Beef shaved steak also known as thinly sliced steak is a versatile and easy-to-prepare cut of beef that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its thin slices cook quickly while staying tender and flavorful. But what exactly is shaved steak and how do you use it in cooking? In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this tasty ingredient.
What Is Shaved Steak?
Shaved steak is simply beef that has been sliced very thinly, often to a thickness of just a few millimeters. It’s made by partially freezing strips of beef to firm them up before slicing them against the grain on a commercial meat slicer or mandoline. The thin slices allow the meat to cook fast while absorbing flavors readily.
Some common cuts used for shaved steak include sirloin, ribeye, top round, chuck eye roll, flank steak, and skirt steak. The choice depends on personal preference budget, and the flavor and texture you want in the final dish. Leaner cuts like sirloin and round work well for dishes where you don’t want too much fat while fattier ribeye provides a richer, beefier flavor.
Why Use Shaved Steak?
There are several advantages that make shaved steak a great ingredient to cook with:
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Fast cooking time – The thin slices mean shaved steak cooks in just 1-2 minutes per side. This makes it perfect for weeknight meals when you want dinner ready quickly.
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Tender texture – When sliced against the grain, shaved steak remains tender even when cooked to medium or medium-well doneness.
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Flavor absorption – The thin slices and large surface area allow shaved steak to rapidly absorb marinades, spices, and sauce flavors.
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Versatile – Shaved steak works in a wide variety of dishes from sandwiches and tacos to stir fries, soups, and more.
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Budget-friendly – Many cuts used for shaved steak cost noticeably less per pound than premium steaks.
What is Shaved Steak Used For?
With its quick cooking time, tender bites, and versatility, shaved steak can be used in many dishes:
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Sandwiches – Cheesesteaks, French dips, Italian beef sandwiches
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Tacos and burritos – Steak street tacos, burrito bowls
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Stir-fries – Beef and broccoli, Mongolian beef, shaved steak fried rice
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Soups and stews – Beef barley soup, steak and potato stew
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Salads – Steak salad, taco salad
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Fajitas and quesadillas
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Pasta dishes – Shaved steak alfredo, beef stroganoff
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Pizza topping – Instead of ground beef
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Breakfast – Steak and egg breakfast tacos or burritos
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Appetizers – Beef lettuce cups, steak nachos
The key is slicing the steak thinly against the grain so it cooks up quickly while remaining tender. Marinate first or season just before cooking. Use high heat like a grill or skillet to sear the steak until browned but still slightly pink inside.
How to Cook Shaved Steak Perfectly
Follow these simple tips for cooking tender, flavorful shaved steak every time:
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Use high heat – A hot skillet, grill, or broiler is essential to get a nice sear while cooking the steak quickly before it dries out.
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Cook in batches – Avoid overcrowding the pan which causes steaming instead of browning. Cook shaved steak in smaller batches for best results.
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Season wisely – Salt and pepper before cooking or use a dry rub. Marinate for 30 min up to overnight.
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Don’t overcook – Shaved steak only needs 1-2 minutes per side. Cook to medium rare or medium for best texture.
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Let it rest – Give it a few minutes after cooking for juices to redistribute before slicing or serving.
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Slice against the grain – This breaks up the muscle fibers for a tender bite.
With the right techniques, shaved steak delivers a big beefy flavor in a fast-cooking and budget-friendly package. It’s an extremely versatile ingredient that can transform weeknight dinners, make hearty sandwiches, and be used in everything from stir fries to salads. Give shaved steak a try in your kitchen soon and enjoy all of its tasty benefits.
Why You’ll Love Shaved Steak
If shaved steak is new to you, get ready to be converted! Here are the top reasons why I adore cooking with it!
- Versatile — This tender, juicy beef is shaved into thin slices, making it perfect for use in various dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, stir-fries, tacos, soups, and even pizza toppings.
- Easy to Cook — One of the main benefits of shaved steak is how simple it is to cook with. Anyone from beginners to pro chefs can use it to make a tasty and satisfying meal!
- Budget-Friendly — Enjoy the steak experience without breaking the bank; shaved steak can be as much as $3-5 less per pound than sirloin or flank steak.
