Satisfyingly Simple Shaved Beef Recipes

17 Feb Satisfyingly Simple Shaved Beef Recipes

Shaved beef, also known as thinly sliced beef, opens up a world of possibilities regarding quick and easy meals. Shaved beef cooks lightning fast with its thin cut while retaining immense flavor. It provides home cooks with an incredibly versatile ingredient to incorporate into tacos, sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, and more. Keep reading to discover satisfyingly simple shaved beef recipes to add to your regular dinner rotation.

What is Shaved Beef?

Shaved beef consists of skinny slices prepared by “shaving” thin pieces off a larger cut of meat. It resembles deli-style roast beef in texture. Common cuts for shaved beef include top round, eye of round, bottom round, and top sirloin. These lean cuts lend themselves well to being sliced paper-thin without compromising tenderness. While you can ask your butcher to custom slice beef, shaving yourself at home is easy. With a sharp knife and steady hand, you can transform a roast into ready-to-cook shaved beef within minutes.

Benefits of Cooking with Shaved Beef

Shaved beef offers several advantages that make it a smart choice for home cooking:

• Quick cooking – The beef cooks in just 2-3 minutes with thin slices. This makes shaved beef ideal for weeknight meals when time is limited.
• Versatility – Shaved beef is the ultimate versatile ingredient, used in everything from Asian stir-fries to fajitas to Italian dishes.
• Lean and tender – Common cuts for shaved beef come from naturally tender, lean areas of the cow. Even when cooked quickly, the beef stays tender with a moderate fat content.
• Easy prep – No tedious knife work needed! Place a roast in the freezer for 30 minutes until firm but not frozen. Then, slice it thinly across the grain.
• Lower cost – Buying a giant roast and shaving it yourself costs less than purchasing pre-sliced deli beef.

So, if you’re looking for an easy way to put hearty, healthy beef meals on the table quickly, shaved beef is sure to satisfy. Let’s look at some sensational ways to use it.

Satisfying Shaved Steak Salad

This protein-packed salad makes for a mouthwatering meatless main or side. The combination of textures and flavors will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shaved beef
• 5 oz baby arugula
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1⁄2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1⁄2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine arugula, tomatoes, red onion, feta, and avocado in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, and honey in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over salad and toss until evenly coated.
4. Heat a skillet over high heat. When hot, add shaved steak and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned outside but still pink inside.
5. Top salad with warm, juicy shaved steak. Serve immediately.

The sharp arugula and creamy avocado pair perfectly with the savory steak in this satisfying salad. Drizzled with the zesty Dijon dressing, it makes for a sensational meal full of contrasting flavors and textures.

Zippy Shaved Steak Fajitas

These sizzling fajitas come together quickly but deliver an explosion of Southwestern flavor. Wrapped in a warm tortilla, they make for a fun weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shaved beef
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
• Toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese, etc.

Instructions:

1. Combine 1 Tbsp oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well to form a paste.
2. Rub spice mixture all over the shaved steak slices to coat evenly.
3. Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add peppers and onion. Cook 5 minutes until beginning to soften. Transfer to a plate.
4. Increase heat to high. Add marinated shaved steak to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until browned with a little pink remaining inside.
5. Return veggies to skillet and cook 1 minute more until heated through.
6. Serve steak and veggie mixture atop warm tortillas with desired toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese, etc. Enjoy!

With quick-cooking shaved steak, homemade fajitas can be a breezy weeknight meal. The peppers and onions lend vibrant color and flavor to balance out the hearty beef. Serve them up sizzling with all your favorite Mexican toppings.

Lightning Quick Cheesesteak Hoagies

These easy cheesesteak sandwiches are a quick weeknight dinner that still nail all the classic flavors you love from a Philly cheesesteak.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shaved beef
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 hoagie rolls, split
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• Optional toppings like mushrooms, banana peppers, etc.

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and pepper and cook 5 minutes until soft. Transfer to a plate.
2. Add shaved steak to the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until no longer pink.
3. Pile steak and cooked veggies atop each hoagie roll. Top each with a slice of provolone cheese.
4. Place sandwiches open-faced under the broiler 1-2 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.
5. Remove from the oven, close sandwiches, and serve hot with additional toppings. Enjoy!

With quick-cooking shaved steak, juicy peppers, onions, and melted cheese, these satisfying sandwiches can be on the table in under 30 minutes. They deliver the classic Philly flavors you crave on busy weeknights.

