Denver steak is a relatively unknown cut of beef that is gaining popularity among steak lovers. It comes from the shoulder area of the cow and is known for its rich flavor and tenderness. Despite its reputation, many people are unsure how to cook Denver steak properly to bring out its best qualities.
In this topic, we will explore the best ways to cook Denver steak, including different cooking methods, seasoning options, and serving suggestions. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice cook, this guide will help you create a delicious Denver steak that’s sure to impress.
Preparing the Steak
This is a particularly tasty and succulent type of steak. This section will cover the process of preparing it for cooking. You’ll learn what ingredients you need, how to season it, and how to prepare it.
We’ll also provide some tips and tricks to make sure your steak turns out delicious!
Select the steak
When selecting the meat, start by looking at the meat’s color. High-quality ones are deep red, firm to the touch, and show little visible fat. This grade of beef will yield perfectly cooked results every time.
Next, consider the thickness and size of your steak. It should be at least one inch thick but any size can work. Pick out a piece that looks tender and has marbling throughout which is indicative of high-quality meat.
Finally, inspect the texture. Freshly cut slices should appear damp with an even surface that is soft to the touch and not overly dry or mushy. Follow these simple steps when choosing your Denver steak and you will be sure to get a succulent result every time!
Trim the fat
In the case of Denver Steak, you should start by trimming off excess fat. Excess fat can be dangerous for your health and will detract from the flavor of your steak.
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut away any large pieces of fat from the steak. Remember to go slowly and use careful strokes; you do not want to accidentally cut away too much meat in the process. Trimming the fat from your meat will help ensure that your meat cooks more evenly and reduces any risk of flare-ups or excessive smoke that can come with excess fat during cooking.
Once the trimming has been completed, lightly season both sides with salt and pepper and allow it to sit at room temperature for around 15 minutes before cooking. This short rest period will help ensure that both sides of your steak cook evenly and absorb as much flavor as possible during cooking.
Season the steak
Seasons vary depending on personal preference but the basic foundation is to start with a high-quality steak. It is considered to be from the chuck cut and should be rated as “USDA Choice” or higher. To season, lightly salt and pepper the side of the steak facing up.
When adding more flavors, it’s best to do so sparingly; a pinch of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, or even rosemary could give you a great flavor. For an Asian twist, use some hoisin sauce with a dash of cayenne pepper mixed into it – this will add a nice subtle sweetness with a kick of heat. Let your imagination run wild – no wrong answers here!
Once you have your seasonings, pat them gently into the meat before cooking.
Cooking the Steak
To ensure a delicious slice of meat, it’s important to know how to properly cook it. Today, we’ll talk about the different cooking techniques you can use to make an amazing Denver steak.
From pan frying to grilling to sous vide, there are many options you can choose from. Let’s explore what makes each method unique and get started on making the perfect steak.
Preheat the skillet
It is important to make sure the skillet or grill is hot before you immediately put the meat on. Preheating the skillet evenly warms up the edges of the steak and helps brown it more quickly for a more even and well-cooked steak. When preheating the skillet, make sure it is hot enough so that when you test it by putting a couple of drops of water onto its surface, it should sizzle and evaporate shortly afterward. Any smoke from burning oil in a skillet signals that it’s too hot.
Cooking it on a stovetop involves searing them using high heat for about one minute per side before reducing it to medium heat for about three to four minutes per side. Make sure to not puncture or press down on them while cooking or flip them too early as these can cause them to become dry or lose flavor. Once both sides have been properly seared and cooked, let your steaks rest before serving to take advantage of their juicy tenderness.
Add the oil
Once the pan is hot, you will need to add the oil. The amount of oil needed to cook it depends on the size of your skillet, but a good rule of thumb is two tablespoons of oil per pound, so for one steak, use around two tablespoons. You can use any type of high-heat cooking oil for this purpose; some popular choices include vegetable oil and canola oil.
Once you have added your cooking oil to the pan, make sure that it coats the bottom of the skillet evenly with a thin layer. Once the pan has been coated with the oil and heated until it’s almost smoking point then it’s time to add your steak. Gently place it in the center of the pan and let it sit undisturbed for around four minutes so that a nice golden crust forms on one side before you turn it over.
Place the steak in the skillet
When the pan is hot enough that a drop of water evaporates on contact, add some butter or oil to the pan (ghee is also an option). If using butter, really swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan as it melts. When the butter/oil starts to simmer slightly, add the steak to the middle of the pan and reduce to medium heat.
