Cross Rib Steak Recipes That Impress Every Time

The cross rib steak, also known as the chuck shoulder center steak, is a hidden gem in the world of beef cuts. It’s a flavorful and affordable cut that’s perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or slow cooking.

Although it’s a bit tougher than premium cuts like ribeye or sirloin, when prepared correctly, it becomes tender and juicy with a rich beefy flavor that’s truly satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned steak lover or just looking to explore new beef recipes, cross rib steak offers a versatile and delicious option that’s sure to impress.

In this post, we’ll dive into multiple mouth-watering cross rib steak recipes, exploring different methods and flavor profiles. From classic grilling to slow-cooked dishes, you’ll find everything you need to turn this modest cut into a star on your dinner table.

Let’s get started and discover why cross rib steak deserves a spot in your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cross rib steak is a fantastic choice for many reasons. First, it’s budget-friendly without compromising on flavor.

This cut comes from the shoulder area of the cow, which means it has great marbling and a robust taste. With the right cooking techniques, it becomes wonderfully tender, making it ideal for both quick meals and slow-cooked dishes.

Additionally, cross rib steak is incredibly versatile. You can grill it, pan-sear it, braise it, or even use it in stews and stir-fries.

Its bold beef flavor stands up well to marinades, rubs, and sauces, allowing you to customize the taste to suit your preferences. It’s a perfect steak cut for those looking to explore more affordable yet delicious beef options.

Ingredients

• 2 cross rib steaks (about 8 ounces each, 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for marinade)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for rub)

Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or grill pan
• Tongs for flipping steak
• Meat thermometer (recommended for perfect doneness)
• Mixing bowl for marinade or rub
• Aluminum foil for resting the steak
• Sharp knife for slicing

Instructions

1. Prepare the steaks: Pat the cross rib steaks dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a good sear.
2. Season or marinate: For a simple seasoning, rub both sides with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and smoked paprika if using. Alternatively, marinate the steaks in olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat your skillet or grill pan: Heat over medium-high heat until very hot. You want a surface that’s almost smoking to get a nice crust.
4. Sear the steaks: Place the steaks on the hot pan and cook without moving for about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes for medium-rare doneness. Adjust timing for your preferred doneness.
5. Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium.
6. Finish with butter: During the last minute, add butter to the pan and spoon the melted butter over the steaks for extra richness.
7. Rest the steaks: Remove from heat, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy steak.
8. Slice and serve: Cut against the grain into thin slices and serve with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

“For the best texture, marinate the cross rib steak overnight. This helps tenderize the cut and infuses it with flavor.”

• Slow Cooker Cross Rib Steak: Brown the steaks on both sides, then place in a slow cooker with beef broth, onions, garlic, and herbs. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender. Great for shredded steak sandwiches.
• Grilled Cross Rib Steak: Marinate with olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and chili powder for a zesty twist. Grill over medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes per side.
• Stir-Fry Variation: Thinly slice the steak and marinate briefly in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry with vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas for a quick, flavorful meal.
• Use a Dry Rub: Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a smoky crust.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Cross rib steak pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic steakhouse experience, serve with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic potatoes and steamed green beans or asparagus.

A fresh chimichurri sauce or garlic butter makes a perfect accompaniment to enhance the beef’s flavor.

For something lighter, pair the steak with a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan. Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms also complement the steak beautifully.

Conclusion

Cross rib steak is a versatile and flavorful beef cut that deserves more recognition in your kitchen. Whether you choose to grill, pan-sear, slow cook, or stir-fry, this cut offers a satisfying and budget-friendly way to enjoy steak night.

With the right preparation and seasoning, cross rib steak can be tender, juicy, and packed with rich beef flavor.

Experiment with different marinades, rubs, and cooking methods to find your favorite way to enjoy this cut. It’s a fantastic option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ready to explore more delicious beef recipes? Check out our Classic Ribeye Steak Recipe, Slow Cooker Beef Stew, and Garlic Butter Steak Bites for more inspiration!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Cross Rib Steak Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and tender cross rib steak cooked to perfection with simple seasoning. Perfect for a quick and hearty meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1.5 lbs cross rib steak”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 teaspoon salt”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “1 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped”, “1 tablespoon butter”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/4 cup beef broth”, “1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season the steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add olive oil to the skillet and sear the steak for 4-5 minutes per side.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add butter, garlic, and rosemary to the skillet and baste the steak.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat to medium and cook for another 5-7 minutes until desired doneness.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove steak and let rest for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Deglaze skillet with beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, simmer for 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slice steak and serve with the pan sauce.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “35 g”, “fatContent”: “18 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “2 g”}}