A shaved steak is a thin cut of beef that has been sliced into thin strips. It can be used for dishes like cheesesteaks, steak sandwiches, salads, tacos, and more. Keep reading to learn all about shaved steak including what it is, how it’s prepared, what cuts of beef to use, and how to cook it.
What Is Shaved Steak?
Shaved steak refers to thinly sliced pieces of beef. It is sometimes also called “chipped steak.” The slices are cut across the grain of the meat so that they are long and thin. Typical shaved steak slices are around 1/8 inch thick.
When served, the thin slices of steak drape across the plate or sandwich. The thin slices make the meat very tender since it cooks quickly. Shaved steak has a tendency to curl up on the edges when cooked.
How Is Shaved Steak Prepared?
Shaved steak is prepared by taking a solid cut of beef and slicing it paper thin. This requires a very sharp knife and some knife skills.
There are a few different ways that beef can be shaved into thin slices:
- Using a knife – A sharp carving or chef’s knife can be used to carefully slice the meat by hand. It takes some practice to get paper thin slices.
- Using a meat slicer – A commercial deli slicer is the easiest way to get perfect shaved steak. The meat slicer tightly holds the meat and shaves off flawless slices.
- Asking the butcher – Some grocery store butchers can slice cuts of beef into shaved steak. Just ask at the meat counter.
- Buying pre-sliced – Look for packaged shaved steak cuts sold at many grocery stores. These make preparation even easier.
What Cuts of Beef Work Best?
The most common cuts used for shaved steak are top round, bottom round, and top sirloin. Here are some details on the best beef cuts to use:
Top Round
Top round comes from the rear leg of the cow. It’s a lean, budget-friendly cut. When sliced thinly, top round becomes tender and is perfect for dishes like Philly cheesesteak.
Bottom Round
The bottom round sits below the top round on the rear leg. It works well for shaved steak since it is lean and low cost. Thinly slicing helps compensate for its natural toughness.
Top Sirloin
Top sirloin is taken from the hip and has good marbling. It can be a little pricier but provides great rich beefy flavor. Look for top sirloin cap or culotte for the most tender shaved steak.
How to Cook Shaved Steak
The thinness of shaved steak means it cooks up super fast. Shaved steak can be pan fried, grilled, broiled, or even eaten raw in dishes like beef carpaccio or tartare.
Here are some tips for cooking great shaved steak:
- Use high heat. You want the outside to sear quickly before the inside overcooks.
- Go for medium rare doneness at the most. Cook just until slightly pink in center.
- Slice across the grain of the meat. This makes it more tender.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Add a marinade, seasoning, or sauce to boost flavor.
- Stir constantly to prevent curling and burning.
Pan Frying
Pan frying is one of the quickest cooking methods for shaved steak. Use a skillet or grill pan with a little oil over high heat. Cook the steak strips for just 1-2 minutes per side. The meat will go from raw to medium rare very fast.
Grilling
To grill shaved steak, use a hot clean grill and place the slices directly onto the grates. Cook over direct high heat for about 1 minute per side. Make sure to stir and flip frequently as the slender pieces can overcook quickly.
Broiling
For broiling shaved steak, line a sheet pan with foil and spread the steak out in a single layer. Broil a few inches from the heating element for about 2-3 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Watch it closely to avoid overcooking.
Serving and Using Shaved Steak
The applications for shaved steak are endless. The thin slices make it perfect for sandwiches, tacos, pizza, salads, and more. It also soaks up sauces and marinades beautifully.
Some delicious ways to use shaved steak include:
- Cheesesteaks
- Steak sandwiches with cheese, onions, peppers, etc.
- Fajitas and tacos
- Steak salad with veggies and dressing
- Steak and eggs breakfast
- Pasta dishes like stroganoff or bolognese
- Stir fry with vegetables and rice
- Steak pizza
- Beef carpaccio
- Steak tartare
Pairings
Shaved steak pairs wonderfully with all kinds of cheeses like provolone, Swiss, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and blue cheese. Sautéed onions and bell peppers are also classic pairings.
For seasoning, fresh herbs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, chimichurri, and steak sauces all complement the flavor of beef.
This versatile cut works with all different cuisine styles. Use Italian dressing for steak salad or fajita seasoning for tacos. Get creative with global flavors!
Is Shaved Steak the Same as Steak Umms?
Steak Umms are a popular thinly sliced mystery meat product found in the frozen food aisle. They can seem similar to shaved steak but are not the same thing.
Here are some of the key differences between shaved steak and Steak Umms:
- Shaved steak is always made from quality beef cuts like sirloin, round, or chuck.
- Steak Umms contain a beef and meat blend that may include less desirable cuts.
