4 easy ways to cook a great top blade steak recipe
Table of Contents
Introduction: Top Blade Steak Recipe
Did you know that 78% of home cooks overlook the top blade steak, despite it being one of the most flavorful and economical cuts available? This underappreciated cut from the shoulder of the cow (chuck) offers remarkable tenderness and rich, beefy flavor when prepared correctly. Need something hearty? Get delicious ideas for top blade steak recipe and enjoy savory results. Try it tonight! Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply want to elevate your weeknight meals, mastering the art of cooking top blade steak can transform your culinary repertoire. This post will guide you through four foolproof methods that bring out the best in this versatile cut.
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Ingredients List: Top Blade Steak Recipe
For our basic top blade steak recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 top blade steaks (approximately 8oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Possible Substitutions:
- Replace olive oil with avocado oil for a higher smoke point
- Substitute dried herbs (1 teaspoon each) if fresh aren’t available
- Ghee can replace butter for those with dairy sensitivities
- For a spicier version, add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
The marbling in flat iron steak, top blade cut, grilled top blade provides a naturally buttery flavor that melts beautifully during cooking.
Timing: Top Blade Steak Recipe
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes (15 minutes if marinating)
- Cooking Time: 6-12 minutes (varies by method)
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
This top blade steak recipe can be prepared 30% faster than traditional roasts while delivering comparable flavor profiles.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Method 1: Pan-Searing
Prepare the Steak
Remove your steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear.Season Generously
Rub both sides with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. The oil helps seasonings adhere and promotes caramelization.Heat the Pan
Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking. A properly preheated pan is crucial for developing that restaurant-quality crust.Sear to Perfection
Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare (internal temperature of 135°F). Add butter, rosemary, and thyme during the last minute, basting the steak continuously.Rest Before Serving
Let the steak rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing against the grain. This allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a dramatically more tender bite.
Method 2: Grilling
Preheat Your Grill
Heat to medium-high (approximately 450°F). Clean and oil grates to prevent sticking.Season the Steak
Follow the same seasoning method as above, ensuring even coverage.Grill with Precision
Place the flat iron steak, top blade cut, grilled top blade on the hottest part of the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.Rest and Slice
Allow the steak to rest before slicing thinly against the grain.
Method 3: Broiling
Position the Rack
Place oven rack 4-6 inches from the broiler element and preheat for 5 minutes.Prepare a Broiling Pan
Line with foil for easier cleanup, then place seasoned steaks on top.Broil Carefully
Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.Rest Before Serving
Allow 5 minutes resting time before slicing.
Method 4: Slow Cooking
Brown the Steaks
Sear both sides in a hot pan for 2 minutes each to develop flavor.Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place steaks in the slow cooker with 1/2 cup beef broth, sliced onions, and additional herbs.Cook Low and Slow
Set to low for 6-7 hours until fork-tender.Reduce the Sauce
Optional: Strain cooking liquid and reduce on stovetop for a rich sauce.
Nutritional Information: Top Blade Steak Recipe
Per serving (4oz cooked portion):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 16g (6g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg (without added salt)
- Iron: 15% of daily recommended intake
Research shows top blade provides 20% more iron than equivalent portions of chicken breast, making this top blade steak recipe an excellent choice for boosting essential minerals.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Reduce oil to 1 tablespoon and use a non-stick pan to lower fat content by 30%
- Marinate in citrus juice to tenderize naturally with fewer calories
- Use herbs and spices more liberally to enhance flavor without sodium
- Pair with roasted vegetables instead of traditional starchy sides
- For a lower-calorie meal, serve sliced over a large salad with light vinaigrette
Serving Suggestions
- Slice thinly and serve with chimichurri sauce for an Argentinian flair
- Pair with roasted fingerling potatoes and grilled asparagus
- Create steak sandwiches with arugula and horseradish sauce on crusty bread
- Serve alongside a bright citrus salad to balance the rich flavors
- For family-style dining, present on a wooden board with various sauces for dipping
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: 65% of home cooks report overcooking their steaks. Use a meat thermometer for precision.
- Skipping the rest: Cutting immediately releases juices, resulting in a drier texture.
- Insufficient seasoning: Season generously; proteins require more salt than you might expect.
- Cold steak: Starting with refrigerator-cold meat leads to uneven cooking.
- Wrong cutting technique: Always slice against the grain to ensure tenderness.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Refrigerate leftover cooked steak within two hours, tightly wrapped or in an airtight container
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and safety
- For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe packaging
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator rather than at room temperature
- Reheat gently at low temperature to prevent toughening
Conclusion: Top Blade Steak Recipe
Mastering the top blade steak recipe opens up a world of culinary possibilities, from quick weeknight dinners to impressive entertaining options. This versatile cut rewards proper preparation with exceptional tenderness and flavor, proving that premium taste doesn’t require premium pricing. Whether you prefer the smoky char of grilling or the controlled precision of pan-searing, these four methods ensure delicious results every time. Give your next meal a flavor upgrade by applying these techniques, and discover why professional chefs consider the top blade a “secret weapon” in their culinary arsenal. What top blade steak recipe will you try tonight?
FAQs
Can I substitute top blade with another cut?
While flat iron steak, top blade cut, grilled top blade offer unique qualities, flank steak or chuck eye can work with adjusted cooking times.
Do I need to remove the center gristle?
Ideally, yes. Ask your butcher to remove it or cook using methods that allow long enough cooking to soften it.
What’s the best doneness level for top blade steak?
Medium-rare (135°F) is optimal for balancing tenderness while breaking down connective tissue.
Can I marinate top blade steak?
Absolutely! A 2-4 hour marinade enhances flavor, though this cut is naturally flavorful without it.
Is top blade steak keto-friendly?
Yes, with zero carbohydrates, it’s perfect for ketogenic and low-carb diets.
Share your review with our community!
Nice article
I really enjoyed this article! It’s clear, informative, and gives a lot of flexibility depending on what ingredients you have or your dietary preferences. I liked the tips on customizing the flavor—it really helps make it taste like the real thing. Would love to see more step-by-step photos or maybe a video in the future, but overall, great job! Thanks for sharing this.