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!

Denver steak.

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.

Ingredients for Denver steak.

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.

Raw Denver steak.

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.

Seasoned beef on plate.

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.

Steak with herb butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Denver steak a good cut?

Denver steak is a delicious and tender cut of meat.

Is is the same thing as a flat iron?

No, they are not the same thing. This steak is most similar to a New York strip steak or a ribeye.

Why is Denver steak cheap?

It is taken from a lower quality region of the cow. This makes it more affordable and cheap.

What does it taste like?

This steak is beefy! It is hearty and savory.

Where can you buy it?

Buy online or from a local butcher shop. I do not see it often in grocery stores or retailers.

Do I need to marinate it?

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.

DonenessCook TimeInternal Temperature
Rare2 minutes each side
120 degrees Fahrenheit

Medium Rare3 minutes each side
130 degrees Fahrenheit

Medium4 minutes each side
140 degrees Fahrenheit

Medium Well5 minutes each side
150 degrees Fahrenheit

Well Done6+ minutes each side
160+ degrees Fahrenheit

Medium rare steak on plate.

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 InstagramFacebook, 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.

Denver steak.

Get the Recipe: Denver Steak

This Denver steak is so tender, juicy and flavorful! This quick and easy recipe feels gourmet and restaurant quality. It takes less than 15 minutes total. Great for holidays, family dinners, meal prep and leftovers.
5 from 39 votes

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.
Calories: 434kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 46g, Fat: 40g, Saturated Fat: 16g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 20g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 100mg, Sodium: 1309mg, Potassium: 341mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 0.1g, Vitamin A: 370IU, Vitamin C: 0.5mg, Calcium: 20mg, Iron: 4mg

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