Pan Seared Chuck Steak Recipe

Where to Get Amazing Chuck Steaks

Chuck is a well-marbled cut of meat from the shoulder area of the steer and is prized for its rich flavor. A low-cost alternative to the Rib Eye Steak, chuck is usually used for hamburgers, stews, and pot roasts.

I visited Whole Foods Market in Miami this past weekend and picked up a large piece of grass-fed chuck steak for under $30.00. With rib steak hovering around $35.00 per pound, the chuck looked particularly good this week. Grass-fed chuck is more than half the price of rib steak.

With the price of meat steadily increasing, I find chuck steak to be the best value in grass-fed meat. At Whole Foods stores, you can find grass-fed chuck steaks behind the glass in the meat department. Luckily, they are priced at $12.99 per pound, which is a good deal compared to rib steaks.

What is Chuck Tender?

If the butcher offers you a chuck tender, grab it! The chuck tender, also called "mock tender," is a beef cut from the steer's shoulder. It looks similar to a beef tenderloin and has tremendous beefy flavor!

I've only managed to get my hands on one this year. They're tough to find, but the chuck tenderloin steak is worth it. It's the best cut for tender juicy seared chuck.

It's also the star of my Chuck Steak Chili, a beef chili that comes together fast on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot.

What You'll Need

• Boneless chuck steak, 1-2 pounds
• Garlic, peeled
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter

How to Sear Chuck Steak in a Pan

I'm using a 12-inch cast-iron pan to sear this steak. You should use a cast iron or other heavy-bottomed pan, such as stainless steel, to get a good sear.

Also, I rub the steak with a big clove of garlic to give it a little extra taste.

• Take the steak from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
• Use peeled garlic cloves and rub them on the surface of the meat to infuse it with flavor.
• Season the steak generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Once the oil is hot, add the steak to the skillet.
• Sear the steak without moving it for about 4 minutes on the first side, until it develops a nice crust.
• Flip the steak and sear the second side for 4 to 5 minutes, adjusting the time depending on the thickness of the steak.
• As the steak nears completion, add the butter to the skillet. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the meat several times.
• Remove the steak from the pan and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.
• Slice with a sharp knife across the grain. Serve with your favorite sides.

How to Butter Baste a Steak

Butter basting a steak enhances a steak's flavor and juiciness. After removing the steak from the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, season with salt and pepper. Then sear it on both sides in a hot skillet.

Lower the heat, add butter, tilt the pan, and spoon the butter over the top of the steak a few times.

Cook to medium rare or your desired doneness. Rest, slice, and serve with the flavorful pan juices. This technique ensures a deliciously tender and buttery steak every time.

Storage and Reheating

Store the cooked meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Heat the meat in olive oil or butter in a small skillet the next morning and add it to an omelet for extra protein.

What Goes with Chuck Steak?

We served this steak with mashed potatoes, always a great side dish for steak. I also picked up a bag of organic peas and carrots at Whole Foods.

A spoonful of horseradish sauce on the side adds a sharp, savory bite that works well with chuck steak.

Try these roasted vegetable recipes. They're all simple options to go with steak.

Here are great sides for seared chuck steak:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Steamed Broccoli and Carrots
• Cajun Dirty Rice Recipe
• Roasted Tiny Red Potatoes
• Sweet Coleslaw
• Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes
• Oven Roasted Russet Potatoes with Garlic
• Italian Carrot Salad

Takeaway

This pan-seared chuck steak recipe is an easy way to turn an affordable cut into a juicy, flavorful meal. A quick sear in a hot cast iron skillet gives the steak a deep brown crust, and a buttery finish adds rich flavor to the pan.

For the best results, rub the meat with whole garlic cloves before cooking and baste it with butter right at the end. It is a satisfying, high-protein dinner that keeps your budget on track.

More Steak Recipes

• Marinated Chuck Steak
• Medium-Rare NY Strip Steak
• Reverse Seared New York Strip Steak
• Top Round Stir Fry
• Beef Stir Fry With Peppers and Onions
• Cast Iron Porterhouse Steak

For more ideas, visit Easy Steak Recipes for Dinner.

You can also browse our Budget-Friendly Meat Recipes made with affordable cuts, simple seasonings, and everyday pantry ingredients.