How To Cook A T-Bone Steak? Best Quick & Easy T Bone Steak Recipe!

A mouthwatering T-bone steak, with its tender fillet on one side and flavored strip steak on the other, is a true treat for any meat lover. But cooking this cut to perfection takes some skill.

Follow this guide to learn all the secrets of how to cook a t bone steak, flavorful T-bone steak just the way you like it.

How To Cook A T-Bone Steak + T-bone Steak Recipe

A T-bone steak contains a piece of tenderloin and a piece of top loin still attached to the T-shaped bone. Here is a quick guide for cooking up the perfect T-bone:

• Bring the steak to room temperature before cooking.
• Heat up your pan, grill or oven well before adding the steak.
• Cook the steak to your desired doneness, from rare (120°F) to well-done (160°F).
• Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking.
• Serve it up hot and juicy!

Here is a quick recipe for 2 that you can easily print out!

Enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal right at home with this easy Grilled T-Bone Steak for Two recipe.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 14 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 2

Calories 700 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 T-Bone Steaks each about 1 inch thick (around 450 calories each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 240 calories
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic minced (8 calories)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped (3 calories)

Instructions

 

• Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes.
• Preheat your grill to high heat.
• Rub each steak on both sides with olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Once the grill is hot, place the steaks on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F.
• Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it more tender and flavorful.
• Serve the T-bone steaks with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

Now let’s look at how to cook this cut using various methods.

How to cook t-bone steak on a stove

A perfectly cooked t-bone steak starts with proper technique on the stove. Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering meal.

1. Take the t-bone steak out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Pat the steak dry thoroughly with paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy pan over high heat until very hot. Add just a teaspoon of oil or butter.
4. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned steak in the pan. Let it sear without moving for 2-3 minutes to get a nice brown crust.
5. Flip the steak over using tongs and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes as well.
6. Keep flipping the steak every 2-3 minutes, cooking about 4-5 minutes total per side for medium-rare doneness.
7. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 125°F when done.
8. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to cook t-bone steak in the oven

The oven may not seem like the obvious choice for steak, but it actually does a great job of evenly cooking a T-bone from all sides. Here’s how:

• Take the steak out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Pat dry and season all over.
• Preheat your oven to 450°F. Heat up an ovenproof skillet or pan.
• Place the seasoned steak in the hot skillet/pan and put it in the oven. Roast for 4-7 minutes per side, flipping halfway through.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer until it reaches your desired doneness, such as 125°F for medium-rare.
• Remove the steak from the oven, tent loosely with foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it.

The hot skillet gives you those coveted sear marks, while the ambient heat of the oven cooks the steak evenly from all sides. Just keep an eye on it and flip halfway through for the best results.

How to cook t-bone steak in a frying pan 

A simple frying pan lets you cook a T-bone steak stovetop with delicious browning. Here’s how:

• Take your T-bone out of the fridge and let it sit at room temp for 30 mins before cooking. Pat dry.
• Heat your frying pan (cast iron or stainless steel) over high heat until very hot. Add just a teaspoon of oil.
• Generously season your steak with salt and pepper or a dry rub.
• Place the steak in the hot pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes untouched to get a nice sear.
• Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes on the second side. Keep flipping every 2 minutes until cooked, about 8-10 minutes total.
• Check temperature with a meat thermometer for your desired doneness. 125°F for medium-rare.
• Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it.

Frying pans get hotter than grills, so keep a close eye on the steak as it sears. Letting it rest afterward is key for juicy results.

How to cook a t bone steak in an air fryer

Believe it or not, an air fryer does a great job of cooking a juicy, tender T-bone steak! Here’s how:

• Pat your steak dry and let it sit out while your air fryer preheats to 400°F.
• Season the steak all over with your favorite spices or rub. Go bold!
• Place the steak in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 4 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer until 125°F for medium-rare doneness.
• Remove the steak from the air fryer, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes before cutting.

The hot circulating air of the air fryer cooks the steak fast and evenly. Just be sure not to overcook it!

How to cook a t bone steak in a cast iron skillet

Cast iron skillets retain heat beautifully, allowing you to get an incredible sear on your steak. Follow these steps:

• Take your steak out of the fridge and let it come to room temp for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Pat the steak dry thoroughly with paper towels. Generously season all over.
• Heat your cast iron skillet over high heat until scorching hot. Add a thin layer of high-heat oil.
• Gently lay the steak in the pan. Let it sear for 2-3 minutes without moving it.
• Flip the steak and sear 2-3 minutes on the other side. Keep flipping every 2-3 minutes for your desired doneness.
• Check the steak’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Cook until 125°F for medium-rare.
• Remove the steak from the pan, tent loosely with foil, and let rest 5-10 minutes before cutting.

