Denver steaks are a hidden gem in the world of beef cuts, offering incredible flavor and tenderness without breaking the bank. These under-appreciated beauties come from the chuck primal, specifically the serratus ventralis muscle, and boast a rich, beefy taste that rivals pricier cuts.
The best part? They're ready in just minutes!
![rare slices of Denver cut steak on a plate with salad.](https://smellslikedelish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/denver-steaks-vertical-2.jpg)
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Denver steaks cook quickly and easily, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a casual weekend cookout. So, fire up your grill or pan, and get ready to experience deliciousness in under 30 minutes!
- Fast and Easy: This recipe cooks in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: Requires just a handful of pantry staples to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the cooking time and seasonings to suit your preferences.
What Are Denver Steaks?
Denver steaks are cut from a boneless section of the chuck primal, located just below the shoulder blade. This underutilized muscle doesn't get a lot of work, resulting in a surprisingly tender cut of beef.
Often referred to as the "fourth most tender muscle in the cow," this steak cut offers a happy medium between affordability and tenderness, making them a great choice for budget-conscious steak lovers.
Ingredients You'll Need
This quick and easy steak recipe unlocks the full potential of this flavorful cut. This recipe relies on a few key ingredients to create mouthwatering steaks:
- Denver Steaks: The star of the show! Look for Denver steaks at your local butcher shop or grocery store.
- Olive Oil: Helps to keep the steaks moist during cooking.
- Garlic: Add depth of flavor and savory notes to the steak.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavor of the beef.
- Optional Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, or a steak seasoning blend.
How To Prepare Denver Steaks
You can use any non-stick skillet or pan to quick fry these fast cooking, tender steaks. Just use some olive oil or non-stick spray, get the pan nice and hot, and sear both sides until you get the level of doneness you prefer. They are literally ready in minutes.
Prepare and Season the Steaks
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. If using, add smashed garlic cloves, fresh herbs, or steak seasoning to the pan.
Add Some Olive Oil to the Skillet
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can use any regular vegetable oil, or a non-stick spray as well.
Season The Steaks
- Once hot, sear the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or desired doneness.
NOTE: For thicker steaks, or a more well-done finish, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until desired internal temperature is reached.
Let The Steaks 'Rest' Before Serving
- Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for a more flavorful and tender steak.
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few substitutions and variations when making this Denver steaks recipe:
- Marinade: Feel free to experiment with different marinades based on your preferences. Try an Italian dressing marinade, a soy sauce-based marinade, or a simple marinade with olive oil, fresh herbs, and garlic.
- Seasonings: Get creative! Experiment with different herbs, spices, or marinades to personalize your steaks.
- Thickness: If your steaks are thicker than 1 inch, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Tips for Success
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steaks cook to your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Don't overcook the steaks, as they can become tough.
- Let the steaks rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for a more flavorful and tender bite.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Denver steaks with a variety of sides for a complete meal. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad are all great options. Top your steak with a pat of compound butter or a flavorful chimichurri sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve sliced steak on a bed of rice bowls with your favorite vegetables for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Related Recipes
- Traeger Corn On The Cob
- Easy Cajun Cornbread
- Warm Brussel Sprout Salad w Maple Dressing
- Cold Wild Rice Salad With Apples
- Amish Coleslaw (Old Fashioned Coleslaw)
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when preparing these steaks.
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Storage Options
- Store leftover cooked steaks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Denver steaks have a good amount of flavor on their own, so marinating isn't necessary. However, if you have extra time, marinating can add extra depth of flavor. Just be sure to use a marinade that is acidic (like citrus juice or vinegar) to tenderize the meat, as Denver steaks are already relatively tender.
Absolutely! Denver steaks cook quickly and are perfect for grilling. Follow the same seasoning steps, then preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or desired doneness.
The best way to ensure perfect doneness is by using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature of your Denver steak should reach 145°F.
More Delish Ideas
Quick Skillet Denver Steaks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Medium Denver steaks about 1-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper freshly ground, to taste
- 2 small Garlic cloves smashed, fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme), or steak seasoning
Instructions
- Pat the Denver steaks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. If using, add smashed garlic cloves, fresh herbs, or steak seasoning to the pan.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can use any regular vegetable oil, or a non-stick spray as well.
- Once hot, sear the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or desired doneness. NOTE: For thicker steaks, or a more well-done finish, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until desired internal temperature is reached.
- Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for a more flavorful and tender steak.
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steaks cook to your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Don't overcook the Denver steaks, as they can become tough.
- Let the steaks rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for a more flavorful and tender bite.
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