Fresh and Fruity Shaved Steak Salad

This fresh salad pairs juicy summer fruits with savory shaved steak for a sweet, tangy flavor experience, unlike any other salad you’ve tried.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shaved beef
• 6 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup strawberries, thinly sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 mango, peeled, pitted and diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1⁄4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1⁄4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing:

• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp lime juice
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, mustard, salt and pepper for dressing. Set aside.
2. Heat a skillet over high heat. Add shaved steak and cook 2-3 minutes until just browned but still pink inside. Let cool 5 minutes then slice into thin strips.
3. In a large bowl, combine greens, strawberries, blueberries, mango, avocado, pine nuts and feta.
4. Add sliced steak and drizzle dressing over top. Toss gently to coat evenly.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, savory flavors!

The combination of juicy summer fruits and tender shaved steak makes this salad craveable. The lime dressing provides the perfect tangy complement to the sweet fruits and savory beef. It’s sure to become your new favorite summer salad.

Hearty Shaved Steak & Potato Soup

This stick-to-your-ribs soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender shaved steak and potatoes in a rich, herb-infused broth.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shaved beef
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups beef broth
• 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

 Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrots and garlic. Cook 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add flour and cook 2 minutes more, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually whisk in broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Add potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
6. Meanwhile, heat a skillet over high heat. Add shaved steak and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned but still pink inside. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
7. Remove bay leaves from soup. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth and creamy.
8. Stir in cooked shaved steak pieces. Simmer 5 more minutes to heat through.
9. Ladle hearty soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy!

This comforting soup is like a warm hug on chilly nights. The combination of tender beef and creamy potato puree can’t be beat. For extra nutrition, feel free to add other veggies like peas or green beans.

Easy Shaved Steak Banh Mi

This Vietnamese-inspired sandwich combines the big flavors of quick-cooked shaved steak, pickled veggies, spicy Sriracha mayo, and fresh cilantro. It takes the classic banh mi to tasty new heights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shaved beef
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp Sriracha
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 individual baguettes, split lengthwise
• 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp Sriracha
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, peeled into ribbons
• Small handful of cilantro leaves

Instructions:

1. Combine soy sauce, 1 tsp Sriracha, and olive oil in a bowl. Add shaved steak and toss to coat.
2. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add marinated steak and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned but pink inside. Slice into thin strips.
3. Mix mayonnaise and 1 Tbsp Sriracha in a small bowl. Spread inside each baguette.
4. Layer steak slices, cucumber, carrots, and cilantro onto the bottom half of each baguette.
5. Close sandwiches and serve warm. The sweet, sour, spicy flavors are incredible!

With seasoned shaved steak, crisp fresh veggies, spicy Sriracha mayo and bright cilantro, these sandwiches pack some serious flavor punch. The quick-cooking steak lets you enjoy a taste of Vietnam without spending all night in the kitchen.

The Takeaway on Cooking with Shaved Beef

Shaved beef offers a quick, convenient way to enjoy satisfying beef meals any night of the week. The thin slices cook up lightning-fast while delivering incredible tenderness and a big, beefy flavor. With endless possibilities for globally-inspired shaved beef recipes, shaved steak is sure to earn a regular spot in your meal planning. Whether you craft cheesesteak sandwiches, steakhouse salads, Asian stir-fries or more, shaved beef helps you get hearty, healthy dinners on the table fast.

FAQs

What is the best cut of beef to use for shaved steak?

The top round, eye of round, and top sirloin are ideal cuts for shaving into thin slices. They are naturally lean and tender. The bottom round also works well.

What’s the easiest way to slice beef thinly at home?

Place the roast in the freezer for 30-60 minutes until firm but not solid. Remove and slice very thinly against the grain using a sharp knife. Take your time and slice slowly for even cuts.

How do I cook the shaved steak to perfection?

Cook over very high heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This seals the outside while keeping the inside rare to medium rare. Be sure not to overcook, or it will toughen.

Can I marinate shaved steak?

Absolutely! The thin slices allow the beef to soak up marinades very quickly. For the best flavor, let it marinate for 15-30 minutes.

What sides go well with shaved steak recipes?

Rice, pasta, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread are natural pairings. You can also serve shaved steak over fresh greens for a hearty salad.