How to Cook Beef Chuck Eye Steak Perfectly Every Time

Beef chuck eye steak is an underappreciated cut of meat that deserves more attention. When cooked properly, this flavorful and budget-friendly steak can be just as tender and delicious as more expensive cuts like ribeye.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to cook chuck eye steak to juicy tender perfection on the stove in the oven, or on the grill.

What is Chuck Eye Steak?

The chuck eye steak comes from the center of the chuck roast. It sits right next to the ribeye, which is why it’s sometimes called the “poor man’s ribeye.”

There are only two chuck eye steaks per cow, so this cut is less common and more affordable than ribeye. But when cooked correctly, chuck eye steak rivals ribeye in rich, beefy flavor and tender texture.

Benefits of Cooking Chuck Eye Steak

Here are some of the best reasons to add chuck eye steak into your dinner rotation:

• Budget-friendly – Chuck eye costs significantly less than ribeye or other premium steaks.

• Flavorful – With ample marbling, chuck eye steak has a robust, beefy flavor.

• Versatile – This steak takes well to various cooking methods like pan-searing, roasting, or grilling.

• Tender when cooked properly – While chuck eye steak contains connective tissue, it can be very tender when cooked medium-rare to medium.

• Nutritious – A serving provides protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins, and other essential nutrients.

How to Choose Chuck Eye Steak

Follow these tips when selecting chuck eye steak at the grocery store or butcher shop:

• Pick steaks that are 1-1.5 inches thick. Thinner cuts will overcook too quickly.

• Choose steaks with good marbling. The intramuscular fat provides flavor and moisture.

• Look for steaks that are bright red. This indicates freshness.

• Avoid steaks with thick, hard bands of fat. Trim any large sections of hard fat before cooking.

• Buy equal-sized steaks so they cook evenly.

Ingredients Needed

To cook chuck eye steak, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• Chuck eye steak
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Butter – for added richness
• Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Garlic (optional)

Equipment for Cooking Chuck Eye Steak

Having the right tools makes cooking chuck eye steak much easier:

• Cast iron skillet or heavy oven-safe skillet – For searing and roasting
• Grill – For grilling steaks
• Tongs – For flipping steaks
• Instant-read thermometer – For checking doneness
• Basting brush – For brushing steaks with oil or butter

How to Cook Chuck Eye Steak on the Stove

Follow these simple steps for perfectly seared, tender chuck eye steak straight from your stovetop:

1. Take the steak out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This allows it to cook more evenly later. Pat it dry with paper towels.

2. Generously season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper. Feel free to use 1⁄2 teaspoon each per side, or more to taste. You can also rub on fresh minced garlic and herbs at this stage.

3. Heat your cast iron or oven-safe skillet over high heat until very hot. Then add just enough oil to coat the bottom – 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon.

4. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side. Get a nice brown crust. Use tongs to flip the steak – don’t pierce it with a fork.

5. Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan. Tilt the pan to coat the steak with the melting butter. This adds richness and flavor.

6. Continue cooking to your desired doneness, about 2-5 more minutes per side. Baste the steak with the butter frequently as it cooks. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness.

7. Remove the steak from the skillet and let rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute so your steak stays nice and moist when you cut into it.

8. Serve the chuck eye steak warm, sliced against the grain. Garnish with more fresh herbs, if desired. Delicious!

How to Cook Chuck Eye Steak in the Oven

For an especially hands-off method, you can also roast chuck eye steak to perfection in the oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.

2. Pat the steak dry and season all over with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs.

3. In an oven-safe skillet, heat 1 Tbsp oil over high heat. Sear steak for 2-3 minutes per side to get a nice crust.

4. Place the seared steak in the oven and roast for about 5 minutes per side. Time will vary based on thickness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for your desired internal temperature.

5. Once it reaches your desired doneness, remove steak from the oven. Baste it with 1 Tbsp butter.

6. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

How to Grill Chuck Eye Steak

Grilling brings out great smoky flavor in chuck eye steaks. Follow these steps:

1. Preheat your grill to high heat, around 500°F. Lightly oil the grates.

2. Pat steaks dry and generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings.

3. Place steaks on the hot grill and sear for 2-3 minutes per side with the lid closed. Get nice grill marks.

4. Move steaks to lower heat part of grill and close lid, cooking for 2-5 more minutes per side for medium-rare to medium doneness. Baste with olive oil or butter a few times as it cooks.

5. Check temperature with an instant-read thermometer for your desired doneness.

6. Remove steaks from grill and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your grilled chuck eye steaks!

Doneness Temperatures for Chuck Eye Steak

Here are the different doneness levels and temperatures to cook for:

• Rare: 125°F (52°C)
• Medium rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
• Medium: 135-145°F (57-63°C)
• Medium well: 145-150°F (63-66°C)
• Well done: 155°F (68°C) and up

Shoot for at least medium rare to medium to make chuck eye steak tender and juicy. Well done can make it tough.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chuck Eye Steak

• Let steak rest at room temp for 20-30 minutes before cooking.
• Pat the steaks very dry before seasoning.
• Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness.
• Baste the steak as it cooks for extra moisture and flavor.
• Always let the steak rest after cooking before cutting.
• Slice against the grain for tenderness.

Common Chuck Eye Steak Problems and Solutions

Problem: Steak is tough and chewy.

Solution: Make sure not to overcook it. Cook to medium rare at most. Let steak rest before cutting. Slice against the grain.

Problem: Steak is bland and lacking flavor.

Solution: Use more generous amounts of salt and pepper. Add fresh herbs and garlic. Baste with butter while cooking.

Problem: Steak is dry and drained of juices.

Solution: Don’t cook steak past medium doneness. Let it rest after cooking. Baste while cooking.

Serving Suggestions for Chuck Eye Steak

Chuck eye steak pairs deliciously with these sides:

• Loaded baked potato
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Garden salad with vinaigrette

Drizzle steak with:

• Herb butter
• Chimichurri sauce
• Peppercorn sauce
• Garlic herb compound butter
• Blue cheese sauce

Get Creative with Marinades, Rubs and Sauces

Experiment with these flavor combos:

• Marinade: Soy sauce, lime, ginger, garlic, brown sugar
• Dry rub: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder
• Sauce: Red wine sauce, mushroom sauce, chimichurri

The possibilities are endless when cooking with chuck eye steak. Follow this guide to achieve tender, juicy results every time. What are you waiting for? Fire up that grill or stove and enjoy this underrated cut.