Pan Seared Chuck Steak

Indulge in the rich flavors of pan-seared chuck steak, a tasty and less expensive steak for dinner. You can sear the steak in a cast-iron skillet and baste it with melted butter for extra flavor. I served it alongside creamy mashed potatoes and peas and carrots.

Jump to:

• Where to Get Good Chuck Steaks
• What You Need
• How to Sear Chuck Steak in a Pan
• How to Butter Baste a Steak
• Storage and Reheating
• What Goes with Chuck Steak?
• Final Takeaway
• FAQ
• "📖 Recipe"
• 💬 Comments

Where to Get Good 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 the 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. They are priced at $12.99 per pound, which is a good deal compared to rib steaks.

What You Need

• 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 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.

We also love these Roasted Vegetables recipes, and they're all healthy options to go with steak.

Try some of these great sides for seared steak:

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Steamed Broccoli and Carrots
• Roasted Tiny Red Potatoes
• Roasted Fairytale Eggplant with Lemon
• Whipped Sweet Potatoes
• Quick Cheddar Mac and Cheese
• Mango Salsa
• Italian Carrot Salad

Final Takeaway

Cook chuck steak in a hot pan to get a tasty crust outside and keep it juicy and tender inside.

When the steak is almost cooked, baste it in butter to make a delicious pan sauce and tenderize the meat even more.

Chuck steak is cut from the shoulder of the steer and is known for its rich flavor but can be tough if not cooked properly.

We like to have mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables with chuck steak, and in the hot Florida summer, we enjoy a green salad and steamed shrimp.

FAQ

"📖 Recipe"