Let it cook for about 2 minutes before turning. To check for doneness at this stage you can press down with a tongs or fork — it should feel quite firm with only a hint of give.
Finishing the Steak
Making a steak is all about getting the timing right and paying attention to specific details. The final step to cooking a perfect Denver steak is to finish it off. Cooking it to the desired doneness requires precision and patience to get the perfect result.
Let’s look at the key steps to finish cooking your Denver steak.
Flip the steak
For maximum flavor and texture, it is best to flip the steak every so often while cooking on both sides. Additionally, use tongs or a spatula to avoid piercing the meat and allowing juices to escape.
Another tip is to flip less often as this can cause uneven cooking on either or both sides of your steak! Finally, avoid flipping too early as this will cause the center to remain raw even after you have finished cooking it.
Cook to the desired doneness
When your meat is cooked to the desired degree of doneness, you want to remove it from the heat immediately. Transfer it to a warm plate or cutting board and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. This will trap the heat and keep the meat from overcooking.
Allow it to rest for five minutes prior to slicing. This resting period is important because it will distribute the juices evenly throughout each piece of steak giving you moist, juicy slices. It’s best not to cut into your steak until after at least five minutes have passed; this ensures that your steak won’t dry out or be too rare as soon as you cut into it.
During this time, any liquids released by cooking can also be scraped up and used for making sauces or gravies.
Serving the Steak
Serving the perfect Denver steak is an art and a science. When it’s cooked properly, it has a crispy, flavorful exterior and a warm, juicy, and tender center. It’s important not only to cook the steak right but to also serve it properly.
Let’s go over what you need to do to make sure you can serve the perfect Denver steak.
Slice it
Once the meat has been cooked to your desired level of doneness, allow it to rest for at least five minutes before slicing. Place a cutting board over it and use a sharp chef’s knife to cut into even slices about a quarter inch thick. Cutting it across the grain ensures that each bite contains some of the tenderizing fat, resulting in tender and flavorful bites every time.
If you prefer smaller pieces on your plate, you can further divide each slice into bite-sized chunks. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Plate the steak
Once the steak is cooked to your desired preference, you are finally ready to plate it. Start by removing the meat from the heat source, lightly seasoning it with salt and pepper to taste, and then placing it on a pre-heated plate. This will ensure that it stays hot throughout your meal.
Once the meat is properly plated, be sure to let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving so that the juices have time to settle back into the meat. To give your Denver steak presentation a truly gourmet finish, you can drizzle on extra virgin olive oil and freshly minced garlic or sprinkle with herbs such as oregano or thyme. Don’t forget a few slices of lemon or lime for added brightness! Enjoy!
Add accompaniments
Once your steak is cooked, it is time to let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle back into the steak so that they don’t run onto your plate and make your steak extra juicy. You can cover it loosely with foil or let it rest on a platter or cutting board.
Pair it with the accompaniments of your choice or serve as-is. Before serving, you can also add a finishing touch of butter, herbs, or flavoring like garlic. Consider adding side dishes such as potatoes, grilled vegetables, or even salad to round out the meal. Enjoy!
FAQs
Should I let Denver’s steak rest after cooking it?
Yes, it’s important to let it rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
Can I grill Denver steak directly over high heat?
Yes, grilling it over high heat can create a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
What sides pair well with Denver steak?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a simple green salad are all great sides to serve with it.
How can I tell when Denver steak is done?
The best way to tell when the meat is done is to use an instant-read thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130-135°F.
What’s the difference between Denver steak and other cuts of beef?
It is a relatively unknown cut of beef that comes from the shoulder area of the cow. It’s similar in flavor and tenderness to cuts like ribeye and New York strip.
Can I cook Denver steak from frozen?
It’s not recommended to cook it frozen, as it will result in uneven cooking and a less-than-ideal texture.
How can I make sure Denver’s steak is tender?
To ensure that tenderness, make sure to not overcook it and let it rest before slicing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Denver steak is a delicious and tender cut of beef that can be cooked in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. From grilling to pan-searing, there are several cooking methods that can bring out the best in this flavorful cut.
By following the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to cook a perfect Denver steak every time. Whether you prefer a classic seasoning or want to experiment with new flavors, the versatility of this cut makes it a great addition to any recipe. So fire up the grill or heat up the pan, and get ready to savor the rich taste and texture of a perfectly cooked Denver steak.