Pan-Seared Chuck Steak with Herb Butter

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Chuck steak, a beloved cut of beef known for its rich flavor and versatility, offers endless culinary possibilities. Often overshadowed by more popular cuts, chuck steak deserves a spotlight for its affordability and ability to transform into tender, flavorful dishes. This introduction to chuck steak recipes will guide you through the essentials of selecting, preparing, and cooking this underappreciated gem, much like our guide on preparing authentic Salvadoran pupusas. Whether you’re grilling, braising, or slow-cooking, chuck steak can be the star of a variety of meals, from hearty family dinners to sophisticated gourmet dishes, similar to the diverse flavors found in our street taco recipe. Join us as we explore the world of chuck steak recipes, where each dish promises a journey of taste and tenderness.

Ingredients

4 chuck steaks (approximately 1 inch thick)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Herb Butter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prep the Steaks: Allow your chuck steaks to sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly.
Season: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, swirling to coat the bottom of the pan.
Cook the Steaks: Place the steaks in the hot pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your steak more well-done. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your desired doneness: 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, 155°F for medium-well.
Rest: Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the steak, making it more tender and flavorful.
Make the Herb Butter: While the steaks are resting, combine the softened butter, parsley, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until well combined.
Serve: Top each steak with a dollop of the herb butter. Let it melt over the warm steak for a minute before serving.
Enjoy! Serve your pan-seared chuck steak with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables or a garden salad, for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your steaks and your preferred level of doneness.
The herb butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before serving for easier spreading.

Nutrition Information: Amount Per Serving: Calories: 520, Total Fat: 40g, Saturated Fat: 18g, Cholesterol: 135mg, Sodium: 120mg, Carbohydrates: 0g, Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 0g, Protein: 38g

Expert Tips

Choosing Chuck Steak: Look for chuck steaks with good marbling (fat running through the meat) as it adds flavor and tenderness to the steak when cooked.
Room Temperature: Allowing the steak to sit at room temperature before cooking helps in cooking the steak evenly. Cold steak from the refrigerator will cool down the pan, leading to uneven cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the steaks in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will cause the steaks to steam rather than sear, preventing that delicious crust from forming.
Checking Doneness: Using a meat thermometer is the most foolproof way to check for your preferred level of doneness. Insert the thermometer into the side of the steak to get an accurate reading.
Resting Time: Never skip the resting time after cooking. Resting allows the juices in the steak to redistribute, resulting in a juicier steak.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Pan-Seared Chuck Steak with Herb Butter with a variety of sides to complete your meal. Here are a few suggestions:

Roasted Vegetables: Season your favorite vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven for a healthy and flavorful side.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic pairs beautifully with the richness of the steak.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese offers a refreshing contrast to the savory steak.

Compound Butter for Steak: A Flavor Enhancer

Elevate your steak experience with our exclusive Compound Butter for Steak recipe. This culinary delight combines softened butter with an assortment of herbs and spices, effortlessly enhancing the natural flavors of any steak cut. Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions, our compound butter recipe promises to turn a simple meal into a gourmet feast. Discover the art of making compound butter by visiting our Herb-Infused Butter Recipes page.

Mastering Chuck Steak: Cooking Techniques Unveiled

Dive into the world of chuck steak with our expert guide on How to Cook Chuck Steak. Renowned for its flavorful yet tougher texture, chuck steak requires specific cooking methods to unlock its potential. Our step-by-step guide will walk you through seasoning, cooking, and serving this versatile cut to ensure a tender, juicy outcome. Enhance your culinary skills with our comprehensive chuck steak cooking instructions here.

Grill Perfection: Chuck Steak on Fire

Grilling enthusiasts, rejoice! Our detailed tutorial on How to Grill Chuck Steak will help you master the art of grilling this robust cut. From marination secrets to mastering the perfect grill marks, our guide ensures that your chuck steak will emerge smoky, tender, and irresistibly flavorful.

