How to Cook Beef Shaved Steak Perfectly Every Time

Beef shaved steak is a quick cooking, flavorful cut of meat that’s perfect for dishes like cheesesteaks, fajitas, stir fries, and more. With just a few simple steps, you can cook shaved steak so it’s tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.

What is Beef Shaved Steak?

• Beef shaved steak is very thinly sliced beef, usually cut from the sirloin, ribeye, or round.

• It can be purchased pre-sliced from the grocery store, or cut from a solid piece of meat.

• The thin slices allow the meat to cook quickly while absorbing flavors easily.

• Common uses for shaved steak include Philly cheesesteaks, quesadillas, stir fries, and meat sandwiches.

Benefits of Cooking with Shaved Steak

Cooking with beef shaved steak offers several advantages:

• Quick cooking – The thin slices cook in just a few minutes. Great for fast meals.

• Tender and juicy – The thin slices don’t get overcooked or dried out.

• Lots of flavor – The wide surface area browns well to add great beefy flavor.

• Budget-friendly – Shaved steak costs less than premium steaks.

• Easy to chew – Thinly sliced steak is tender and easy to eat.

How to Cook Shaved Steak Perfectly

Follow these simple steps for delicious shaved steak every time:

Ingredients:

• Beef shaved steak
• Oil for cooking (vegetable, olive, avocado, etc)
• Salt, pepper, spices of your choice

Directions:

1. Pat the steak dry

   • Remove steak from packaging and pat off excess moisture with paper towels. Drying helps with browning.

2. Season the steak

   • Coat both sides of the steak evenly with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you want. Popular options are garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.

3. Get the pan very hot

   • Place a skillet over medium-high to high heat. Let it preheat until hot. Use a heavy pan like cast iron or stainless steel.

4. Add cooking oil

   • Once pan is hot, add just enough oil to coat the bottom. Use an oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or avocado oil.

5. Cook the steak

   • Add the steak in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned.

   • For medium-rare, cook to 135°F internal temperature. Adjust cooking times for more or less doneness.

6. Let rest and slice –

   • Transfer steak to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.

Serving Suggestions:

• Use in Philly cheesesteaks, fajitas, quesadillas, sandwiches, salads, pasta, or stir fries.

• Top with cheese, sautéed peppers and onions, chimichurri sauce, etc.

• Serve alongside roasted potatoes, rice, or a simple salad.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Shaved Steak

• Use a heavy pan like cast iron or stainless steel to prevent sticking.

• Pat steak very dry before cooking for proper browning.

• Get the pan very hot before adding oil or steak.

• Don’t overload the pan. Cook in batches for even cooking.

• Let steak rest after cooking before slicing for juicy meat.

• Slice against the grain for tender texture.

• Avoid using forks which can pierce the meat and let juices escape. Use tongs or spatulas instead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls when cooking shaved steak:

• Not heating the pan enough before cooking

• Putting cold or wet steak into the pan

• Overcrowding the pan which steams instead of sears

• Piercing the meat with a fork

• Cooking too long or on too high heat

• Neglecting to slice against the grain

• Forgetting to let the meat rest after cooking

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best seasonings for shaved steak?

Simple salt and pepper is great, but you can also use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, or Mexican seasonings.

What oil is best for cooking shaved steak?

Go for oils with high smoke points like vegetable, avocado, grapeseed or canola oil. Olive oil can also work.

What pan should I use to cook shaved steak?

Use heavy pans like cast iron, carbon steel or stainless steel. Avoid nonstick pans which can’t get hot enough.

Is shaved steak already tenderized?

No, shaved steak is not pre-tenderized. Be sure to slice against the grain after cooking for tenderness. Marinating also helps tenderize.

Can I marinate shaved steak?

Yes! Marinating for a few hours or up to 24 hours adds great flavor. Just pat dry before cooking.

What is the best way to reheat shaved steak?

Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave at 50% power. Avoid overcooking the meat when reheating.

With these tips and proper technique, you can cook restaurant-quality shaved steak at home. Enjoy this versatile ingredient in your favorite dishes!