Secret steak sitting right next to premium cuts… and no one buys it 👀
Smoko for the lads yesterday
When it comes to steak, most people instinctively reach for well-known premium cuts like ribeye or filet mignon, but there are hidden gems lurking right next to these favorites that deserve equal attention. Cuts like the chuck eye and Denver steak are often overlooked in butcher shops, yet they offer excellent marbling and robust flavor at a fraction of the price. From my personal experience, buying a chuck eye roll and having your butcher break it down into individual chuck eye and Denver steaks can yield about 20 usable steaks—making it an economical choice for steak lovers. These cuts come from the shoulder area, which is a bit tougher than traditional steak cuts but rewards careful trimming and cooking. Trimming is crucial. For instance, removing the hard, bright yellow fat—not appealing in appearance—helps make the steak more palatable. The muscle inside is well-marbled, which means more juiciness and flavor when cooked properly. To avoid chewiness, slicing the steaks a bit thinner works wonders. Cooking these steaks requires a bit of patience and technique. I recommend grilling or pan-searing them to medium-rare and letting them rest before slicing. Because these cuts are rich in connective tissue, methods that allow slow cooking or slicing thin help make them tender. Cooking these hidden cuts is also a great way to impress friends during a casual gathering or "smoko"—a break with mates featuring hearty, flavorful food. Incorporating lesser-known cuts into your cooking repertoire not only saves money but also makes for an exciting culinary adventure. If you're keen on trying these cuts, ask your butcher for chuck eye roll and Denver steak specifically, or whether they can cut some steaks from the chuck roll. Preparing them yourself allows you to customize thickness and trimming to your taste, turning an undervalued muscle into a dinner highlight.


















































