Butter steak is a delicious cut of beef that is criminally underrated. This flavorful, tender meat is often confused with other cuts, leaving many home cooks wondering exactly what butter steak is and where it comes from. If you love steak but have never tried butter steak you are missing out!
Let’s clear up any confusion and explore everything there is to know about the butter steak cut of beef.
What is Butter Steak?
Butter steak is a cut of beef taken from the top blade roast area of the cattle. It is sometimes also called top blade steak or chicken steak. The name “butter steak” comes from the high marbled fat content that gives the meat a smooth, buttery texture when cooked.
Butter steak has the following characteristics:
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Cut from the top blade roast section, which is part of the chuck primal cut near the shoulder region.
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Contains intermuscular marbling, which is fat streaked through the meat itself. This adds juiciness and flavor.
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Graded as USDA Choice or Prime for the best quality. Lower grades will have less marbling.
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Grain of the meat runs lengthwise, making it ideal for grilling or pan searing.
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Tender and succulent when cooked due to the marbling running parallel to the grain.
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Rich, beefy flavor from the abundant marbled fat.
So in a nutshell, butter steak is a tender, marbled cut taken from the chuck primal that offers melt-in-your-mouth texture and full beef flavor.
How Does Butter Steak Differ from Other Cuts?
With so many beef cuts out there, it can get confusing determining how butter steak is unique. Here is how it differs from some other common cuts:
Filet Mignon – Filet mignon comes from the tenderloin, so it has very little fat. Butter steak has much more marbled fat running through it for added moisture and flavor.
Ribeye – While ribeye does have generous marbling, the fat content in butter steak is higher and more finely dispersed throughout the meat.
Top Sirloin – Top sirloin is leaner and tougher than well-marbled butter steak. Top sirloin works better for grilling or roasting whole while butter steak excels at fast, hot cooking.
Chuck Shoulder Steak – This flat cut is leaner and not as tender as butter steak from the same area. The extra marbling makes butter steak more succulent.
Flank Steak – Flank steak comes from a different part of the cow entirely than butter steak. It has coarse, loose grains running across it rather than fine marbling.
As you can see, the rich marbling is what defines butter steak and makes it stand out from other cuts. No other steak combines such tender, juicy meat with a fine dispersion of fat through every bite.
What are the Best Cooking Methods for Butter Steak?
You’ll want to choose cooking methods that showcase butter steak’s marbled texture and don’t overcook the meat. Quick, hot cooking like grilling, broiling, pan searing, or pan frying work best. Slow, moist cooking methods are not necessary given the high, fine fat content.
Here are some excellent cooking techniques for butter steak:
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Grilling – Get thick, juicy grilled flavor by cooking over direct high heat just until reaching your desired doneness. Let rest before slicing against the grain.
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Pan Searing – Cook in a very hot skillet for a crispy crust. Baste with butter as the steak cooks. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
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Broiling – Position a thick butter steak under the boiler and cook 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Watch it closely to avoid overcooking.
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Pan Frying – Quickly fry the steak in a hot skillet in oil or butter. Continuously spoon the fat over the meat as it cooks.
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Butter Basting – Grill or pan sear the steak, then add butter, garlic, and herbs to the pan. Tilt the pan to spoon the butter over the meat.
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Using Marinades – Soak the steak for 30-60 minutes in a marinade to add big flavor. Grill or broil the marinated steak.
No matter which cooking method you use, always let the butter steak rest for 5-10 minutes after to allow the juices to redistribute through the meat before slicing and serving.
What are the Best Ways to Serve and Eat Butter Steak?
A properly cooked butter steak really needs nothing more than salt and pepper to taste fantastic. But if you want to kick things up a notch, here are some delicious ways to serve your butter steak:
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Steakhouse Style – Top with garlic-herb butter or garnish with sautéed mushrooms.
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Surf and Turf – Pair with lobster tail or grilled shrimp for an indulgent duo.
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Steak Sandwich – Sliced butter steak makes for an amazing hoagie or cheesesteak.
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Steak Salad – Serve sliced steak over a fresh salad for a satisfying meal.
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Fajitas – Dice or slice the steak and mix into sizzling fajitas.
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Substitute – Use butter steak in recipes calling for ribeye or New York strip steak.
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Cheese and Crackers – Enjoy thin slices of cold butter steak with cheese, crackers and wine.
However you choose to serve your butter steak, just be sure not to overcook this tender cut. Medium rare to medium is ideal. Then sit back and relish the buttery, beefy bliss in each bite!
How to Buy the Best Quality Butter Steak
Not all butter steaks are created equal. Follow these tips to select the best quality steaks:
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Purchase Choice or Prime Grade – This indicates more abundant marbling. Lower grades can be too lean for butter steak.
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Look for Finely Dispersed Marbling – The fat should be finely interspersed in thin streaks throughout the meat rather than in large chunks.
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Check the Color – It should be a deep cherry red and not too pale, which indicates lack of marbling.
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Feel the Texture – It should be firm but with a little natural give, not mushy or hard.
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Buy Thicker Cuts – 1-1.5 inches is ideal for getting a juicy interior and seared exterior.
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Note the Origin – U.S., Canadian and Australian butter steaks have the most marbling.
With a little know-how, you can pick out the perfect marbled steaks for your next spectacular butter steak meal.
Time to Cook Up Some Butter Steak!
Butter steak certainly lives up to its luscious name with full-bodied beef flavor in every tender, juicy bite. The generous marbling makes this an exceptionally mouthwatering cut. While lesser known than other steaks, butter steak can hold its own against the best. Just take care not to overcook this tasty meat. Now that you’re a butter steak expert, it’s time to fire up the grill or stove and enjoy this underrated gem. Dig in to melt-in-your-mouth perfection!
