Thick slices of seasoned shaved steak are pan-seared in this Shaved Beef Steak recipe. They are served on garlic-butter Italian bread with melty cheese and creamy chipotle sauce.
Shaved steak, also known as steakhouse steak, is a delicious ingredient that can elevate many dishes. This thinly sliced beef provides a quick cooking time while still delivering those essential beefy flavors we crave. But what cut of beef works best for shaving into thin slices? While most cuts of beef can be shaved, some are better suited than others based on tenderness, cost, and ease of slicing. This guide covers the best cuts to use for shaved steak along with tips for selecting, prepping, and cooking it to perfection.
What is Shaved Steak?
Shaved steak refers to cuts of beef that have been sliced paper-thin, usually between 1/16 to 1/8 inches thick. It cooks quickly since it’s so thin making it perfect for quick weeknight meals and dishes like stir fries fajitas, cheesesteaks, and more. The thin slices allow the meat to absorb sauces and marinades easily as well. While flank, sirloin, or tri-tip are often used, the best cuts for shaved steak come from the loin section, especially the ribeye.
Why Choose Ribeye for Shaved Steak
Ribeye steaks contain the most marbling of any cut, making them extra flavorful, tender, and juicy. This marbling bastes the meat during cooking, ensuring a moist, melt-in-your-mouth bite. While pricier than other cuts, ribeye provides the best eating experience in shaved steak recipes. The rich beefiness pairs wonderfully with bold flavors while still showcasing that premium steak taste.
Ribeye also contains less connective tissue than other cuts so it’s easier to slice thinly without shredding. The fine marbling helps the slices hold together better as well. For these reasons ribeye is hands-down the best cut for shaved steak applications, from Philly cheesesteaks to fajitas. While pricier, the superior flavor and tenderness are worth the splurge.
Other Good Options for Shaved Steak
While ribeye is the gold standard, a few other cuts can work well for shaved steak too:
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Sirloin Budget-friendly with good beefy flavor, Slices well when partially frozen Choose top sirloin for best results
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Flank: Lean yet flavorful. Cut across the grain for easier slicing. Best for marinating.
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Skirt: Thin cut with lots of intense beefiness. Requires careful trimming but slices decently.
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Tri-tip: Similar texture to sirloin. Limited availability but great for grilling shaved steak.
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Chuck eye: Cut from the ribeye’s shoulder section. More affordable but still nicely marbled.
With proper slicing techniques, most cuts can work for shaved steak. While pricier, ribeye is definitely the winner when you want the best quality and eating experience.
How to Select Beef for Shaved Steak
When selecting beef for shaved steak, follow these guidelines for best results:
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Choose even thickness – Pick steaks that are 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick so they’ll slice evenly. Avoid tapered cuts.
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Check for marbling – The more white marbling flecks, the more tender and flavorful the steak. Ribeye is ideal.
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Find fresh, bright red meat – Select beef that isn’t brown or dull, ensuring optimum freshness. Vacuum-sealed is great.
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Feel for firm, dense meat – Press the steak to check for tenderness. Avoid cuts that feel overly mushy.
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Examine the exterior – Ensure there are no tears, gaps or signs of mishandling. The surface should look smooth.
By keeping these quality points in mind when picking beef for shaved steak, you’ll get the very best cut to slice, cook, and enjoy.
Prepping Beef for Optimal Shaved Steak
Proper prep is key for achieving perfect shaved steak every time. Here are some tips:
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Trim excess fat and sinew – This prevents tougher areas and helps create uniform slices.
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Partially freeze the steak – 30 minutes in the freezer firms up the meat for easier, thinner slicing.
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Slice against the grain – Cutting against the muscle fibers yields more tender, delicate slices that won’t shred.
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Cut uniformly 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick – Any thicker will overcook. Any thinner will shred during cooking.
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Use a sharp knife – A finely honed knife ensures clean slices, not ragged shreds. A slicer is ideal for uniformity.
