Denver steak is an under-the-radar gem, packed with delicious beefy flavor. They cook up in a flash, making them perfect for busy weeknight meals. So, ditch the takeout menus and fire up your pan – dinnertime is about to get delicious!
Why This Recipe Works
This Denver steak recipe is a win for diabetic-friendly and low-carb meal planning! They're naturally a lean cut of beef, boasting a lower fat content compared to other popular steak options.
This recipe keeps things simple with no added sugars or carbohydrates. The focus is on the delicious flavor of the steak itself. This easy steak recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Fast and Easy: These steaks cook up in a flash, making them ideal for busy weeknights or when you're short on time when trying to stay on a low-carb, or choose diabetes friendly menu options
- Flavorful and Juicy: The well-marbled meat delivers a satisfyingly rich and juicy steak experience.
- Budget-Friendly: Denver steaks are a more affordable cut of beef compared to other popular steak options.
- Versatile: These steaks can be seasoned simply or dressed up with your favorite sugar-free marinades or rubs, or sugar-free seasonings.
Jump to:
- Why This Recipe Works
- What Are Denver Steaks?
- Denver Steaks Ingredients
- How To Cook Denver Steaks
- Substitutions & Variations
- Tips for Success
- Serving Suggestions
- Related Recipes
- Equipment
- Storage and Reheating
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Diabetes Friendly Recipes
- Pan Seared Denver Steaks
- Want To Save This Recipe?
What Are Denver Steaks?
Denver steaks are a delicious cut carved from the shoulder area of the cow, offering a surprisingly tender and satisfying steak experience.
Cut from the chuck primal, specifically the serratus ventralis muscle, Denver steaks boast surprising tenderness. This muscle isn't heavily used by the animal, resulting in a cut that's naturally more tender than other shoulder cuts.
Some other names you may be familiar with these budget friendly, beefy steaks are Chuck Under Blade Center Steak, Chuck Under Blade Steak, and sometimes simply Chuck Blade Steak.
Denver steaks are also typically well-marbled, adding richness and depth of flavor to every bite.
Denver Steaks Ingredients
This marinated Denver steak recipe unlocks the full potential of this flavorful cut. You can use your own choice of herbs and spices in place of the garlic and Worcestershire sauce also.
Some great low-carb options are: soy sauce, G. Hughes Sugar Free Smoky Mesquite Marinade, or even just Italian salad dressing.
This recipe relies on a few key ingredients to create mouthwatering Denver steaks:
- Denver Steaks: Look for Denver steaks at your butcher shop or the grocery store.
- Olive Oil: Provides a base for the marinade and helps to keep the steaks moist during cooking.
- Garlic and Worcestershire Sauce: Add depth of flavor and savory notes to the marinade.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavor of the beef.
- Optional Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, or a steak seasoning blend.
How To Cook Denver Steaks
These steaks cook up in a flash, making them ideal for busy weeknights or when you're short on time. While this recipe marinates them, that's purely optional. They are delicious seasoned and seared, or marinated and seared.
Marinate The Steaks
- In a shallow dish or resealable bag, combine olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the Denver steaks and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for extra flavor.
NOTE: You can use other spices and herbs as well in the marinade.
Preheat Your Skillet
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Use any skillet you prefer.
Pan Sear The Steaks
- Remove the steaks from the marinade and discard the marinade. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels.
- Sear the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your desired doneness.
Allow The Steaks to Rest Before Serving
- Transfer the steaks to a plate, tent them with foil, and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Substitutions & Variations
Here are a few substitutions and variations when making this Denver steak recipe:
- Oil: Substitute avocado oil or canola oil for the olive oil.
- Seasonings: Try a mesquite steak or Montreal steak seasoning blend. Get creative! Experiment with different spice blends or marinades to add a personalized touch to your Denver steaks.
- Garlic: For a more intense garlic flavor, use minced fresh garlic instead of garlic powder.
- The Grill: These steaks are fantastic seared over a hot grill also. Allow about 5 minutes on each side on a hot grill.
Tips for Success
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steaks cook to your desired doneness. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach 145°F.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook the steaks in batches if necessary to avoid lowering the pan temperature.
- Let the steaks rest! This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Denver steaks with roasted vegetables, mashed cauliflower, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Top with a pat of compound butter or your favorite sugar-free steak sauce for extra flavor, and a low-carb meal!
Related Recipes
- Sugar Free 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- Pan Seared Lamb Chops
- Irish Bangers and Mash (Low Carb)
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making this Denver steak meal for my family.
Storage and Reheating
- Leftover cooked Denver steaks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a pan or microwave with medium heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Denver steaks might not be a common cut at every grocery store. The best place to find them is at your local butcher shop. You can also ask the butcher to cut Denver steaks for you from the chuck primal.
If you can't find Denver steaks, a good substitute would be a thin chuck steak without the bones. These cuts have a similar texture and cook quickly.
Both are affordable cuts from the shoulder area, but Denver steaks are generally considered more tender than flank steak. Flank steak also benefits from marinating due to its slightly tougher texture.
More Diabetes Friendly Recipes
Pan Seared Denver Steaks
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 Denver steaks about 1 inch thick
- Optional: Additional seasonings of your choice rosemary, thyme, steak seasoning blend
Instructions
- In a shallow dish or resealable bag, combine olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the Denver steaks and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for extra flavor.NOTE: You can use other spices and herbs as well in the marinade.2 tablespoon Olive oil, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 clove Garlic, ½ teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black pepper, 2 Denver steaks, Optional: Additional seasonings of your choice
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove the steaks from the marinade and discard the marinade. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels.
- Sear the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your desired doneness.
- Transfer the steaks to a plate, tent them with foil, and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steaks cook to your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Don't overcook the Denver steaks, as they can become tough.
- Let the steaks rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for a more flavorful and tender bite.
Kelly Bloom
My family loved this!