What is a Denver steak? You may have heard of a Denver omelet, but this cut of beef is relatively new. Denver steak is a unique cut of meat that comes from the chuck roll of the cow. It's known for its rich flavor and tender texture, and it's quickly becoming one of the most popular cuts of beef on the market. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what makes Denver steak unique, and we'll explore where this delicious cut got its name.

What is a Denver Steak, and What Makes it Unique?

Do you love steak? If you're looking for a delicious, tender, and flavorful cut of beef, then you'll love Denver steak. This unique cut comes from the chuck roll of the cow, and it's quickly becoming one of the most popular cuts on the market.

Where does the Denver steak come from?

The chuck beef primal is a muscular section starting with the shoulder blade and ending with the ribs and backbone. This part of the cow is known for tough meat cuts and lots of connected tissue, frequently used in ground beef and stew meat. However, the Denver steak is an exception since its specific location is less used by the animal resulting in significantly more marbling and flavorful than the rest of the shoulder area.

Requiring a bit more effort in the butchering process, Denver steak is cut from this muscle, and it's trimmed off any fat or connective tissue. This location makes it a leaner cut of meat, but it's still packed with flavor.

A perfectly grilled Denver steak!

Denver steak is an excellent choice if you're looking for a delicious, deep meaty flavor and slightly healthier steak option than a ribeye. This leaner cut of beef is lower in calories and fat than other cuts of steak, and it's also a good source of protein.

You can cook Denver steak in various ways to enjoy its fantastic flavor no matter what your taste preference is. It's perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or oven roasting. You can add your favorite herbs and spices to bring out the flavor of this terrific cut of meat.

Where Did Denver Steak Get its Name, and What is the History Behind it?

For decades, a Denver omelet has been a breakfast favorite, but not many people know why the Denver steak is so named.

Raw Denver steaks from the butcher

The name and cut come from a project in the Beef sector in the 2000s, the Cattleman's Beef Checkoff Program, which sought to discover, identify, and promote cheaper cuts of meat coming from the chuck primal area. The study was quite successful since it trained butchers to obtain three new steaks from the chuck primal bone that they could sell at a premium price. The Denver, Flat Iron, and Teres Major were among the three 'invented' steaks during the study.

The steak's name has no historical meaning and was simply a marketing concept debuted in 2009.

While it may be new to the scene, Denver steak is quickly becoming a favorite among steak lovers. This unique and flavorful cut of beef is perfect for any occasion, and it's sure to become a staple in your home.

How to Cook a Denver Steak for the Best Results?

Now that you know what Denver steak is and where it comes from, it's time to learn how to cook it. This delicious cut of beef is perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or oven roasting. You can add your favorite herbs and spices to bring out the flavor of this fantastic cut of meat.

This cut has an extra deep beef flavor and decent marbling due to its location getting a lot of workout from the movement. As a result, it is recommended to be cooked on low heat and give a finishing searing. The Reverse-Sear sear method is the most preferred cooking method by professionals.

With terrific marbling, the Denver steak is full of flavor

Reverse Sear

The Reverse Sear method is a two-step cooking process that first slow-cooks the steak until it's about twelve degrees shy of your desired final temperature. Then, you sear the steak on high heat to finish it off. This method ensures that your steak is cooked evenly from edge to center and results in a flavorful, juicy, and tender piece of meat.

Reverse Sear Basic Steps:

  1. Prep the grill for low heat of 190°-220°F
  2. Slowly grill until about 12° below your desired finishing temperature
  3. Sear over high heat for a perfect finish.
The drop-in infrared sear burner in the Estate Grill provides the perfect sear every time.

Like the American Made Grills' Drop-In Infrared Sear, an infrared sear burner is perfect for the Reverse Sear method since it preheats speedily, and you don't have to wait for the grill to rise temperature. Similarly, you could roast the steak slowly over gas or charcoal with the Encore hybrid grill and then use lump coal on the opposite side for the sear. With multi-fuel options, hybrid grilling is perfect for the Reverse Sear method.

Once you've mastered the Reverse Sear method, you'll be able to cook Denver steak to perfection every time. This cooking method is simple, but it yields impressive results. You'll never want to eat steak any other way!

So, What's for Dinner Anyways?

So, there you have it! Now you know all about Denver steak, what makes it unique, and where it got its name. If you're looking for a delicious and flavorful steak option, Denver steak is a great choice. It's perfect for any occasion, whether grilling out with friends or cooking a romantic dinner for two. So, what are you waiting for? Give Denver steak a try today! You won't be disappointed.

May 15, 2022 — Jason Klein