Denver steak is a great contender in the world of beef cuts. It comes from the inner part of the chuck (the chuck underblade), the same general area where flat iron steak is found. Denver, however, is more tender than the traditional chuck cuts, and its tightly packed muscle fibers make it a perfect steak for grilling. When cooked properly, it stays juicy and develops a beautifully caramelized crust.
This recipe brings out the best in Denver steak: the meat is grilled quickly over high heat—open flame works too—and then sliced against the grain. The dish is finished with simple yet bold flavors. Toasted pecans add an extra American vibe and a crunchy texture, blue cheese (like Roquefort or Stilton) brings depth, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce ties everything together. A handful of thinly sliced spring onions on top—and you’ve got the perfect meat dream for a summer evening. Add a roasted corn salad on the side and dinner is ready with no effort.
Wine pairing: Don’t overthink this one. Unapologetically rich and full-bodied Californian Zinfandels are an excellent match for Denver steak.
Denver Steak
Ingredients
- 700 g Denver steak
- salt and black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 150 g blue cheese such as Roquefort or Aura
- 5 tbsp BBQ sauce preferably smoky and sweet
- 4 tbsp toasted pecans
- 1 spring onion thinly sliced
Instructions
- Bring the meat to room temperature about 30 minutes before grilling. Pat it dry and rub it lightly with oil, salt, and pepper.
Grilling the steak:
- Heat the grill until very hot. Grill the steak for 6–7 minutes per side, until it has a nice sear and the internal temperature reaches about 54–56 °C (medium rare).
Let it rest:
- Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest under foil for 5–10 minutes. This keeps it juicy.
Slicing:
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain and place on a serving dish.
Finishing:
- Crumble the blue cheese on top, drizzle BBQ sauce to taste, and finish with toasted pecans and sliced spring onion.
Notes
- You can toast the pecans quickly in a dry pan—don’t leave them unattended, as they burn easily.
- You can also cook the steak in a cast-iron pan if a grill isn’t available.
- Serve with something like grilled corn salad or baked potatoes.
Nutrition
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