recipe

    sent directly to your inbox.

    AND GET MY eCOOKBOOK FREE!

    Search for your favorite post!

    Popular Recipes

    Fried chicken gizzards recipe.

    Fried Chicken Gizzards

    How to make paprika

    How to Make Paprika

    Homemade mozzarella sticks with string cheese

    Homemade Mozzarella Sticks with String Cheese

    Brown Sugar Meatloaf with Secret Ingredient

    Brown Sugar Meatloaf - With a Secret Ingredient

    Big Mac Sauce Copycat Recipe

    McDonald's Big Mac Sauce (Copycat Recipe)

    Close up Sloppy Joes

    Homemade Sloppy Joes - Better Than Manwich

    Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs - Bone In

    Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs (Bone-In)

    Venison Meatloaf Recipe

    Venison Meatloaf

    As featured in yahoo, buzzfeed, oprah, msn and more!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Fox Valley Foodie, LLC

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Brunch Pro on the Brunch Pro Theme