What Is Denver Steak?

what is denver steak

Denver steak is becoming increasingly popular, but some people are not sure exactly what it is. Or they may think that the name is just a clever marketing ploy (which it is!).

But Denver steak is also named after its place of origin – specifically, the city of Denver, Colorado.

The steak itself does have unique characteristics that set it apart from other steaks, which we go into throughout this article.

In this post, we answer, what is Denver steak?

So stick around to learn all there is about this beautiful steak.

Let’s get to it…

What Exactly Is Denver Steak?

Denver steak is not really a specific cut of beef, but rather the name was given to any steak that is cut from the top sirloin.

Because it comes from this part of the cow, Denver steak tends to be tougher than other cuts – including bottom round and flank steaks.

This makes sense when you think about how much exercise an animal has when they are moving around.

The cuts of meat that are used the least tend to be the tender ones, like filet mignon.

The cuts with more intense muscle movement, or exercise, are tougher steaks – which is why Denver steak falls into this category.

There is also often a line of gristle running through these cuts.

Denver steak is usually a cheaper cut of steak, but still has a large amount of flavor.

Because it is so tough, the Denver steak needs to be cooked slowly over low heat.

When done correctly, this can be one of the most delicious cuts of meat available.

A good cooking method for Denver steak takes advantage of how tough and flavorful it is and ensures that it is cooked slowly and can tenderize and absorb flavors as it cooks.

Denver steaks are relatively tender with a lovely beef flavor, but because they are so tough, cooking them to the perfect level requires patience and a very slow cooking technique like braising.

These steaks are made from the serratus ventralis muscle of the cow, which is located in the rib area and attached to the spine.

To produce a Denver steak, the serratus ventralis is extracted in one piece, which takes an exceptionally skilled butcher to do.

This steak came around because butchers wanted to see if they could produce a high-value product from a low-quality cut of meat.

Aside from the fact Denver is a city in colorado, the name has no significance to the meat and was chosen for a crafty marketing campaign.

This steak is also known as Chuck Under Blade Center Steak, Boneless; Chuck Under Blade Steak; Under Blade; Denver Cut, Center Cut Steak; Cut from the center of the Under Blade.

These steaks are sometimes called cowboy steaks because they come from such a tender portion of the cow.

How Is Denver Steak Best Cooked?

When it comes to cooking Denver steaks, you need a lot of patience. As mentioned above, this is a tougher piece of meat that requires a little extra care in the cooking process.

The most preferred method is a slow bake, around 300° F for about an hour and a half.

If you want a low-and-slow version of this steak, set your crockpot on high for two hours or “keep warm” setting overnight.

Another effective way of cooking Denver steak is braising, this involves simmering the meat in a liquid to tenderize it.

You can use many different types of liquids, but beer is arguably the best option. Pour some cold beer into the pot, enough to cover half your steak, add plenty of seasoning and let it simmer for an hour or two on very low heat.

Give Denver steak plenty of time to cook thoroughly before you cut into it, this gives the meat time to tenderize.

A way of doing this is using a slow cooker for 6 hours on low heat or 3 hours on high heat with enough liquid to cover half your steak.

How Is Denver Steak Best Served?

Like many steaks, Denver steak is best served with mashed potatoes or similar.

However, you can’t go wrong with serving it with any type of side dish or vegetables.

You can also enjoy this steak with a baked potato instead of mashed potatoes if you want to try something different.

I personally like to have my steak with some sweet potato fries and grilled vegetables.

It’s also a good idea to serve this steak with high-quality steak butter to increase the tenderness for your guests.

How Is Denver Steak Prepared?

When it comes to preparing your Denver steak, it’s a good idea to marinate it ahead of time.

Also, be sure to ask your butcher to tenderize the meat for you if this is not something you can do on your own.

It’s also important to ensure that you are serving it to your guests immediately after cooking, as you will not want to let the steak sit for too long.

However, allow the steak to rest for around 5 – 10 minutes before serving, as you want the juices to settle, and allow the steak to become nice and juicy.

Is Denver Steak Expensive?

Denver steak isn’t necessarily more expensive than other cuts of steak.

And, because it’s so easy to prepare, you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank trying to find a good recipe for marinating it.

You can generally pick up a Denver steak for around $10, so it’s a very cost-effective option for a family.

This is much cheaper than some other steak cuts and will ensure you have money left over for sides and sauces.

Where Is Denver Steak Commonly Found?

Denver steak is most commonly found in steak and breakfast joints and restaurants.

The reason for this is that it’s very easy to prepare, making it perfect for those who want a quick meal or just don’t want to spend time cooking.

You’ll find Denver steak in many places around the world, including:

  • The United States of America (particularly the Colorado area where it gets its famous name from)
  • Canada (particularly, Alberta and Ontario )
  • Russia (in Moscow and Saint Petersburg)
  • Australia (in Brisbane and Melbourne)
  • New Zealand (in Wellington and Auckland).

You can also find it in some other countries, but not as easy to come by. These include: Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, France, Germany

What Is The Nutritional Value Of Denver Steak

It’s important to understand the nutritional value of whatever you’re putting into your mouth, especially if you’re trying to lose weight.

Fortunately, Denver steak is very healthy! It has high protein content (great for diets), but low calories and low fat.

See below the nutritional value of 100g of Denver Steak

  • Calories = 180
  • Fat = 11g
  • Saturated fat = 0g
  • Carbohydrates = 0g
  • Sugars = 0g
  • Protein = 22.5g

As you can see, the nutritional value of this steak is incredibly good! This makes it the perfect option for those looking to lose weight, or build muscle.

As this steak is so affordable, it can be eaten on a regular basis and is a favorite choice for bodybuilders.

Not only that, but it is incredibly delicious! The steak itself can be cut into strips or cubes for stir-fries.

To top it all off, this steak is particularly easy to cook because of its size and shape. Simply marinate the steak, grill it on both sides until brown, and serve with sauce. Dinner served!

Other Considerations

It’s worth keeping in mind that this steak contains a fair bit of fat, so should be eaten in moderation. This would also be accompanied by plenty of exercise.

However, this steak is very easy to cook – if you are working with the best possible utensils (you should be).

If you’re looking for an effective way to feed the family on a budget, or even treat some loved ones, the Denver steak can be a great option.

So, if you’re ever in a pickle and don’t know what to cook, you can always go with Denver steak.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Denver steak is a beautiful cut of steak that is perfect for cooking at home.

It has an impressive nutritional breakdown and is delicious when complemented with the right side and sauce combination.

Hopefully, you’ve learned a little more about Denver steak in this post and now won’t think twice next time you see it in the supermarket.

Thanks for taking the time to read this post, feel free to share it with anyone who may find it valuable.

Give this one a try the next time you want your steak to come out extra tasty!

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