Stovetop Elegance: Chuck Roast Steak Made Simple

No grill? No problem! Our Chuck Roast Steak Stove-top Instructions provide a foolproof plan for cooking this hearty cut to perfection using just your stovetop. Achieve a seared crust with a succulent interior through our expert techniques, transforming your chuck roast steak into a restaurant-quality dish.

Beef Chuck Steak: Culinary Tips and Tricks

Unlock the full potential of beef chuck steak with our invaluable Beef Chuck Steak Recipes Tips. These guidelines cover everything from selecting the ideal cut to mastering flavor enhancements with simple, accessible ingredients.

Marinade Magic: Chuck Eye Steaks Transformed

Transform your chuck eye steaks from ordinary to extraordinary with our Chuck Eye Steaks Marinade recipes. Designed to tenderize and infuse the meat with deep, complex flavors, our marinades are your secret weapon for creating mouth-watering steaks.

Precision Cooking: Beef Chuck Steak Temps Explained

Achieving the perfect level of doneness is an art form, and our Beef Chuck Steak Temps guide is here to assist. Whether you prefer your steak rare, medium-rare, or well-done, understanding the ideal internal temperatures is key to culinary success.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use other steak cuts?
Yes, feel free to use ribeye, sirloin, or strip steak. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Q2: How to check doneness without a thermometer?
Use the finger test: soft and spongy for rare, slight spring for medium-rare, and firm for well-done.

Q3: Can I make herb butter ahead?
Yes, prepare in advance and store in the fridge. Let it reach room temperature before serving.

Q4: Steak browning too fast?
Lower the heat, or finish in a 350°F oven until desired doneness.

Q5: Storing and reheating leftovers?
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave at half power.

Conclusion

This Pan-Seared Chuck Steak with Herb Butter recipe demonstrates that with the right technique and some simple ingredients, you can transform a humble cut of meat into a gourmet meal. The key to a delicious chuck steak lies in proper seasoning, ensuring it’s cooked to your preferred level of doneness, and allowing it to rest to achieve maximum juiciness and flavor. Accompanied by herb butter that melts into the steak, creating a rich and aromatic sauce, this dish is sure to impress your family and guests alike. Enjoy the process of cooking and the delightful meal you’ve prepared!

Pan-Seared Chuck Steak with Herb Butter

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 chuck steaks (approximately 1 inch thick)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Herb Butter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prep the Steaks: Allow your chuck steaks to sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly.

Season: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, swirling to coat the bottom of the pan.

Cook the Steaks: Place the steaks in the hot pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your steak more well-done. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your desired doneness: 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, 155°F for medium-well.

Rest: Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the steak, making it more tender and flavorful.

Make the Herb Butter: While the steaks are resting, combine the softened butter, parsley, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until well combined.

Serve: Top each steak with a dollop of the herb butter. Let it melt over the warm steak for a minute before serving.

Enjoy! Serve your pan-seared chuck steak with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables or a garden salad, for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your steaks and your preferred level of doneness.

The herb butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before serving for easier spreading.

Nutrition Information: Amount Per Serving: Calories: 520, Total Fat: 40g, Saturated Fat: 18g, Cholesterol: 135mg, Sodium: 120mg, Carbohydrates: 0g, Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 0g, Protein: 38g

Expert Tips

Choosing Chuck Steak: Look for chuck steaks with good marbling (fat running through the meat) as it adds flavor and tenderness to the steak when cooked.

Room Temperature: Allowing the steak to sit at room temperature before cooking helps in cooking the steak evenly. Cold steak from the refrigerator will cool down the pan, leading to uneven cooking.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the steaks in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will cause the steaks to steam rather than sear, preventing that delicious crust from forming.

Checking Doneness: Using a meat thermometer is the most foolproof way to check for your preferred level of doneness. Insert the thermometer into the side of the steak to get an accurate reading.

Resting Time: Never skip the resting time after cooking. Resting allows the juices in the steak to redistribute, resulting in a juicier steak.