Grilled Denver Steak and Tomatoes

Have you ever had or heard of a Denver steak? Want to know how to make it perfectly everytime? Well, look no further! In this post, we'll give you all the tips and tricks you need to make this delicious cut at home. So steak lover, what are you waiting for?

It's a great cut and is slowly becoming one of my favorites. This easy grilled Denver steak recipe with tomatoes is a great introduction to such a wonderful steak.

The steak is seasoned simply with salt and pepper, then cooked to perfection. The green onion vinaigrette is the perfect finishing touch, adding a bright and flavorful contrast to the rich steak.

For other tender grilled steak ideas try this reverse seared ribeye or juicy porterhouse steak. For other beefy recipes try this sous vide chuck roast.

Beats and Eats (What Song Pairs Well With This Denver Steak Recipe?)

Denver Steak is full of rich beefy flavor. Kool And The Gang's "You Don't Have To Change" is a great match to contrasting but balanced flavors between the steak and the bright but acidic tomatoes. The track has that typical funky bass of the pre-pop JT lead vocals Kool and the Gang. But also has those horns and complimentary highs that lift up the dish.

Most people unfamiliar with early Kool and the Gang recordings would be surprised to know this is a Kool and the Gang song, but long before their pop music days, they were a funk/jazz fusion band. This song, as good as it is, is as unknown as Denver steak.

What is a Denver Cut?

Denver cut steak is a tender, well-marbled beef steak taken from the chuck (shoulder) section of the cow — specifically from the under blade.

It’s part of a newer group of cuts discovered during beef muscle-mapping research aimed at finding hidden gems in the chuck.

Even though it comes from a hardworking part of the animal, this cut is surprisingly juicy, flavorful, and fairly tender, making it one of the best “butcher’s secret” steaks.

What Makes Denver Steak Special

• High marbling ? lots of flavor, similar richness to ribeye
• More tender than most chuck cuts
• Often cheaper than strip or ribeye but cooks just as beautifully
• Great for grilling, pan-searing, or slicing for tacos

Ingredients Needed For Grilled Denver Steak?

• Denver Cut Steak
• Salt
• Pepper
• Green Onion Vinaigrette
• Heirloom tomatoes

How To Cook Denver Steak and Tomatoes

The best way to cook Denver steak is on a hot charcoal grill or hot pan.

Grill The Steak

Preheat a skillet or cast iron pan on high heat as you want a hot grill or pan for a perfect sear.

Pat dry with a paper towel.

Season the steak liberally with salt and pepper.

Add a little oil to the hot skillet, preferably a high smoke point oil. Sear for four minutes on each side. Remove and set aside. Allow to rest while cooking the tomatoes.

Similarly, after grilling allow steak to rest a good 5 minutes before slicing on a cutting board. Feel free to tint with foil to maintain temperature.

Grill The Tomatoes

Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Grill 1-2 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the tomatoes.

Serve with the steak.

Top with the vinaigrette

Tips and Consideration for Grilling Denver Steak

• Choose a steak with a good amount of marbling. They'll be more flavorful
• Season simply. Use kosher or sea salt plus a coarse grain black pepper
• Use a high smoke point oil. I prefer ghee (clarified butter) but a neutral flavored oil like grapeseed works great. Others like olive oil don't stand-up as well to the high heat cooking required for grilling steak.
• For maximum tenderness allow the steak to rest before cutting.
• Give the steaks a few minutes to reach room temperature before cooking. This will allow for more even cooking.
• Make sure the tomatoes are cut thick. Thin tomatoes won't survive the grilling without falling apart.
• Grill time for the tomatoes is quick. Depending on thickness, cook time is 1-2 minutes.
• Serve with a side of smashed cucumbers or french fries

Cooking Denver Steak Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where Can You Find Denver Steaks?

Given these are lesser-known steaks, they aren't as easy to find if you're looking in mainstream grocery stores. You're more likely to find Denver steaks at specialty stores (Whole Foods), farmers markets, or your local butcher.

The latter is where I source mine primarily. I'm fortunate to be near a very skilled butcher. On the rare occasion I see them elsewhere I buy and freeze in freezer bags.

Should Denver Steaks Be Marinated?

You can, but I don't recommend it as it's unnecessary. It's naturally good flavored and should be treated more like a ribeye than let's say a flank or skirt steak.

What To Serve With This Steak

I like my seaks with steakhouse style creamed spinach and plus a simple cucumber salad.

For more of a steak frites vibe I go with cajun fries. Also for a Latin steak vibe try this bisten encebollado recipe.

Make This Under Blade Steak

This Denver steak recipe is the perfect way to show your love for someone special. The best part is that it’s simple enough to make on a weeknight, but still impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. We hope you enjoy it!

If you make this delicious tender steak or any other please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

You can also keep up with my food exploits as well as original recipes! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. If you like any of the music you find on the site, visit me at Spotify to find curated monthly playlists.

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