Shoulder steak turns an everyday barbecue into the star of the show, its generous marbling soaking up a bright mix of lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a touch of smoked paprika. As it hits a blazing hot grill, each slice sizzles and sears, picking up a whisper of caramelized char on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside. In what feels like no time at all, you will be slicing into shoulder steak that melts in your mouth and fills the table with smiles. Serve it with grilled vegetables or a light salad and enjoy a fuss free feast that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This shoulder steak
- Incredibly tender and juicy with every bite.
- Simple marinade enhances natural flavors beautifully.
- Perfect for grilling, making it a summer favorite.
- Budget-friendly cut that doesn’t skimp on taste.
- Versatile for various dishes, from tacos to salads.

shoulder steak
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Pat the Steak Dry – Start by patting the shoulder steak dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- Step 2: Season the Steak – Rub olive oil evenly over both sides of the steak. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Step 3: Heat the Pan – Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s smoking hot.
- Step 4: Sear the Steak – Add the steak to the pan and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Adjust the time for your preferred doneness.
- Step 5: Add Flavor – In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add butter, rosemary, and thyme to the pan. Spoon the melted butter over the steak for extra flavor.
- Step 6: Rest and Serve – Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. Slice against the grain and serve. Enjoy your delicious shoulder steak!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 0g |
Ingredients
Gather these flavorful ingredients for a delightful shoulder steak experience!

- shoulder steak – 1–1.5 lb
- salt – 1 tsp
- black pepper – 1 tsp
- garlic powder – ½ tsp
- olive oil – 2 tbsp
- fresh rosemary – 1 sprig
- fresh thyme – 1 sprig
- butter – 2 tbsp
How to Make Shoulder Steak
This easy grilled shoulder steak recipe is perfect for a delicious meal. With a preparation time of 10 minutes, cooking time of 10 minutes, and an additional resting time of 5 minutes, you’ll have a juicy steak ready to impress!

Step 1: Pat the Steak Dry
Start by patting the shoulder steak dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear.
Step 2: Season the Steak
Rub olive oil evenly over both sides of the steak. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s smoking hot.
Step 4: Sear the Steak
Add the steak to the pan and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Adjust the time for your preferred doneness.
Step 5: Add Flavor
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add butter, rosemary, and thyme to the pan. Spoon the melted butter over the steak for extra flavor.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. Slice against the grain and serve. Enjoy your delicious shoulder steak!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5 minutes resting |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | With fresh herbs and sides |
Pro Tips for Making shoulder steak
- Marinate your shoulder steak overnight for maximum flavor.
- Let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes after grilling to retain juices.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness; aim for 130°F for medium-rare.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in your marinade for a unique twist.
- Slice against the grain for tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
How to Serve this shoulder steak
- Slice the shoulder steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Serve it with a fresh chimichurri sauce for a zesty kick.
- Pair with grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a colorful plate.
- Enjoy it on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for a hearty meal.
- Top with sautéed mushrooms and onions for an extra layer of flavor.
- Wrap in warm tortillas with avocado and salsa for a delicious steak taco.
- Complement with a refreshing side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
- For a fun twist, serve it in a sandwich with your favorite toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your shoulder steak leftovers is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the steak to cool to room temperature.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place it in an airtight container for extra protection.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
- Wrap the cooled steak in plastic wrap, then in foil.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Use a skillet over medium heat for even warming.
- Add a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist.
- Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Is shoulder steak a good cut?
Shoulder steak is considered a flavorful and economical cut of beef. It comes from the shoulder area of the cow, which means it has a good amount of connective tissue that can make it tough if not cooked properly. However, when marinated and grilled, it can be incredibly tender and juicy, making it a great choice for a delicious meal.
2. What’s the best way to cook beef shoulder steak?
The best way to cook beef shoulder steak is to marinate it for a few hours or overnight to help tenderize the meat. After marinating, grilling it over medium-high heat is ideal, as it allows for a nice sear while keeping the inside juicy. You can also use a cast-iron skillet or broil it in the oven if grilling isn’t an option.
3. What are shoulder steaks used for?
Shoulder steaks are versatile and can be used in various dishes. They are perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or slow-cooking. You can slice them for fajitas, use them in stir-fries, or serve them as a main dish with sides. Their rich flavor makes them a great addition to any meal.
4. What steak is cut from the shoulder?
The shoulder steak is cut from the chuck section of the cow, which is located near the shoulder. This area is known for its rich flavor and is often used for cuts like chuck eye steak and flat iron steak. These cuts are typically more affordable and can be just as delicious when cooked properly.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this easy and delicious shoulder steak recipe in your back pocket, it’s time to fire up the grill and create some mouthwatering memories! The tender, marinated beef is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy every juicy bite, and remember, cooking should always be fun and rewarding!

