Denver Steak
This Denver steak recipe is incredibly tender and juicy! It takes only 15 minutes from start to finish. This quick and easy recipe is great for family dinners, entertaining, holidays and more. Use this steak in sandwiches, wraps, tacos, salads and more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This Denver steak recipe is quick and easy.
- Only 15 minutes total.
- The steak comes out so juicy.
- This recipe is great for any time of the year.
- Quick and simple enough for busy weeknights.
- The garlic herb butter adds great flavor and moisture.
- This steak feels fancy and gourmet.
- It is restaurant quality.
- This recipe is Whole30 compliant, Paleo, Keto, gluten free, egg free, nut free, sugar free and low carb.
- Check out this Top Sirloin Steak or this Bratwurst Recipe recipe for another delicious dinner.
Ingredients & Substitutions
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for Denver steak. Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredients list and instructions.
Feel free to use fresh or previously frozen Denver steak. Thaw before making this recipe. Additionally, place steak on kitchen counter for 30 to 60 minutes before cooking. This allows the meat to come to room temperature.
Cook the steak in avocado oil or olive oil.
Season with sea salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Feel free to adjust amounts to suit your taste. Be generous with seasonings. Try this Flavorful Steak Rub!
To make the garlic herb butter, combine softened butter, minced garlic and fresh herbs. This butter is optional, but highly recommended. For the herbs, try parsley, basil, thyme or rosemary.
What is Denver Steak?
Denver steaks are cut from the shoulder of a cow. They are underneath the shoulder blade bone.
Since this muscle is under utilized, the beef is naturally tender. This cut of meat is boneless. This beef is a mix between ribeye and New York strip steaks.
These steaks are typically sliced thinly. They are commonly used in sandwiches.
Cook Denver steak to at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit to be considered safe to eat.
The name Denver has no meaning or significance.
These steaks are sold online and in most butcher shops. I do not typically see them at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Target, or another other major grocery stores.
Taste & Texture
This Denver steak is hearty, savory, and beefy. It tastes like a ribeye steak. The garlic herb butter adds creaminess and flavor.
The texture is juicy, tender and moist. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This locks in the juices. It is not dry or bland.
How to Make
Step 1
First, take steak out of the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before cooking.
Step 2
Add avocado oil to a skillet over medium heat.
Step 3
Pat steak dry with paper towels. Season all over with sea salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Step 4
Once the oil is hot, place steak in skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes each side. Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer.
Step 5
Finally, remove from skillet. Allow the steak to rest on plate for 5 minutes.
Step 6
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic and fresh herbs. Finally, serve on top of steak.
Expert Tips & Tricks
Depending on the size and thickness of your steak, you may need more or less cooking time.
For accurate results, use a meat thermometer.
Be generous with seasonings.
My steak was about 1 inch thick.
Allow the oil to become hot before placing steak in the skillet. This provides a beautiful golden sear!
Wait 5 minutes before slicing into steak after cooking. This makes a super juicy steak.
Top with garlic herb butter.
How to Serve & Store
Serve Denver steak hot and fresh. Allow it to sit on plate for 5 minutes before slicing into.
Serve with garlic butter on top! Or, serve with BBQ sauce, Korean BBQ sauce, ketchup, or another sauce or condiment.
Serve steak with French fries, mashed potatoes, green beans and potatoes, baked sweet potato slices, roasted vegetables or side salad.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Denver steak is a delicious and tender cut of meat.
No, they are not the same thing. This steak is most similar to a New York strip steak or a ribeye.
It is taken from a lower quality region of the cow. This makes it more affordable and cheap.
This steak is beefy! It is hearty and savory.
Buy online or from a local butcher shop. I do not see it often in grocery stores or retailers.
There is no need to marinate it. If you want to, go for it!
Cooking Time & Temperature
Here is the time and temperature for a 1 inch thick Denver steak. This is for the stovetop pan method. The internal temperature is for the steak as soon as it comes off the pan. It will increase a little as it cools down.
| Doneness | Cook Time | Internal Temperature |
| Rare | 2 minutes each side | 120 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Medium Rare | 3 minutes each side | 130 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Medium | 4 minutes each side | 140 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Medium Well | 5 minutes each side | 150 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Well Done | 6+ minutes each side | 160+ degrees Fahrenheit |
Equipment Needed
Our Place Always Pan: This is my go to pan for non toxic cooking. It is great for everything from meat to pancakes and eggs.
Meat Thermometer: Use this for accurate measurements.
You May Also Like
If you make this Denver steak recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Join my exclusive Facebook Group for a behind the scenes look. I would love for you to follow along! For more ideas, see these Lunch and Dinner Recipes.
Get the Recipe: Denver Steak
Ingredients
- 1 Denver steak
- 1 tbsp avocado oil, or olive oil
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp softened butter, or ghee
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- fresh herbs
Instructions
- First, take steak out of the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before cooking.
- Add avocado oil to a skillet over medium heat.
- Pat steak dry with paper towels. Season all over with sea salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Once oil is hot, place steak in skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes each side. Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer.
- Finally, remove from skillet. Allow steak to rest on plate for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic and fresh herbs. Serve on top of steak.
Notes
- My Denver steak was about 1 inch thick.
- Allow oil to get hot before carefully placing steak in skillet.
- See table above for how long to cook for different levels of doneness.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately measure doneness.
- Allow steak to cool on plate for 5 minutes before slicing into. This helps lock in the juices.
- The garlic herb butter is optional but highly delicious!
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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8 Comments on “Denver Steak”
This was beautifully cooked, and the garlic butter served on top just took the whole dish to another level!
This was the most tender steak ever. Easy to make and just phenomenal. I am thinking to make this again for the Valentines Day dinner. Thanks for the idea.
This was a very easy way to make flavorful streak! Loved the way it tasted and how great the texture was. The butter was a great Touch
So glad to hear that! Thank you for the feedback.
Loved this one! Was so quick to make and perfect for work evenings. Served it with a salad and everyone raved.
So glad to hear that, Bella!
I love that garlic herb butter to top the steak! So delicious. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Me too, Gen! Thank you so much for writing a review.