How To Cook Chuck Tender Steak On Stove? A Complete Guide

Cooking chuck tender steak on the stove can yield a mouthwatering and budget-friendly meal. Although affordable, chuck tender steak can be incredibly flavorful when prepared correctly. In this guide, let’s walk through step-by-step instructions on how to cook chuck tender steak on the stove, ensuring a delicious and satisfying result. 

How To Cook Chuck Tender Steak On Stove?

Before diving deeper into the recipe for cooking chuck steak on the stove, here is a summarized guideline on how to cook chuck tender steak on the stove:

1. Allow steaks to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. Season steak with salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
3. Preheat a cast iron skillet or pan on medium-high heat.
4. Add oil and coat the skillet/pan evenly.
5. Place steaks in the hot skillet/pan and sear for 4 minutes on one side.
6. Flip steaks and sear for 3-4 minutes on the other side.
7. Use a meat thermometer to check for desired doneness.
8. Rest steaks for a few minutes on a cutting board.
9. Slice against the grain and serve.

How To Tenderize Chuck Tender Steak?

Since chuck tender steak is a naturally lean and tough cut of meat, many prefer to tenderize it before cooking. Here is how to do it:

• Cover the steak with plastic wrap: Lay the chuck tender steak between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. This serves a dual purpose – it prevents meat juices from splattering and simplifies the cleanup process.
• Start tenderizing: Gently but firmly pound the steak using a meat mallet or a rolling pin. Start at one end and work your way across the entire surface. Pay extra attention to the thicker parts of the steak, as they often require more tenderizing.
• Pound evenly: Aim for an even thickness across the entire steak. This ensures that it cooks uniformly. 
• Optional marinade: For added flavor and tenderness, consider marinating the steak. Place it in a sealable bag with your preferred marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or extend marination for a few hours if desired.

Easy Chuck Tender Steak Recipe

Cooking chuck tender steak on the stove is a simple and delicious process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

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Course Main Course

Servings 4

Calories 640 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 pieces of chuck tender steak (approximately 6-8 ounces each)
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or your preferred cooking oil
• Optional seasonings or marinades for extra flavor

Instructions

 

Prepare the steaks:

• Remove the Chuck Tender Steaks from the refrigerator and allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking.

Season the steaks:

• Sprinkle each steak with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. If desired, you can use your preferred seasonings or marinades. Let the steaks absorb the flavors for a few minutes.

Preheat the Pan:

• Place a large, sturdy skillet or cast-iron pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Let the pan heat thoroughly. To check the temperature, you can hold your hand a few inches above it; you should feel significant heat rising.

Add oil:

• Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil or your chosen cooking oil into the hot skillet. Swirl the oil to ensure it evenly coats the entire surface.

Sear the steaks:

• Gently place the seasoned Chuck Tender Steaks into the hot skillet, being cautious of any potential oil splatter. Allow the steaks to sear without moving them for approximately 4 minutes on the first side to create a flavorful brown crust.

Flip and sear again:

• After 4 minutes, use tongs to flip the steaks to the other side. Continue searing for 3-4 minutes, adjusting the time based on your preferred level of doneness.

Check for doneness: To gauge the steaks' doneness accurately, use a meat thermometer.

Here are some temperature recommendations for medium-rare:

• Rare: 120-130°F (49-54°C)
• Medium Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
• Medium: 135-145°F (57-63°C)
• Medium Well: 145-155°F (63-68°C)
• Well Done: 160°F (71°C) and above

Rest the steaks:

• Once the Chuck Tender Steaks reach your desired doneness, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a clean cutting board. Let them rest for a few minutes; this helps maintain their juices and tenderness.

Slice and serve:

• After the brief resting period, slice the Chuck Tender Steaks against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. Plate the steaks and serve them piping hot.

How Long To Cook Chuck Tender Steak On Stove?

When cooking chuck tender steak on the stove, you can achieve different levels of doneness with specific cooking times. Please keep in mind that these times are approximate and may vary depending on the steak’s thickness and your stove’s heat:

• Rare: For a rare steak, heat a cast iron pan until hot, add half a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat, and cook the steak for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Aim for an internal temperature of 120-130°F (49-54°C).
• Medium Rare: To cook the steak medium-rare, sear it for approximately 3-4 minutes per side. This should result in an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).
• Medium: For medium doneness, cook the chuck tender steak for 4-5 minutes on each side. The internal temperature should reach 135-145°F (57-63°C).
• Medium Well: If you prefer medium-well, extend the cooking time to 5-6 minutes per side, aiming for an internal temperature of 145-155°F (63-68°C).
• Well Done: Cooking the steak to be well-done may take approximately 7-8 minutes per side, resulting in an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or higher.

Remember, these times are general guidelines, and using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your steak reaches your desired level of doneness. Allowing the steak to rest a few minutes after cooking will also help it remain juicy and tender. Enjoy your stove-cooked chuck tender steak!

FAQs

References:

• Wikihow – How to cook chuck steak – https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Chuck-Steak