Kroger beef shaved steak is a tasty and affordable cut of meat that can be used in so many easy weeknight dinners. With just a few simple steps, you can take this versatile ingredient and turn it into a mouthwatering meal the whole family will love. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook Kroger beef shaved steak perfectly every time.
An Overview of Kroger Beef Shaved Steak
Kroger beef shaved steak is thinly sliced pieces of quality beef from the sirloin or ribeye primal cut. It comes pre-cut into thin slices making it perfect for quick cooking. The thin slices allow the meat to cook fast while developing that delicious caramelized crust we all crave.
I love using Kroger beef shaved steak because it’s an inexpensive option but still delivers tons of flavor. The meat has nice marbling throughout that keeps it tender and juicy after cooking. It’s also a very versatile cut of meat that takes well to all different cooking methods and pairs nicely with various seasonings and sauces.
Picking the Best Package of Kroger Beef Shaved Steak
Shopping for the right package of Kroger beef shaved steak is the first step to cooking up a great meal. Here are a few tips:
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Check the color Look for bright red lean meat with white fat marbling throughout. This indicates freshness.
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Don’t see excess liquid You don’t want to see blood pooling or an excessive amount of liquid in the packaging This means the meat is past its prime
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Look for uniform slices: The slices should all be relatively even for the most consistent cooking.
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Pick a size: Kroger beef shaved steak comes in a variety of portion sizes from 8oz packs up to family-size 1lb packs. Pick what suits your needs.
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Examine the expiration date: Make sure to check that the use-by or sell-by date has not passed.
Following these simple guidelines will ensure you select a high-quality package of Kroger beef shaved steak to work with.
Tips for Preparing Kroger Beef Shaved Steak
Proper preparation is key to drawing out the most flavor and texture from Kroger beef shaved steak. Here are some tips:
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Trim excess fat: Use a sharp knife to trim off any large sections of hard, white fat before cooking. A little fat left on is good for flavor and moisture.
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Pat dry: Blot the slices with paper towels to remove excess surface moisture. This helps achieve a nice sear.
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Season generously: Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper and any other spices or herb rubs you desire. Really season the meat well to boost the flavor.
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Let sit: After seasoning, let the meat rest for at least 15-30 minutes before cooking. This allows the spices and salt to penetrate deep for enhanced flavor.
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Drizzle with oil: Right before cooking, drizzle a small amount of olive oil or avocado oil over the slices. This adds richness and promotes browning.
Following this easy prep work will get the beef shaved steak ready to cook up juicy, flavorful and caramelized.
How to Cook Kroger Beef Shaved Steak to Perfection
Cooking Kroger beef shaved steak is quick and simple. With just 5-15 minutes of cooking time, you can have tasty, restaurant-quality steak. Here are three foolproof cooking methods:
Pan Sear
Pan searing is my favorite way to cook Kroger beef shaved steak. It leaves you with tender meat encrusted in flavorful, caramelized bits.
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Heat a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Add just a teaspoon of oil or butter.
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When the pan is very hot, add the slices of beef shaved steak in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.
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Cook for just 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
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If desired, add garlic, shallots or herbs to the pan and baste the steak as it cooks using the pan drippings.
Quick Grill
For pleasant summer evenings, throw the steak on the grill for delicious smoky flavor.
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Pre-heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F.
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Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
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Cook the steak slices for just 3-5 minutes per side.
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If using a gas grill, turn the steak diagonally across the grates to get those quintessential grill marks.
Broil
For an easy oven-cooked method, broiling is fast and effective.
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Preheat the oven broiler to high.
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Place steaks on a rimmed baking sheet or broiler pan.
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Broil 4-6 inches from heat, flipping once, until desired doneness, about 5 minutes total.
No matter which hands-off cooking method you choose, be sure not to overcook the Kroger beef shaved steak. Cook just until lightly charred on the outside and still nicely pink inside, about medium doneness. This ensures tender and juicy results.
Tips for Maximizing Flavor
There are lots of ways to infuse Kroger beef shaved steak with even more robust, complex flavors.
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Marinate the meat: Letting the steak sit for 2-12 hours in a marinade adds a ton of flavor. Try soy sauce, balsamic, garlic, spices and oil.
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Rub with spice blends: Spice rubs add so much richness. Good options include smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin and brown sugar.
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Sear in flavorful oils: Instead of plain vegetable oil, sear the meat in oils infused with chili, garlic or herbs for extra depth.
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Top with compound butter: Finish off the steak with a pat of flavored butter melting over top. Try lemon garlic, blue cheese or chimichurri butter.
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Serve with flavorful sauces: From chimichurri to peppercorn cream sauce, condiments can really bring the flavors alive.
Doneness Guide for Kroger Beef Shaved Steak
Since Kroger beef shaved steak cooks so quickly, it can easily go from perfect to overdone. Keep an eye on doneness by checking these visual cues:
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Rare: Bright red center, soft and quite transparent
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Medium Rare: Warm red center, more opaque but still tender
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Medium: Pink center with just a hint of brown around the edges
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Medium Well: Just a sliver of faint pink in the center
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Well Done: No pink remaining, firmer texture
For the most tender and juicy results, I recommend removing the Kroger beef shaved steak from the heat at medium doneness. This will account for carryover cooking as it rests.
Letting It Rest
After cooking the Kroger beef shaved steak, resist the urge to slice into it immediately. Letting it rest for 5-10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute so they don’t drain out when you cut into the meat. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
Slicing Against the Grain
An important step many home cooks miss is properly slicing beef shaved steak against the grain. This cuts through the meat fibers for the most tender texture with each bite.
Serving Suggestions for Kroger Beef Shaved Steak
The fun doesn’t stop after cooking Kroger beef shaved steak. You can transform it into so many easy, delicious meals. Here are just a few serving ideas:
- Steak tacos or fajitas with peppers and onions
- Open-faced steak sandwiches with caramelized onions
- Steak salad with blue cheese and balsamic dressing
- Philly cheesesteak sandwich piled high
- Steak and eggs breakfast skillet
- Steak and vegetable stir fry with rice
- Steak caprese salad with tomatoes and mozzarella
However you choose to serve it, Kroger beef shaved steak is a simple and budget-friendly cut of meat that delivers big, bold beefy flavor to any meal. With this complete guide to shopping, prepping and cooking techniques, you can enjoy delicious steak dinner even on a busy weeknight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to thaw frozen Kroger beef shaved steak?
For best results, thaw frozen Kroger beef shaved steak in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing helps maintain texture and moisture. Avoid thawing at room temp or in the microwave which can cause uneven cooking.
Can I marinate Kroger beef shaved steak overnight?
Absolutely! Letting the steak marinate in the fridge for 8-12 hours allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat. Just be sure your marinade is store-bought or contains no raw meat/eggs.
What is the healthiest way to cook Kroger beef shaved steak?
Grilling, broiling or pan searing without added oils are healthiest. These dry heat methods allow excess fat to drip away while developing delicious char flavor.
What sides go well with Kroger beef shaved steak?
Some delicious side options include roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, chimichurri sauce, sautéed mushrooms and a fresh green salad.
How long does Kroger beef shaved steak last in the fridge?
If continuously stored at 40°F or below, Kroger beef shaved steak should last 3-5 days in the refrigerator from the purchase date printed on the package. Cook or freeze within this window for best quality.