- Quick-Cooking — Because of its incredibly thin cut, shaved steak can be prepared in minutes. Its super weeknight friendly!
- Great Flavor — When cooked properly, this cut of beef becomes incredibly juicy and delicious. Its often seasoned with various herbs and spices such as garlic powder or paprika, enhancing its savory flavors and taking it to the next level.
What Is Shaved Steak?
Also known as shaved beef, sandwich steak, beef shavings, or ribeye shavings, shaved steak is beef that has been sliced (or “shaved”) into very thin pieces. The meat can come from any cut of the cow, but it is usually either skirt steak or flank steak. It is usually cut so thin that it appears translucent.
Shaved steak can be used in various dishes (see below), and it also makes a great ground beef substitute. You can find it in the steak case of well-stocked grocery stores or at most butcher counters.
Trying Beef shaved steak – recommended by Woman & woman
FAQ
What is shaved steak for?
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Bon Appetithttps://www.bonappetit.comThis Cut of Beef Cooks in Seconds (Yes, Seconds) | Bon AppétitSep 21, 2023 — You can use shaved beef in all sorts of dishes. Korean and Japanese rice bowls, like bibimbap or gyudon, are both great. I also love it in stir-frie…
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Food & Winehttps://www.foodandwine.comHow to Cook Shaved Steak – Beef – Food & WineJul 29, 2024 — Also called shaved beef, shaved steak is a staple ingredient in classic U.S. regional sandwiches, like Chicago’s Italian beef and a Philly cheeseste…
How do you cook shaved steak so it’s not dry?
Shaved steak is best cooked in an oiled cast-iron pan or griddle, pre-heated to medium-high. When it hits the heat, the steak will cook rapidly and evenly, about one to two minutes per side. “When cooking shaved steak, it is best to cook it for a short period of time so the meat does not become tough,” Kim says.
What to make with thin cut beef steak?
- Filipino Tapsilog. Save this recipe and keep it for later. …
- Mongolian Beef Stir Fry. Save this recipe and keep it for later. …
- Gyudon. …
- Stir-fried Beef & Onion Rice Bowl. …
- Beef & Pak Choi Chow Mein. …
- Crispy chilli beef. …
- Vietnamese noodle bowl: Bun Bo Xao with lemongrass beef & …
- Slow Cook Beef Stroganoff
What is beef blade steak best for?
… cut of beef is great either cooked quickly on a high heat for wraps, stir-fries and sandwiches or slow-cooked or braised in a casserole or as a pie filling
What is shaved steak?
Shaved steak is athinly sliced beef cut that is typically used in popular dishes such as Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and stir-fries. The key to making shaved steak is to slice the beef as thinly as possible, which ensures that it cooks quickly and evenly.
How to make shaved steak?
The key to making shaved steak is toslice the beef as thinly as possible, which ensures that it cooks quickly and evenly. The right beef cut can also make a huge difference in the tenderness, flavor, and texture of the shaved steak. Why is Choosing the Right Beef Cut Important for Shaved Steak?
What is a good beef cut for shaved steak?
Sirloin is another great beef cut for shaved steak. It has a more mild flavor compared to ribeye but is still tender and juicy. Sirloin is also a more affordable option compared to other beef cuts, making it a popular choice for those on a budget.
Is shaved steak thick or thin?
Shaved steak stands out from other beef cuts due to its thin slicing. Unlike traditional thick steaks, shaved steak is sliced thinly, allowing it to cook quickly and absorb flavors more effectively. This feature makes it an excellent choice for cheesesteaks, wraps, and stir-fries. How should I cook shaved steak?
Is bottom round a shaved steak?
Bottom Round is another lean beef cut that is commonly used for roast beef. However,it can also be used for shaved steak. It has a more fibrous texture compared to other beef cuts, but when sliced thinly against the grain, it can still be tender and flavorful.
What can you eat with shaved steak?
Shaved steak can be used in a variety of recipes, from simple sandwiches to gourmet entrees, tacos, pastas and fajitas. Here are 39 dinner ideas with shaved steak to try: 1. Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich The most popular way we see and use shaved beef is in a Cheesesteak sandwich.