Shaved beef steak, also known as thin sliced steak or just shaved steak, refers to beef that has been sliced paper-thin. This quick-cooking cut is perfect for easy weeknight meals, sandwiches, stir-fries and more.
While you can use various beef cuts for shaved steak, flank steak, skirt steak, sirloin tip and top round work well. The key is evenly thin slices, around 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick. Any thicker and the beef can be tough.
Shaved steak is definitely having a moment lately. Its versatility and speed make it an ideal protein for busy home cooks. In this detailed guide I’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook shaved beef steak to perfection every time.
Ingredients for Shaved Steak
To start, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- Shaved steak – 1 to 1 1⁄2 lbs thinly sliced beef
- Olive oil – For the pan
- Salt and pepper – To season the steak
- Optional seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs
That’s the basic lineup! Now let’s get cooking
Step 1 – Prepare the Shaved Steak
First up is preparing the raw shaved steak:
- If you bought pre-sliced steak, inspect the slices to make sure they are evenly thin, around 1⁄4 inch.
- If starting with a full steak, partially freeze for 30 mins before slicing thinly against the grain. This makes cutting easier.
- Trim off any excess fat or sinew.
- Cut into smaller strips if desired. This makes the steak even more tender when cooked.
- Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. You want the meat very dry for best searing.
Step 2 – Season the Shaved Steak
Next, sprinkle both sides of the steak generously with:
- Kosher salt – Enhances the beefy flavor. Use about 1⁄2 tsp per side.
- Black pepper – Adds a little heat and bite. Use about 1⁄4 tsp per side.
For extra flavor, also add:
- Onion powder – 1⁄4 tsp per side
- Garlic powder – 1⁄4 tsp per side
- Dried oregano – 1⁄2 tsp total
Rub the seasonings in with your fingers so they adhere evenly. Let the steak rest for 10 to 20 minutes at room temperature after seasoning. This helps the spices absorb better.
Seasoned shaved steak ready for cooking
Step 3 – Sear the Shaved Steak
Now it’s time to cook. You’ll want an extremely hot pan to give the thin slices a good sear.
- Heat a cast iron or carbon steel skillet over high heat until very hot.
- Add just enough olive oil to lightly coat the pan – 1 to 2 tsp.
- Carefully add the steak slices in an even layer. They should sizzle loudly on contact.
- Leave undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes to get a hard sear.
- Flip and sear another minute on the second side.
- Use metal tongs to easily maneuver the steak.
You want a nice browned exterior while the interior stays reddish-pink. The thin steak should only need 2 to 4 minutes total to cook through.
Searing shaved steak to perfection
Step 4 – Let the Steak Rest
Once cooked, transfer the shaved steak to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute so they don’t leak out when cutting.
You can also make a quick pan sauce while it rests by deglazing the skillet with wine, broth or soy sauce. This picks up all the tasty browned bits.
Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy!
Now your perfectly cooked shaved steak is ready to eat! Here are some tasty ways to serve it:
- In stir-fries, rice bowls or pasta dishes
- Stuffed into sandwiches or wraps
- In salads or on top of pizza
- As the protein in fajitas or tacos
- Cubed in kabobs or skewers
Get creative with flavors by adding chimichurri sauce, teriyaki sauce or creamy horseradish. The thin steak soaks up any sauce beautifully.
Delicious shaved steak sandwiches
So there you have it! With these simple steps you can cook tender, juicy shaved steak for amazing meals any night of the week. Adjust cook times slightly for thicker cuts. And experiment with marinades and spice rubs to make each batch uniquely delicious. Enjoy this fast and versatile steak in all your favorite dishes!
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.
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.
How To Cook a Beef Shaved Steak | Lanie’s Cooking & More
FAQ
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 is shaved beef steak good for?
- 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.
How to cook beef shaved steak for tacos?
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in same skillet over high. Add shaved steak to skillet, breaking up into large 2-inch pieces. Cook, stirring once or twice, until browned all over and cooked through, 3–5 minutes. Add sauce, stirring gently, until steak is coated, about 1 minute more.