The short answer is yes, you can use chuck eye for steak. Chuck eye steak, sometimes labeled as “delmonico steak,” comes from the ribeye primal cut and contains good marbling which helps make it flavorful and tender when cooked properly. While it may not be considered the most premium steak cut, chuck eye can make an excellent and more budget-friendly alternative to ribeye.
What is chuck eye steak?
Chuck eye steak comes from the chuck section of a cow, specifically the complexus muscle of the chuck primal cut, located in the upper ribcage region behind the shoulders. This is the same muscle where ribeye steaks are cut from further back on the rib section.
Compared to other chuck cuts like chuck roast or chuck shoulder steak, the chuck eye is more tender and resembles ribeye in texture and flavor due to its fine marbling. While it contains less marbling than a true ribeye, the fat content gives chuck eye steak good flavor and juiciness when grilled or pan-seared.
Where is chuck eye steak located?
The chuck eye steak is cut from the complexus muscle of the chuck primal, which is located behind the shoulders of the cow in front of the rib primal section. It sits adjacent to the ribeye muscle but is separated from the rib primal by the shoulder blade bone.
This placement means the chuck eye steak has similarities to ribeye in texture and taste while still being considered a chuck cut.
How to cook chuck eye steak
Chuck eye steak should be cooked using high-heat fast cooking methods like grilling, broiling, or pan searing to medium rare doneness. This helps render the fat and develops the flavor.
Grilling
Grilling is a great option for cooking chuck eye steak. Try these tips:
- Bring steak to room temperature before grilling.
- Season liberally with salt and pepper or a steak seasoning.
- Grill over high heat for 3-5 minutes per side for medium rare doneness.
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pan searing
Pan searing chuck eye steak on the stovetop is another excellent option:
- Pat steak dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a cast iron or heavy stainless steel pan over high heat until smoking.
- Add just enough oil to coat the pan.
- Cook 3-5 minutes per side until browned.
- Baste with butter the last 1-2 minutes if desired.
- Let rest 5 minutes then slice against the grain.
Broiling
For broiling chuck eye steak:
- Position oven rack 6 inches from heating element and preheat broiler.
- Season steak well with salt and pepper.
- Place on a broiler pan and broil 5-7 minutes per side for medium rare.
- Rest steak 5 minutes then slice and serve.
The key with any high-heat cooking method is not to overcook chuck eye steaks past medium or medium rare at most. Cooked longer than that, it will become tough and dry.
How to prepare chuck eye steak
Here are some tips for getting chuck eye steak ready to cook:
- Trim excess fat: Chuck eye will have some fat running through it but you can trim off any large hard pieces on the edges.
- Cut into portions: Steak sizes can range from 6-12 oz. Cut into portions before seasoning and cooking.
- Salt in advance: For extra moisture and flavor, salt the steaks lightly and allow to rest for up to 40 minutes before cooking.
- Pat dry: Make sure to pat the steaks dry with a paper towel before cooking to help with browning.
Chuck eye steak vs ribeye
So how does chuck eye steak compare to traditional ribeye?
| Chuck Eye Steak | Ribeye Steak | |
|---|---|---|
| Location on cow | Chuck primal near shoulder | Rib primal section |
| Marbling | Moderate marbling | Heavy marbling |
| Flavor | Good beefy flavor | Very rich, robust flavor |
| Tenderness | Fairly tender | Very tender |
| Cooking methods | Grill, pan sear, broil | Grill, pan sear, broil |
| Cost | More affordable | Higher cost |
The main differences are that ribeye will have more extensive marbling resulting in richer flavor and more tenderness. Chuck eye offers good flavor and tenderness at a lower cost but may be slightly chewier than premium ribeye.
When to choose chuck eye
Chuck eye steak is a great choice when you want a steak with nice marbling but don’t want to splurge on pricier cuts. Its hearty beefy flavor pairs well with bbq rubs and sauces.
When to choose ribeye
If you want the most buttery, flavorful steak experience, choose ribeye. The extra marbling gives ribeye a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ribeyes are perfect for serving upscale steak dinners or occasions.
What to serve with chuck eye steak
Here are some tasty options for sides and sauces to serve alongside grilled or pan seared chuck eye steak:
Side dish ideas
- Baked potato or mashed potatoes
- Roasted new potatoes
- Garlic herb butter rice pilaf
- Caesar salad
- Grilled asparagus
- Sautéed mushrooms
Sauce ideas
- Steak sauce
- Chimichurri
- Peppercorn sauce
- Balsamic glaze
- Garlic herb butter
Pairing chuck eye steak with a rich side dish like cheesy mashed potatoes or a fresh salad and zippy sauce makes for a well-rounded steak dinner.
Key tips for cooking chuck eye steak
Follow these tips when cooking chuck eye steak for the best results:
- Bring steak to room temp before cooking.
- Generously season with salt, pepper, garlic, or steak rub.
- Use high heat to quickly sear the exterior.
- Grill or pan sear for 3-5 minutes per side.
- Cook no higher than medium rare doneness.
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Slice across the grain.
Conclusion
While chuck eye steak may not be as prestigious as ribeye, it can make an excellent and more budget-conscious alternative. With its nice marbling and beefy flavor, chuck eye steak performs admirably when grilled, pan seared or broiled medium rare. Use high heat, generously season, and avoid overcooking for the best results. Serve alongside hearty sides and sauces for a satisfying steak dinner. Though not equal to premium ribeye, chuck eye steak is an affordable and tasty cut suitable for a wide range of everyday steak meals.