Spicy Cast Iron Chuck Eye Steak Delight
Indulge in the succulent flavors of our Spicy Cast Iron Chuck Eye Steak Delight. Cherished for their incredible tenderness and affordability, chuck eye steaks are a hidden gem often called the 'poor man's rib-eye.' This recipe highlights the steaks with a bold homemade spice rub that brings a vibrant kick to every bite. Ideal for outdoor grilling, this dish transforms your backyard into a steakhouse. Enjoy them seared to perfection on a cast iron pan with aromatic spices sizzling away, creating a smoky flavor that will elevate your weekday dinner or weekend barbecue to new heights. Pair with your favorite sides and relish a robust, mouthwatering steak meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chili Powder
1/2 cup (dry)
Ground Cumin
1 tablespoon (dry)
Dried Coriander
1 tablespoon (dry)
Cayenne Pepper
1 teaspoon (dry)
Dry Mustard
2 teaspoons (dry)
Dried Oregano
2 teaspoons (dry)
Salt
1 tablespoon (dry)
Ground Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (dry)
Chuck Eye Steaks
4 pieces (1/2 - 3/4 inch thick)
Olive Oil
to taste (for brushing)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, mix together the chili powder, ground cumin, dried coriander, cayenne pepper, dry mustard, dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper to create a robust spice rub.
2
Preheat your cast iron pan over high heat. If grilling, prepare your grill to reach a steady temperature of around 425°F.
3
Generously apply the spice rub to one side of each of the chuck eye steaks, ensuring even coverage, followed by a light brushing of olive oil to help the spices adhere.
4
Once the cast iron pan is hot, carefully place the steaks with the rub side down, cooking them for 5 to 7 minutes or until the exterior is nicely blackened.
5
Flip the steaks and cook on the unused side for an additional 8 to 10 minutes for medium-rare doneness, adjusting time as needed for thicker cuts or desired levels of doneness.
6
After cooking, remove the steaks from heat and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful dining experience.
7
Slice and serve with your favorite sides, letting the bold flavors shine through with each bite.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chuck eye steak?
A chuck eye steak is a flavorful and tender cut of beef often referred to as the poor man's rib-eye due to its high quality and lower price point.
Why is this recipe called a delight?
It is called a delight because it combines the succulent flavors of tender steak with a bold, homemade spice rub that creates a vibrant kick.
What ingredients are in the spice rub?
The spice rub consists of chili powder, ground cumin, dried coriander, cayenne pepper, dry mustard, dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper.
How do I prepare the spice rub?
In a medium bowl, mix together all the dry spices until they are well combined to create a robust seasoning for the steaks.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What temperature should the grill be?
If you are using a grill, you should prepare it to reach a steady temperature of approximately 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why use a cast iron pan?
A cast iron pan is used to sear the steaks at high heat, which creates a smoky flavor and a perfectly blackened exterior.
How do I apply the spice rub to the steaks?
Apply the spice rub generously to one side of each chuck eye steak, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
Why is olive oil used in this recipe?
Olive oil is brushed onto the steaks after applying the spice rub to help the spices adhere to the meat during cooking.
Which side of the steak should I cook first?
You should place the steaks in the hot cast iron pan with the spice-rubbed side facing down first.
How long do I cook the first side of the steak?
Cook the steaks on the rub side for 5 to 7 minutes until the exterior becomes nicely blackened.
How long do I cook the second side for medium-rare?
After flipping, cook the second side for an additional 8 to 10 minutes to reach a medium-rare level of doneness.
Is it necessary to let the steaks rest?
Yes, letting the steaks rest for about 5 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring they remain tender and flavorful.
What thickness should the chuck eye steaks be?
The recipe recommends using chuck eye steaks that are between 1/2 and 3/4 inch thick.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the combination of chili powder, cayenne pepper, and dry mustard gives the steaks a vibrant and spicy kick.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the rub?
You can adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder used in the rub.
What gives the steak its smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from searing the aromatic spices in a hot cast iron pan or on an outdoor grill.
Is this dish suitable for outdoor cooking?
Yes, it is ideal for outdoor grilling and is perfect for a backyard barbecue or summer meal.
What are some suggested sides for this steak?
You can serve these steaks with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients including the steaks, oil, and various spices.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chili powder to create a substantial amount of rub.
What is the role of dry mustard in the rub?
Dry mustard adds a sharp, tangy depth to the spice profile that complements the beef.
Can I cook these steaks to a different level of doneness?
Yes, you can adjust the cooking time on the second side to reach your preferred level of doneness, such as medium or well-done.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include steak, grilled, cast iron, chuck eye, spicy, bbq, and affordable steak.
Why are chuck eye steaks considered a hidden gem?
They are considered a hidden gem because they offer a similar flavor and texture to rib-eye steaks but at a much lower cost.
How do I know the pan is hot enough?
The pan should be preheated over high heat until it is extremely hot, which ensures a good sear and blackening.
What type of cumin is used?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of ground cumin for the spice rub.
Can I make the spice rub in advance?
Yes, you can mix the dry spices ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you are ready to cook.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is categorized as a robust and mouthwatering comfort food meal for meat lovers.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to mix all the dry spices together in a medium bowl to create the robust spice rub.