That cast iron develops a beautiful crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Just resist poking or moving the steak too much as it sears.

How To Cook A T-Bone Steak On The Grill

The grill is a classic way to cook up a flavorful T-bone with nice charring on the outside. Follow these steps for grilling:

• Take your steak out of the fridge and let it come to room temp before grilling, about 30 minutes.
• Prepare your charcoal or gas grill for direct high-heat grilling, around 450°F to 500°F. Scrape and oil the grates.
• Generously season your T-bone all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or steak seasoning.
• Place the steak directly over the heat. Grill 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness, flipping just once halfway through.
• Check your steak’s temp with a grill-friendly meat thermometer, until it’s 125°F for medium-rare.
• After grilling, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it.

The hot, dry heat of the grill will give you those quintessential grill marks and smoky flavor. Let the steak come to room temp first for more even cooking.

What Is The Best Way To Cook T-Bone Steak? Grill Or Pan?

While all the above methods work well, the grill and cast iron skillet are best for getting that quintessential sear on a juicy T-bone steak. The grill gives you a smoky charred flavor while the cast iron skillet offers an unbeatable crust.

Whichever you choose, let the steak come to room temp first and resist the urge to move it too much during cooking for the perfect medium-rare steak.

How To Cook T-Bone Steak – Seasoning & Rub Recommendations

T-bone steaks are well-marbled and packed with beefy flavor already. But all that richness loves a good seasoning boost. Here are some tasty seasoning options:

• The classic steak choice – kosher salt, coarse black pepper and a pat of butter on top. Simple and delicious.
• Tex-Mex rub – ancho chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper and a squeeze of lime after cooking.
• Steakhouse style – brush with mustard or steak sauce and coat with Montreal steak seasoning before grilling.
• Lemon garlic – fresh garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper and olive oil. Brightens up the flavor.
• Mediterranean – dried oregano, mint and marjoram with lemon, salt and pepper. Earthy and aromatic.

T-Bone Steak Cooking Time Sheet

Cooking time for t-bone steak, or it’s sibling – the porterhouse steak, depends on the thickness of the steak and your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to test the internal temperature when cooking. Follow the times below for perfect results.

For example, for a 1-inch thick T-bone steak cooked to medium-rare:

• Preheat pan or grill to high heat
• Cook steak for 5 minutes per side, flipping once halfway
• Steak should reach 125°F internal temperature
• Let steak rest 5 minutes before serving

Follow this guide for the perfect t-bone steak cooked to your desired doneness every time.

How Do I Prevent A T-Bone Steak From Being Tough?

The secret to a tender T-bone is not overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check the inside temperature. Take the steak off the heat when it reaches 125°F for medium-rare. This prevents it from getting tough and dry. 

Here are more tips for you to check and make sure your t-bone steak is flawless: 

1. Buy High-Quality Meat: Start with a good quality T-bone steak from a reliable butcher.
2. Season Well: Use salt and your chosen spices to season the steak before cooking.
3. Avoid Overcooking: Cook your steak to medium-rare or medium doneness. Overcooking can make it tough.
4. Rest the Steak: After grilling, let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes. This makes it juicier and tender.
5. Cut Against the Grain: When you’re ready to eat, cut the steak against the grain. This makes it easier to chew.

What Are Some Good Side Dishes To Serve With A T Bone Steak?

Serving the perfect side dishes with a T-bone steak can take your meal to the next level. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: These creamy, fluffy potatoes, flavored with a hint of garlic, offer a comforting side that pairs well with steak.
2. Grilled Asparagus: Seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, grilled asparagus provides a tasty complement to a T-bone steak.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized in the oven, these sprouts have a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors.
4. Creamed Spinach: This rich and creamy dish is a classic steakhouse side that adds a nice contrast to the grilled steak.
5. Baked Macaroni and Cheese: For a more indulgent side, you can’t go wrong with a creamy, cheesy baked macaroni.
6. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with homemade dressing can balance out the richness of the steak.
7. Sautéed Mushrooms: Cooked in butter and garlic, mushrooms pair wonderfully with the earthy flavors of a T-bone steak.

Choose one or two of these sides to create a well-rounded meal that enhances the flavor of your steak.

FAQs

References

• T-bone steak: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-bone_steak
• Beef, short loin, t-bone steak, separable lean and fat, trimmed to 0″ fat, all grades, cooked, broiled: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169464/nutrients