Thin chuck steak recipes are great because they let you cook them in different ways. The thin cut of steak cooks faster, so you can have a nice meal right away.
While often overshadowed by fancier cuts like ribeye or filet mignon the humble chuck steak holds its own when it comes to rich, beefy flavor. This economical cut comes from the shoulder area of the cow. When sliced thinly chuck steak offers a satisfying meaty taste and tender texture when cooked properly.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best practices for cooking thin cut chuck steak, also known as chuck eye steak, top blade steak, or flat iron steak. With the right techniques, you can transform inexpensive thin chuck steaks into a mouthwatering family dinner or impressive dish for guests. Let’s get cooking!
Selecting the Right Thickness
When choosing thin chuck steak at the grocery store or butcher shop, opt for cuts approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick. This thickness allows the steak to cook quickly while avoiding overcooking. Thinner cuts also absorb seasoning and marinades deeply for maximum flavor.
Thick steaks require longer cooking which can lead to a tough, chewy texture. For reference, ribeye or strip steaks are often 1-1 1/2 inches thick. So stay on the thinner side when picking chuck steak.
Tenderizing the Meat
Chuck steak tastes good, but it can be tough because it comes from a cow that has been worked hard. Here are two easy ways to help tenderize it before cooking:
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Use a meat mallet to gently break down the muscle fibers. Place steak between plastic wrap and pound lightly.
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Soak the meat in something acidic, like lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt for one to two hours to help it get tender.
Both techniques result in a more tender and juicy end product.
Seasoning the Steak
Properly seasoning thin chuck steak is key to taking its flavor to the next level. Here are some top seasoning options:
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Salt and pepper – A simple classic that perfectly seasons without overpowering the beefy taste.
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Spice rub – For more flair, use spices like garlic, paprika, thyme, cumin, and brown sugar.
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Marinade – Soak steak in a blend of soy sauce, oil, vinegar, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
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Compound butter – Top with a flavorful garlic herb or bacon butter.
Take your time to massage the seasoning thoroughly into the meat before cooking. This allows it to penetrate deeply and work its magic.
Choosing a Cooking Method
Thin steaks require fast, high-heat cooking methods to achieve a nice sear while avoiding overcooking. Here are some top cooking options:
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Pan searing – Use a cast iron skillet to quickly brown the steak on both sides on the stovetop.
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Broiling – Cook under direct oven heat until browned and cooked through.
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Grilling – Impart delicious charred flavor by grilling over direct high heat on a preheated grill.
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Stir frying – Cut steak into thin strips and stir fry in a hot pan with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
These quick-cooking techniques allow you to develop a flavorful crust without drying out the interior.
Cook Times for Thin Chuck Steak
Thanks to their thin profile, chuck steaks cook faster than thick steaks. Follow these general guidelines:
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Pan searing: 3-4 minutes per side
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Broiling: 4-5 minutes per side
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Grilling: 2-3 minutes per side
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, not just relying on cook time.
Monitoring Doneness
With thin steaks, it’s especially important to monitor doneness carefully to avoid over or undercooking. Use these techniques:
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Meat thermometer – Insert into thickest part and check temperature: rare (125°F), medium-rare (135°F), medium (145°F).
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Cut into center – Check interior color. Red = rare, pink = medium-rare, brown = well-done.
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Touch test – Compare firmness by gently pressing on steak. Rarer steaks are softer.
Err on the side of slightly underdone, since the steak will continue cooking once removed from the heat.
Letting Your Steak Rest
After cooking, always allow your thin chuck steak to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it. This lets juices redistribute back into the fibers, resulting in a juicier, more tender meat.
Lightly tent the steak with foil as it rests to retain warmth. Avoid cutting into steak right away or you’ll lose all those delicious juices!
Serving Your Thin Chuck Steak
The flavorful chuck steak pairs well with:
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Butter or pan sauces – Top with a quick mushroom or red wine pan sauce.
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Sautéed veggies – Mushrooms, peppers, or onions make perfect pairings.
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Roasted potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes soak up the savory juices.
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Fresh salad – Balance the richness with bitter greens and vinaigrette.
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Grilled corn on the cob – Charred corn and beef are a classic summer combo.
