What Is A Denver Steak? Tips for Cooking Perfection

Dive into the world of the Denver steak—a delightful and flavorful cut of meat that’s winning over steak enthusiasts everywhere. You might be asking, “What is a Denver steak?” This article will cover everything from its origins to expert cooking methods, guaranteeing a flawless grilling experience each time.

What Is A Denver Steak?

Denver steaks come from the serratus ventralis muscle, which comes from the chuck roll’s under-blade part.

The beef chuck is the animal’s shoulder, and it gets a lot of exercises. That means that the majority of the muscles in beef chuck are quite tough.

The serratis ventralis, on the other hand, is an exception – it’s located right beneath the shoulder blade bone and is rarely used. As a result, it is one of the more tender muscles in cow chuck.

How Do You Cook A Denver Steak?

When it comes to cooking the Denver steak, there are two prevalent methods: grilling and roasting. Grilling offers that classic charred exterior and juicy interior, especially when cooked to a medium-rare or medium temperature. On the other hand, roasting in an oven can also produce a succulent result, but without the smoky grill touch. The decision between the two often boils down to personal preference. Still, grilling has the edge if you’re looking for a summery barbecue feel.

Denver Steak Recipe

Savor the rich, buttery flavor of the lesser-known Denver steak in this simple recipe. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish celebrates the unbeatable combination of quality meat and timeless cooking techniques.

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Ingredients

  

• Approx. 8-12 oz Denver steak
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Garlic powder, onion powder, or your preferred steak seasoning Optional
• Butter, garlic cloves, fresh rosemary or thyme Optional for pan-searing

Instructions

 

Seasoning:

• Lightly rub the steak on both sides with olive oil or melted butter.
• Generously season with salt and pepper. If desired, add garlic powder, onion powder, or your preferred steak seasoning.

Grilling:

•  Preheat the grill to high heat.
• Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Adjust time for preferred doneness.

Pan-searing:

• Heat a skillet or cast-iron pan on medium-high.
• Add a splash of oil suitable for high heat (e.g., avocado or grapeseed oil).
• Sear steak for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
• For added flavor, during the last 2 minutes, introduce butter, garlic, and herbs (rosemary/thyme) to the pan and baste the steak.

Broiling:

• Adjust the oven rack so the steak is 3-4 inches from the broiler. Preheat broiler. Grill to high heat.
• Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Adjust time for preferred doneness.

Serving:

• Once cooked, move the steak to a cutting board and loosely cover it with foil. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes
• Slice against the grain and serve hot.

Tips for cooking Denver steak

• Cooking times may differ based on steak thickness and appliance specifics.
• For optimal results, use a meat thermometer. Target 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare, adjusting as needed for your desired level of doneness.
• Aiming for a medium-rare to medium finish for optimal tenderness and flavor.

Where To Buy Denver Steak?

Finding a Denver steak might require a bit of searching, as it’s still gaining traction in some markets. Here’s where you can potentially buy Denver steak:

• Local Butchers: Your best bet is often a local butcher shop. Even if they don’t have Denver steaks on display, they might know the cut and be able to prepare it for you. Many butchers appreciate customers who are interested in lesser-known cuts.
• Specialty Meat Shops: Stores focusing on specialty or gourmet meats often carry a wider variety of cuts, including the Denver steak.
• Farmers’ Markets: Some meat vendors might offer Denver steaks, especially those who emphasize nose-to-tail utilization of the animal.
• Large Supermarket Chains: As the Denver steak grows in popularity, more large grocery chains are starting to carry it. You might find it in the meat section or by asking the in-house butcher.
• Online Retailers: Many online meat suppliers provide a range of specialty cuts, including the Denver steak. Websites like Snake River Farms, Crowd Cow, or Porter Road might have it in stock. When ordering online, choose a reputable seller and consider shipping costs and methods.
• Direct from Ranchers: Some ranchers sell cuts directly to consumers, either through their website, at local markets, or through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.
• Restaurants: While this isn’t a place to “buy” traditionally, some steakhouses or restaurants focusing on modern or nose-to-tail cuisine might feature Denver steak. This can be an excellent way to try the cut before buying it to cook at home.

Storage Guide For Denver Steak

When shopping for Denver steak, looking for vibrant red meat with visible marbling is essential. It ensures both flavor and tenderness. Once purchased, if you’re not cooking it immediately, it’s best stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 2-4 days for optimal freshness. If you keep it longer, wrap it securely and freeze it for up to 12 months. Always thaw in the fridge or use cold water for faster results. Ensure freshness by checking for a rich red color and avoiding unpleasant smell or textures. Don’t forget to label frozen steaks with a date for optimal quality. 

FAQs

References:

• Quora – https://www.quora.com/Whats-the-best-way-to-cook-a-Denver-steak-I-understand-that-this-is-somehow-a-new-cut-and-Im-unfamiliar