Scrumptious Beef Shoulder Steak Recipes for Perfectly Tender Meat

Beef shoulder steak offers a flavorful, affordable cut that can be transformed into mouthwatering dishes when handled properly. Taken from the chuck primal located in the front of the cow, shoulder steak contains a good amount of collagen that must be broken down through moist cooking methods. With the right recipes, this wallet-friendly steak becomes succulent and juicy. Read on for some tantalizing beef shoulder steak recipes that will have you craving more.

What is Beef Shoulder Steak?

Beef shoulder steak, sometimes labeled as chuck shoulder steak, comes from the shoulder area of the cow. It’s a moderately tough cut since it gets a good workout during the animal’s life. While not naturally tender, it makes up for this in its affordability and brimming with beefy flavor.

Shoulder steaks contain a significant amount of collagen that must be converted to gelatin through wet cooking methods. This is what makes the meat tender. Braising, stewing, or slow cooking breaks down the tough connective tissues. With the proper preparation, shoulder steak can become fork-tender and juicy.

Benefits of Cooking with Beef Shoulder Steak

Here are some of the key benefits this cut offers:

Budget-Friendly Price

Shoulder steak costs less than premium cuts, making it ideal for family meals on a budget.

Rich Beefy Flavor

What it lacks in tenderness, it makes up for in big beef flavor.

Nutrient-Dense

Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals like iron, zinc, and B12.

Versatile Cut

Works well in stews, braises, skewers, fajitas, stir fries, and more.

Tenderizes Well

Responds beautifully to wet cooking methods, marinades, and seasoning.

Tips for Cooking Tender, Juicy Shoulder Steak

Use these helpful tips to get the most out of shoulder steak:

Look for Uniform Thickness

Choose steaks of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.

Trim Excess Fat

Trim thick outer pieces of fat before cooking to prevent greasiness.

Use Marinades and Wet Cooking

A marinade followed by braising, stewing, or slow cooking results in tender meat.

Don’t Overcook

Cook to medium or medium well at most to prevent drying out.

Let Meat Rest

Allowing it to rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute for tender, juicy meat.

15 Succulent Beef Shoulder Steak Recipes

Take your shoulder steak to new depths of flavor with these satisfying recipes:

1. Slow Cooker Steak Fajitas

Tender shredded steak with bell peppers and onions, ready for fun DIY taco night.

2. Braised Shoulder Steak in Wine Sauce

Steak seared then slowly braised in an herb-infused red wine sauce for incredible flavor.

3. Beef Shoulder Stir Fry

Thinly sliced steak strip stir fried with snap peas, peppers and teriyaki glaze.

4. Greek Grilled Shoulder Steak

Lemon and oregano marinade infuses steak with Greek flavors before grilling.

5. Beef Shoulder Steak Tacos

Spiced shredded steak piled high on warm tortillas with all your favorite taco toppings.

6. Beef Shoulder Steak Soup

Tender beef and vegetables simmered in a savory broth makes a comforting meal.

7. Beef Shoulder Steak Salad

Grilled steak served over greens with blue cheese, tomato and balsamic dressing.

8. Beef Shoulder Skewers

Juicy steak skewers with veggies and chimichurri sauce for backyard grilling.

9. Beef Stroganoff with Shoulder Steak

Tender pieces of steak in a creamy mushroom sauce served over buttery noodles.

10. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

A Chinese takeout classic - thinly sliced steak and broccoli in a savory brown sauce.

11. Thai Beef Curry

Spicy red curry with tender steak bites, peppers and bamboo shoots over jasmine rice.

12. Beef Shoulder Steak Chili

Hearty chunks of steak simmered in a flavorful chili loaded with beans and seasonings.

13. Beef Shoulder Steak Sandwiches

Tender steak layered on toasted rolls with caramelized onions, melted cheese and chimichurri.

14. Bourbon Beef Shoulder Steak

Steak marinated and cooked in a sweet bourbon glaze for finger licking flavor.

15. Beef Shoulder Steak and Rice

Juicy steak served with fresh stir fried veggies and garlic ginger rice for a one-pan meal.

Conclusion

With its deep beefy taste and benefit of being budget-friendly, shoulder steak is a stellar protein choice for weeknight dinners. While requiring a bit more preparation than naturally tender steaks, the payoff of succulent, richly flavored meat is worth it. With a range of global recipes from fajitas to stir fry, shoulder steak proves itself endlessly versatile. Get ready to enjoy this affordable cut in a whole new way!

FAQs

1. What is the best way to cook a beef shoulder steak?

Braising, stewing, grilling after marinating, or slow cooking are best to break down collagen for tender meat.

2. Is shoulder steak good for grilling?

Yes, it can be grilled after marinating to help tenderize. Cook over medium heat and don't overcook.

3. What's the difference between chuck steak and shoulder steak?

They come from overlapping areas and are fairly similar. Chuck steak is typically thicker while shoulder is thinner.

4. What is the best marinade for shoulder steak?

A marinade with oil, acid like wine vinegar, and spices works great. Let it soak 1-2 hours.

5. What are good sides for shoulder steak?

Rice, roasted veggies, mashed or baked potatoes, pasta, and salad pair nicely with shoulder steak.