Denver Steak or “Ranch Steak” is a newly popular steak that comes from a cut of the chuck steak. Denver steak is a relatively inexpensive cut of beef compared to other popular cuts like ribeye or filet mignon.
Denver Steak
What is a Denver Steak?
Denver steak, also known as a chuck steak, is a cut of beef that comes from the shoulder area of the cow. Specifically, it is cut from the chuck primal, which is located above the rib primal and below the neck and shoulder blade.
The Denver steak is a relatively new cut that has gained popularity in recent years due to its flavor and tenderness. It is a well-marbled cut with a good amount of fat and is often described as having a rich, beefy flavor.
The Denver steak is a versatile cut that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, broiling, roasting, and pan-searing. It can be served as a standalone steak or used in dishes like stir-fry or fajitas. Because it is a less well-known cut, it is often more affordable than other steaks like filet mignon or ribeye.
Ingredients Needed for Delicious Denver Steak
- 2 Denver steaks, about 10-16 ounces each
- Cloves garlic
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon mustard
- smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper
How to Make Denver Steak:
Simple Delicious Steps to Making a Denver Steak:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Place the Denver steaks in a large baking dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure the steaks are fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the Denver steaks and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until a nice crust forms.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the steaks reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Serve the Denver steak with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or a loaded baked potato. Enjoy!
Where did the Denver Steak Originate?
The Denver steak is a relatively new cut of beef that was first introduced in the late 1990s. The exact origins of the cut are unclear, but it is believed to have been created by meat industry professionals looking for new and innovative ways to market beef.
The cut is derived from the beef chuck, which is traditionally used for ground beef, stews, and pot roasts. The Denver steak was created by separating a muscle in the chuck area that had previously been used for other purposes, such as blade steak or chuck roast.
The name “Denver” steak is said to have originated from a marketing campaign by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in the late 1990s, which aimed to promote lesser-known cuts of beef. The campaign named various cuts of beef after cities, and the Denver steak was born.
Today, the Denver steak has gained popularity among chefs and home cooks alike for its flavor and tenderness. It is still a relatively unknown cut, but its popularity continues to grow as more people discover its delicious taste and versatility in the kitchen.
You will love this tasty Denver Steak Recipe. Ask your butcher to cut you two juicy Denver steaks. You will enjoy reading more about Beef Cuts – Choosing The Correct Beef for Recipes
Tender and Juicy Denver Steak Recipe
- 2 Denver steaks about 10-16 ounces each
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
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Preheat your oven to 400°F.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
-
Place the Denver steaks in a large baking dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure the steaks are fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
-
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the Denver steaks and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until a nice crust forms.
-
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the steaks reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
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Remove the skillet from the oven and let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Here are some of our ideas for what to serve with Denver steak
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and carrots make a delicious and healthy side dish for Denver steak.
- Loaded Baked Potato
- Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that go well with just about any steak, including Denver steak.
- Corn on the cob is a great summer side dish that pairs well with the smoky flavor of Denver steak.
- Steamed or sautéed green beans are a simple and tasty side dish that add some freshness to the meal.
- Crispy roasted potatoes are a hearty and flavorful side dish that complement the richness of Denver steak.
- A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the meaty flavors of Denver steak.
- A slice of garlic bread is a great way to soak up the juices from the steak and add some extra flavor to the meal.
- Grilled asparagus is a simple and delicious side dish that adds some smoky flavor to the meal.
- Creamy mushroom risotto is a rich and indulgent side dish that pairs well with Denver steak.
- Baked beans are a classic BBQ side dish that go well with the smoky flavor of Denver steak.
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