Denver steak is one of my all-time favorite cuts of steak to grill. It's beefy, well-marbled, and budget-friendly. In this recipe, we're tenderizing it with a simple marinade, then tossing it on a ripping-hot grill for medium-rare perfection.
How To Make Grilled Denver Steak
For this grilled Denver steak recipe, I prepared a simple marinade, allowed the steak to marinade for a couple of hours, and then I grilled the steak over high heat until it hit an internal temperature of medium-rare.
The result?
One of the best grilled steaks that I've ever had.
The Ingredients (serving size: two people)
For the steak
- Denver steak (2 steaks). It's not easy to find Denver steak at the supermarket, so you'll probably have to go to your local butcher.
- Salt. (1 tsp). To season.
- Pepper (1 tsp). Freshly ground.
For the marinade
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup). Salty and umami-rich, soy sauce adds depth and savory flavor to the steak.
- Olive oil (3 tbsp). To help tenderize the meat.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced). For a savory flavor.
- Brown sugar (2 tbsp). To balance the salty and savory elements, and help create a caramelized crust when grilling.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp). Adds a bright acidity to balance out the other flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tbsp). Savory, sweet, and tangy.
- Pepper (1 tsp). Freshly ground.
The Directions
1. Make the marinade. Combine the soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper into a large bowl, and stir to combine.
2. Place Denver steak in the bowl of marinade, making sure all sides are well covered. Cover with plastic wrap, and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, and up to 4 hours. (You could also do this in a resealable plastic bag).
3. When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill to high heat (450F-500F)
4. While your grill is pre-heating, remove the steaks from the marinade, pat dry with a paper towel, and apply salt and pepper to both sides.
5. Place the steaks on your grill and cook until your desired doneness. For medium rare, this took 3-4 minutes per side and I pulled them off at 125F. (I also used the flat side my GrillGrates to achieve a beautiful crust).
6. When the steaks are done, let them rest for five minutes before slicing into them against the grain. Serve and ENJOY!
What Is Denver Steak?
Denver steak is a boneless cut of beef. It comes from just below the shoulder blade of a cow, from the chuck primal.
Denver steaks are tender and have a nice beefy flavor. They also have a good amount of marbling.
The Denver steak I picked up from my local butcher was 1" thick and weighed 10.4 ounces.
The best way to cook a Denver steak is on a grill over very high heat.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe brings out the best in a Denver steak. The marinade ingredients work together to boost the steak's natural flavors, making it even more delicious.
Budget-friendly. The Denver steak is like the best-kept secret of the steak world. It's got the fat marbling you'd find in high-end cuts like ribeye, offering a rich, juicy flavor, but it's way more affordable.
Perfect for the grill. When you grill this steak, the fat slowly melts into the meat, enhancing its flavor and juiciness. Plus, the marinade, with its mix of sweet, sour, and savory elements, complements the steak's taste before it even touches the grill.
Tender and juicy. Despite its low cost, the Denver steak is wonderfully tender, much like a hanger steak. When this steak is properly marinated and grilled, the result is an incredibly tasty, tender, and juicy piece of meat that is sure to impress.
Denver Steak Cooking Temperatures
I love my steaks cooked to a low medium-rare, just remember to always use a meat thermometer to ensure the most accurate readings.
- Rare. 120F
- Medium rare. 130F
- Medium. 135F
- Medium-well. 140F
- Well-done. 150F.
Also remember that steak will continue cooking after you remove it from the grill. So remove the steak 5 degrees lower than your desired doneness.
Read this guide on how long to grill a steak for more.
Denver Steak Tips For Success
- Marinade matters: Mix up your marinade by adding ingredients like fresh herbs or spices to.
- Use GrillGrates: You can see from my photos that I didn't use traditional grill grates that came with my grill. I used the reverse side of my GrillGrates, which basically acts as a very hot cast iron skillet. This allows the steak to develop a beautiful, golden brown crust.
- Use a meat thermometer. If you want your steak cooked to the perfect doneness every time, a meat thermometer is your best friend.
- Slice against the grain: When you're ready to serve your steak, cut it against the grain. This breaks up the muscle fibers and makes the steak easier to eat.
- Try a compound butter. While your steak is resting, top it with a pat of compound butter. Try a butter mixed with garlic and herbs or even something bold like blue cheese.
Denver Steak Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator storage. Cool the steak, then store it in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil for 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Freezing. You can freeze any leftover steak for up to 3 months in the fridge.
- Reheating. Thaw steak in the fridge if frozen, reheat in an oven set to low heat, and optionally sear on high heat in a pan for a crusty exterior.
Sides Dishes For Grilled Denver Steak
A flavorful side dish that adds a hearty and savory element to the meal.
A classic comfort food that pairs nicely with the steak.
A summer classic that goes perfectly with steak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Denver steak is a boneless cut of beef that comes from the chuck primal of a beef animal, which is below the shoulder blade. It's also referred to as a boneless short rib or the chuck under blade steak.
Slice Denver steak against the grain. This will make it more tender and easier to chew.
The best way to cook a Denver steak is over high heat, either on a grill, or in a cast iron skillet.
More Steak Recipes To Try
Grilled Denver Steak
Ingredients
For The Steak
- 2 Denver steaks
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For The Marinade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Make the marinade. Combine the soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper into a large bowl, and stir to combine.
- Place Denver steak in the bowl of marinade, making sure all sides are well covered. Cover with plastic wrap, and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, and up to 4 hours. (You could also do this in a resealable plastic bag).
- When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill to high heat.
- While your grill is pre-heating, remove the steaks from the marinade, pat dry with a paper towel, and apply salt and pepper to both sides.
- Place the steaks on your grill and cook until your desired doneness. For medium rare, this took 3-4 minutes per side and I pulled them off at 125F.
- When the steaks are done, let them rest for five minutes before slicing into them against the grain. Serve and ENJOY!
Legit one of the best steaks I've ever had. Denver steaks are so underrated. Unbelievable cut of meat. I usually don't like to marinate steak but this one was a keeper.
Glad you liked it, Mitch!
I am making this for tonight. Your recipe print out does not have the brown sugar listed on the marinade ingredients. Good thing I came back to the computer to read more about the recipe. As my print out does not list the brown sugar.
I'll post again and rate the recipe after I have grilled the Denver Steaks.
Thanks for catching that, Diane! I’ve just added it. Let me know how the Denver steaks come out – they’re some of my favorites!
What temp should the grill be
Hey Claire! Heat the grill to between 450-500 degrees!
Excellent marinade and grilling directions. Lazy Butcher in Evergreen had excellent Denver steaks and this was a perfect way to enjoy them.
Glad you liked it, Julie!