How Long to Cook Shaved Beef Steak for Perfectly Cooked Meat

Shaved beef steak, sometimes called thinly sliced steak, is a quick and easy cut of meat to prepare. With its thin profile, shaved steak cooks faster than traditional steaks, making it ideal for busy weeknights or speedy lunches. But how long should you cook shaved beef steak to get the best results? Follow this guide to learn optimum cook times and techniques for perfect shaved steak every time.

What is Shaved Beef Steak?

First, let’s look at what exactly shaved beef steak is. Shaved steak refers to beef cuts that have been sliced paper-thin, often 1⁄4 inch thick or less. It is not a specific cut of beef itself. Common cuts used for shaved steak include flank steak, skirt steak, sirloin tip, and top round. Their lean nature and thinness make them ideal candidates for quick cooking.

When preparing shaved steak, trim off any excess fat or gristle. You can then slice the meat against the grain into long, thin strips if desired. Cutting against the grain makes the meat even more tender.

Factors That Affect Cook Time

Several factors impact how long you should cook shaved beef steak:

• Thickness – The thinner the steak, the less time needed. Steaks sliced less than 1⁄4 inch thick may only need 1-2 minutes per side. Thicker cuts around 1⁄2 inch will need closer to 3-4 minutes per side.

• Cooking Method – Quick, high-heat methods like grilling or pan searing require less time than slower cooking like braising.

• Doneness – For shaved steak, you generally want no more than medium doneness. Cooking to well-done will cause it to become tough.

• Temperature – Higher heat cooks the meat faster Cook times will vary between high heat searing and lower temperature simmering

• Marinade – Acidic marinades like wine or citrus can help tenderize meat, allowing for slightly shorter cooking.

Recommended Cook Times

Taking these factors into account, here are general guidelines for how long to cook shaved beef steak:

• Pan searing or grilling over high heat:

  • 1⁄4 inch thick or less: 1-2 minutes per side

  • 1⁄2 inch thick: Around 3 minutes per side

• Braising, simmering, or slow cooking:

  • 1⁄4 inch thick or less: 2-3 minutes total

  • 1⁄2 inch thick: 4-6 minutes total

For pan searing, allow the steak to rest at room temperature for 10-30 minutes before cooking. Use a heavy skillet or grill pan over medium-high to high heat. Add just enough oil to coat the pan and sear steaks 1-2 minutes per side until browned with a pink center.

For braising or slow cooking, brown the meat first for flavor then finish cooking in sauce, stock or other liquid until fork tender. Aim for medium doneness at most.

Judging Doneness

With thin cuts like shaved steak, visual cues help determine doneness:

• Rare – Bright red center that is cool when touched

• Medium Rare – Warm, reddish-pink center

• Medium – Warm, pink center with trace of red

• Medium Well – Trace of pink, mostly light brown

• Well Done – No pink, brown throughout

An instant read thermometer can also be used. Insert at thickest part:

• Rare: 120-125°F

• Medium Rare: 130-135°F

• Medium: 140-145°F

• Medium Well: 150-155°F

• Well Done: 160°F and above

But be careful not to overcook or the thin meat will dry out. Medium rare to medium is ideal for shaved steak.

Handy Tips

Follow these tips for perfect shaved steak every time:

• Bring steak to room temp before cooking

• Use a hot pan or grill for fast searing

• Cook in batches to avoid crowding pan

• Flip steak only once during cooking

• Add aromatics like garlic and herbs for extra flavor

• Let rest 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices

• Slice across the grain for optimum tenderness

Putting It All Together

With the right technique, shaved beef steak can be on the table in under 10 minutes. Simply season the thin slices with salt, pepper and any other spices. Sear in a hot pan for just 1-3 minutes per side depending on thickness. Finish with herbs and butter for added flavor. Then let rest before slicing and serving. With this easy method, you can enjoy quick and delicious shaved steak anytime.