Have you ever had or heard of a Denver steak? Want to know how to make it perfectly everytime? Well, look no further! In this post, we'll give you all the tips and tricks you need to make this delicious cut at home. So steak lover, what are you waiting for?
It's a great cut and is slowly becoming one of my favorites. This easy grilled Denver steak recipe with tomatoes is a great introduction to such a wonderful steak.
The steak is seasoned simply with salt and pepper, then cooked to perfection. The green onion vinaigrette is the perfect finishing touch, adding a bright and flavorful contrast to the rich steak. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just looking for a delicious weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to please.
Denver steak has tons of flavor with a decent amount of marbling to make them great for grilling. They also come pretty tender so like a good ribeye they don't require a lot of fuss pre-cooking.
Beats and Eats (What Song Pairs Well With This Denver Steak Recipe?)
Denver Steak is full of rich beefy flavor. Kool And The Gang's "You Don't Have To Change" is a great match to contrasting but balanced flavors between the steak and the bright but acidic tomatoes. The track has that typical funky bass of the pre-pop JT lead vocals Kool and the Gang. But also has those horns and complimentary highs that lift up the dish.
Most people unfamiliar with early Kool and the Gang recordings would be surprised to know this is a Kool and the Gang song, but long before their pop music days, they were a funk/jazz fusion band. This song, as good as it is, is as unknown as Denver steak.
What is a Denver Cut?
Denver steak is a relatively new cut of beef and is best kept secret in the steak world similar to flat iron steak. It's actually been around for a while, but doesn't have the sexy ring to it so not as well known as a ribeye, New York strip, or even hanger or picanhna steaks.
A Denver steak cut is actually beef chuck and comes from the front shoulder of the cow. When most people think of chuck they think of roasts that are braised low and slow, but since Denver cuts come from the underblade of the shoulder it get's less work and thus remains a pretty tender cut of beef. This in turn makes it a great option for grilling unlike a typical chuck roast.
As far as steak cuts go, it's not as pricey as a wagyu steak or filet mignon for that matter, it has that high-quality beef flavor that the best steaks have.
Ingredients Needed For Grilled Denver Steak?
Denver Cut Steak
Salt
Pepper
Green Onion Vinaigrette (click the link including full recipe with ingredients)
How To Cook Denver Steak and Tomatoes
The best way to cook Denver steak is on a hot charcoal grill or hot pan.
Grill The Steak
Preheat a skillet or cast iron pan on high heat as you want a hot grill or pan for a perfect sear.
Pat dry with a paper towel.
Season the steak liberally with salt and pepper.
Add a little oil to the hot skillet, preferably a high smoke point oil. Sear for four minutes on each side. Remove and set aside. Allow to rest while cooking the tomatoes.
Similarly, after grilling allow steak to rest a good 5 minutes before slicing on a cutting board. Feel free to tint with foil to maintain temperature.
Grill The Tomatoes
Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Grill 1-2 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the tomatoes.
Serve with the steak.
Top with the vinaigrette
Tips and Consideration for Grilling Denver Steak
- Choose a steak with a good amount of marbling. They'll be more flavorful
- Season simply. Use kosher or sea salt plus a coarse grain black pepper
- Use a high smoke point oil. I prefer ghee (clarified butter) but a neutral flavored oil like grapeseed works great. Others like olive oil don't stand-up as well to the high heat cooking required for grilling steak.
- For maximum tenderness allow the steak to rest before cutting.
- Give the steaks a few minutes to reach room temperature before cooking. This will allow for more even cooking.
- Make sure the tomatoes are cut thick. Thin tomatoes won't survive the grilling without falling apart.
- Grill time for the tomatoes is quick. Depending on thickness, cook time is 1-2 minutes.
- Serve with a side of smashed cucumbers or french fries
Cooking Denver Steak Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a Denver steak the same as a chuck steak?
Yes indeed, it's the same steak by a different name. Other names you may see/hear include underblade steak
Where Can You Find Denver Steaks?
Given these are lesser-known steaks, they aren't as easy to find if you're looking in mainstream grocery stores. You're more likely to find Denver steaks at specialty stores (Whole Foods), farmers markets, or your local butcher.
The latter is where I source mine primarily. I'm fortunate to be near a very skilled butcher. On the rare occasion I see them elsewhere I buy and freeze in freezer bags.
Should Denver Steaks Be Marinated?
You can, but I don't recommend it as it's unnecessary. It's naturally good flavored and should be treated more like a ribeye than let's say a flank or skirt steak.
How Long Should I Cook Denver Steaks on the Grill?
You should plan for no more than 3-4 minutes per side. Anything more and you run the risk of overcooking. I always err on the side of undercooking. Once off the grill the steaks will continue cooking anyway.
Other Beef Steak Recipes
For non-beef steak recipes try these pork steak or salmon steak recipes.
This Denver steak recipe is the perfect way to show your love for someone special. The best part is that it’s simple enough to make on a weeknight, but still impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. We hope you enjoy it!
If you make this delicious tender steak or any other please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.
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Ingredients
- 2 8 oz Denver Cut Steaks
- ¼ cup Green Onion Vinaigrette
- 1 large Heirloom tomato sliced thick
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoonn black pepper
Instructions
Grill The Steak
- Preheat a skillet or grill pan on high heat.
- Season the steak liberally with salt and pepper.
- Add a high smoke point oil to the skillet. Sear for four minutes on each side. Remove and set aside. Allow to rest while cooking the tomatoes.
- Similarly, post grilling allow steak to rest a good 5 minutes before slicing. Feel free to tint with foil to maintain temperature.
Grill The Tomatoes
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Grill 1-2 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the tomatoes.
- Serve with the steak.
- Top with the vinaigrette
Video
Notes
- Choose a steak with good marbling. They'll be more flavorful
- Use a high smoke point oil. I prefer ghee (clarified butter) but a neutral flavored oil like grapeseed works great. Others like olive oil don't stand-up as well to the high heat cooking required for grilling steak.
- Give the steaks a few minutes to reach room temperature before cooking. This will allow for more even cooking.
- Make sure the tomatoes are cut thick. Thin tomatoes won't survive the grilling without falling apart.
- Grill time for the tomatoes is quick. Depending on thickness, cook time is 1-2 minutes.