Now you have all the techniques needed to cook thin cut chuck steaks to juicy, tender perfection every time. With the right seasoning, quick cooking method, and careful monitoring of doneness, you can enjoy flavorful gourmet steaks without the premium price tag. Impress your family with your culinary skills at the next dinner!
Thin Chuck Steak Recipes
Youll find a number of thin chuck steak recipes out there. You can grill, bake, sear or broil the steaks, depending on what your chosen recipe calls for. Many easy chuck tender steak recipes call for it to be grilled. There are other ways to cook it besides a grill. You can use a pan on the stove or the oven.
Regardless of your chosen cooking method, the U. S. Whether it’s pork or beef, the Department of Health and Human Services says it’s safe to eat once it’s reached 145 degrees Fahrenheit (medium rare) and laid down for three minutes.
Texas A&M says if you like your steak cooked medium, cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, and if you like it well done, cook it to an internal temperature of 170 degrees F.
Since your beef chuck shoulder steak is thin, youll require hotter temperatures to cook it through. Your grill should be 425 to 450 degrees F on the outside if you’re cooking steaks that are 1/2 inch thick. Coals should be medium-hot and barely covered with ash.
For steaks that are 3/4 inch to 1 inch thick, heat to 360 to 400 degrees F. Coals should be medium and have a light layer of ash.
If you want a rare steak, cook it for two to three minutes on each side. For a medium steak, cook it for four minutes on each side, and for a well done steak, cook it for five to six minutes on each side. Only turn the steak once to keep it from drying out.
Put the meat in a marinade with your favorite spices for two hours to overnight before grilling to make it more tender.
Read more: 5 Tips for Eating Protein the Right Way
What is a Chuck Steak?
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According to Texas A&M University, chuck cuts come from the front shoulder area of a cow. Because its a large muscle that has to do a lot of work, it is flavorful. However, the more worked a muscle area is, the tougher the resulting meat has a tendency to be.
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There are several chuck steaks to choose from, per the University of Nebraska, though not all beef chuck shoulder steak is thin. Options include:
- Top blade steak, also known as flat iron
- Boneless chuck eye roast
- Boneless arm pot roast
- Arm pot roast, also known as chuck arm roast
- Chuck eye roast, also known as mock tender roast
- Chuck eye steak, also known as mock tender steak
- A seven-bone pot roast is another name for a chuck roast center cut.
- Blade roast
The best way to cook most cuts of chuck steak is with a moist method, like boiling, simmering, steaming, etc. ) or braising, to help tenderize the meat.
The boneless chuck eye roast can be prepared with either a moist or a dry cooking method. The top blade steak, however, is recommended for dry cooking methods only. These include grilling, roasting, baking, broiling, sautéing or searing.
Read more: 2 Reasons Your Body With Thank You For Eating Less Red Meat
Pan-Grilling Thin Steaks : Steak Recipes
FAQ
What is the best way to cook thin chuck steak?
What is the best way to cook thin steak?
Is thin sliced chuck steak good?
How to cook thin chuck steak?
When it comes to cooking thin chuck steak, searing it on high heat is a fantastic method to achieve a juicy and flavorful steak. Searing involves quickly cooking the surface of the meat at a high temperature, which not only locks in the natural juices but also creates a delightful crust.
How long to cook thin cut beef chuck shoulder steak?
Cooking time for thin-cut boneless beef chuck shoulder steak will depend on your desired level of doneness and the cooking method you choose. As a general guideline, grill or broil the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Pan-searing might take slightly longer, around 4-6 minutes per side.
How thick should a chuck steak be?
The thickness of your chuck steak will greatly influence its cooking time and overall eating experience. Aim for approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick for thin steaks like chuck cuts. A thinner cut ensures that heat can penetrate quickly into the meat during cooking without leaving you with an overcooked exterior or undercooked center.
How long do you cook a chuck steak?
Heat the skillet and add a thin layer of a high-heat oil. Cook the steak, flipping every 2 to three minutes, for about 7 to 8 minutes for medium doneness. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before serving. Grab a roll of heavy-duty aluminum foil and you can transform a Chuck steak into a tender dish you can share.