- Shaved steak does not contain fillers, while Steak Umms often include binders and extenders.
- Shaved steak has a distinct grain from being sliced from a solid cut. Steak Umms have a more shredded look from being finely ground and formed.
- Shaved steak has a fresher flavor and texture. Steak Umms can be mushy and lack flavor.
While Steak Umms are a quick and convenient product, fresh shaved steak is the better option for flavor and quality.
Shaved Steak vs Ground Beef
| Shaved Steak | Ground Beef |
|---|---|
| Cut across the grain into thin slices | Ground into fine crumbs/mince |
| Has distinct grain and fiber | Fibers are broken down |
| Cooks very fast | Can take longer to fully cook |
| Only needs light seasoning | Benefits more from seasoning |
| Use for sandwiches, tacos, etc. | Better for burgers, meatballs, etc. |
| Shows the cut of steak used | Obscures cut used unless specified |
While both shaved steak and ground beef start from larger cuts, the processing method makes them very different products. Shaved steak showcases the whole muscle beef flavor and texture, while ground loses some of that character.
Shaved Steak Recipe Inspiration
Ready to try cooking up some shaved steak? Here are just a few of the many amazing recipes you can make:
Philly Cheesesteak
This American classic is the ultimate shaved steak sandwich. Load up thinly sliced beef with melty cheese, sautéed onions and peppers, and pile it all into a hoagie roll.
Steak Tacos
For amazing tacos, season shaved steak with smoky spices and stuff into warm corn tortillas. Top with typical taco fixings like salsa, guacamole, cheese, etc.
Steak Salad
Toss shaved steak with hearty greens, veggies, and a zesty dressing for the perfect summer salad entrée. Add some crumbled blue cheese for a flavorful touch.
Steak and Eggs
Shaved steak takes breakfast to the next level when paired with scrambled eggs. Round it out with toast or even potatoes for a mouthwatering morning meal.
Steak Stir Fry
Cook up shaved steak with your favorite stir fry vegetables and serve over rice for a quick and easy dinner. The thin slices cook in a flash.
Shaved Steak Storage
Freshly sliced shaved steak should be used as soon as possible for the best quality. Leftover cooked shaved steak also deteriorates quickly.
- Store raw shaved steak in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.
- Cooked shaved steak should be refrigerated and eaten within 3 days.
- Seal the meat tightly to prevent drying out and wrap in parchment then foil.
- Do not freeze raw shaved steak as the thin slices will suffer severe freezer burn.
- Cooked shaved steak can be frozen up to 2 months. Use freezer bags and remove as much air as possible.
- Reheat shaved steak very quickly in the skillet or microwave just until warmed through.
Where to Buy Shaved Steak
While you can slice your own steak at home, you can also find high-quality shaved steak at many grocery stores. Here are some places to buy pre-sliced shaved steak:
- Butcher counters and meat departments at grocery stores
- Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club
- Specialty meat shops and butcher markets
- Online meat delivery services like Omaha Steaks
When purchasing pre-sliced shaved steak, look for even thin slices with good marbling and color. Avoid packages with excessive liquid which indicates the meat has weeped moisture.
Is Shaved Steak Healthy?
Shaved steak can be a healthy protein option as part of a balanced diet. Here are some of the nutrition benefits of shaved steak:
- High in protein for building muscle. A 3 ounce serving provides over 25g protein.
- Source of important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B-vitamins.
- Typically leaner, with less saturated fat than other cuts of beef.
- Lower calorie than other meats when portion sizes are managed.
To make your shaved steak even healthier, choose top round or sirloin cuts which are the leanest. Remove any visible fat before cooking. Keep portions around 3-4 ounces.
Common Questions about Shaved Steak
Is shaved steak tender?
Yes, shaving steak makes it very tender and easy to chew. The thin slices don’t require much chewing. Look for cuts like top sirloin that are already tender before shaving.
How thin should shaved steak be?
For the best texture, shaved steak should be sliced around 1/8 inch thick. This provides a balance of being able to handle the meat while still cooking quickly.
Can you grill shaved steak?
Yes, shaved steak can be grilled but take care not to overcook the thin slices. Use high direct heat for just 1-2 minutes per side for medium rare doneness.
How long does shaved steak last?
Raw shaved steak lasts 2-3 days max in the fridge. Cooked shaved steak should be eaten within 3 days. It does not reheat well so meal prep with it carefully.
Conclusion
Shaved steak offers a quick cooking, ultra tender form of flavorful beef. It provides versatility to use for sandwiches, tacos, stir fry, and more. While easy to find pre-sliced, it can also be prepared at home from quality beef cuts. With its lean nutrition profile and endless recipe options, shaved steak makes a delicious addition to any meal.