Are you ready to take your pizza oven skills to the next level? Well, brace yourself, because we’re about to dive into the world of steak cooking in an Ooni pizza oven. Yes, you read that right – a pizza oven can do wonders beyond just pizza. With its high heat, wood fires (if you have a wood model), and adjustable flame height, your Ooni can transform into a steak-cooking powerhouse. Get ready to sear your way to steak perfection!
Key Takeaways
First Off, What Kind of Steaks?
Before we get started, let’s address the most crucial question: what kind of steaks can you cook in your Ooni pizza oven? The good news is, almost any cut works! However, it’s important to note that fatter cuts like ribeyes and NY strips have a tendency to flare up. But fear not! We have a few tricks up our sleeves to manage this, depending on your preferred cooking method.
Method 1: Sous Vide Then Sear (the best)
If you consider yourself a steak aficionado, chances are you’ve heard about the magical power of sous vide cooking. And yes, it’s a game-changer when it comes to steak. Sous vide ensures your steak is perfectly cooked from center to edge. However, the challenge lies in achieving that fast sear without overcooking the center.
Now, picture this: a scorching hot cast iron pan and a sear of just 1 minute on each side. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? But here’s the catch: doing this on your stovetop can set off smoke alarms and earn you some disapproving glares from your spouse. A grill, on the other hand, may not retain the heat long enough. But fear not – the Ooni pizza oven is here to save the day!
Step by Step: Sous Vide Steak in Ooni
- Start by seasoning your steak with just salt. No need for fancy rubs at these temperatures.
- Prepare a water bath for sous vide cooking. Place your seasoned steak in a ziplock bag, push out any air, and seal it.
- Set the temperature for your desired level of doneness (we recommend 137 degrees Fahrenheit) and cook for 1 to 3 hours, depending on the thickness of your steaks.
- Thirty minutes before your steak finishes sous vide, preheat your Ooni pizza oven on high and place a cast iron pan inside to heat up.
- Remove the steak from the sous vide bath and pat it dry. Drizzle a little olive oil directly onto the steak and place it in the preheated cast iron pan.
- Reduce the flame to low and carefully observe as the flames dance over the steak. Cook for 1 minute before flipping the steak and giving it another minute on the other side. Be cautious as the flames rise during the flip.
- Turn off the Ooni pizza oven and allow the flames to die down completely before removing your perfectly seared steak.
Method 2: Fully Cooking a Steak, Start To Finish
If you prefer a more traditional approach to steak cooking, fear not – your Ooni can still deliver incredible results. However, since you’ll be cooking the steak from start to finish, we recommend using lower temperatures.
Here’s how:
- Preheat your Ooni pizza oven on a low flame for 20 minutes with a cast iron pan inside.
- Lightly dust your steak with sea salt. Hold off on any other seasoning at this stage, as the higher heat may cause them to burn.
- Once preheated, place your steaks (lightly coated in oil) in the Ooni pizza oven and cook for approximately 4 minutes, flipping them once in between. If any flare-ups occur, simply turn off the Ooni flame and continue cooking as usual.
Now that you know the secrets of cooking the perfect steak in your Ooni pizza oven, it’s time to take your culinary journey to the next level. Head over to Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ and start experimenting with your newfound steak-cooking prowess. Don’t forget to invite your friends over for the ultimate steak feast – they won’t believe their taste buds!