Take the time to trim, chill, and slice the steak carefully. This extra prep yields shaved steak that cooks up tender and perfect every time.
Best Cooking Methods for Shaved Steak
Shaved steak’s thinness allows for quick cooking. Here are some top cooking methods:
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Pan-searing – Cook just 1-2 minutes per side in a hot pan for a simple weeknight dinner.
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Grilling – Gets great char flavor. Cook over high heat just until browned.
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Stir-frying – Toss with bold Asian flavors for a fast, healthy meal.
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Broiling – Cook 4-5 minutes under high heat for easy oven shaved steak.
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Griddling – Great for diner-style dishes like cheesesteaks. Use a flat griddle or grill pan.
Avoid cooking shaved steak more than medium or it will become tough. Such thin slices require just a quick sear to heat through and develop flavor.
Top Shaved Steak Recipes and Meal Ideas
The applications for shaved steak are nearly endless. Here are just some delicious ways to use this ingredient:
- Philly cheesesteaks
- Fajitas with bell peppers and onions
- Steak salad with chimichurri
- Thai beef lettuce wraps
- Cheeseburger sliders or tacos
- Beef and broccoli stir-fry
- Mongolian beef
- Vietnamese noodle bowl (pho)
- Steak and eggs with hash browns
- Quesadillas or queso fundido
From quick weeknight meals to restaurant copycat dishes, shaved steak brings bold beefy flavor and tender texture to any recipe. Ribeye makes the ultimate choice, but sirloin, flank, skirt, or tri-tip can also be used successfully. With proper selection, prep, and quick cooking, shaved steak is a versatile and delicious ingredient to add to your home chef arsenal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between shaved steak and steak tips?
Shaved steak is cut into thin strips from whole steaks, while steak tips or cubes come from less tender sections of beef and are cut into chunks rather than slices.
Besides ribeye, what’s the most tender cut for shaved steak?
Sirloin offers a budget-friendly option that can slice nicely and has decent tenderness. Other tender options include tri-tip and chuck eye.
How thick should I slice the steak to make shaved steak?
Aim for 1/16 to 1/8 inch thickness. Thinner than 1/16 inch will shred during cooking while thicker will not cook quickly enough before becoming tough.
Can I use a food processor to slice beef for shaved steak?
It’s best to slice it by hand with a sharp knife or use a meat slicer for uniform thin slices. Machines will damage the texture. Partial freezing helps with manual slicing.
Is shaved steak the same as cheesesteak meat?
Yes, the thin sliced beef used to make Philly cheesesteaks and other diner sandwiches is considered a shaved steak. Ribeye is the classic choice.
How do I cook frozen shaved steak?
Thaw first in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Frozen steak will not brown properly. For quick use, defrost in the microwave just until pliable enough to slice.
Should I marinate shaved steak?
A brief marinade of 30 minutes to 2 hours adds lots of flavor. Too long can make the thin meat mushy. Quick acidic marinades work best.
Can I pan sear then oven roast shaved steak?
It’s best to choose just one cooking method since the slices are so thin. Pan searing or grilling alone provides the best texture.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover shaved steak?
Gently reheat in a hot skillet or place the steak in a dish, add a bit of beef broth, and cover to steam until warmed through.
How long does cooked shaved steak last in the fridge?
Store cooked shaved steak in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Freeze for longer storage. Use within 3 months for best quality.
Shaved Steak Sandwich Recipe
Don’t you just love easy beef meals?
I love those that can be made and on the table in 30 minutes or less to feed a big family.
It only takes minutes to cook shaved steak, which is much faster than most other steaks. It still has deep, rich, and savory flavors.
Even though they’re not quite as thin as shaved steak, sizzle steaks and steak milanesa cook quickly too. We love both of them.
Beef shaved steak recipes
Just about any recipe that calls for ground beef is a good candidate for a shaved steak substitution.
You could use shaved steak instead of ground beef to make taco meat loaded bell peppers or Big Mac sloppy joes. Both would taste great.