How to Cook Beef Shoulders

Perhaps you’ve seen a meat stall selling lean beef shoulder and wondered how this cheap piece of meat should be prepared. Lean pork shoulder is the meat near the neck of the cow that can be tough if not processed properly. Beef shoulder is best when cooked long and slow like in an oven, or in a quicker way like grilling or pan-frying. You can choose a cooking method that suits your cooking level, and you’ll see why beef shoulder is a delicious and popular piece of meat.

Table of Contents

Ingredient

Stewed beef shoulder

2 tablespoons cooking oil or canola oil
Salt and pepper for seasoning
1 kg to 1.5 kg lean beef shoulder
3/4 cup (180 ml) liquid
1 teaspoon or 1 tablespoon seasoning

Grilled beef shoulder

Lean beef shoulder
Salt and pepper to season the dish

Pan-fried beef shoulder

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, coconut oil or grapeseed oil
Salt and pepper to season the dish
Seasoning to marinate meat to your liking (optional)

Stewed beef shoulder

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/03/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-1.jpg/v4-460px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-1. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/03/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-1.jpg/v4-728px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step- 1.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Preheat the oven and marinate the meat. Preheat oven to 162 degrees Celsius. Put 2 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil in a large pot or thick cast iron pot. Heat oil over medium heat and sprinkle salt and pepper over the meat.

You can use a large cast iron skillet if you’re working on thin cuts of meat. ^{[1] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/2c/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-2.jpg/v4-460px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-2. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/2c/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-2.jpg/v4-728px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step- 2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Fry the meat. When the oil is hot and simmering, place the meat in the pot. The meat will sizzle as soon as it reaches the bottom of the pot. Sauté the meat over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Use tongs to flip the meat until golden on both sides. Remove the meat from the pot when the pan is done. Discard the remaining oil in the pan. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Wear heat-resistant gloves when frying meat, as hot oil can splash on your hands.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f3/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-3.jpg/v4-460px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-3. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f3/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step- 3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Pour liquid into pot. Pour into pot 3/4 cup liquid. The liquid will keep the meat moist as it cooks and also make the meat tender. You can try using one of the following liquids for stewing: ^{[3] X Research Source}

Beef or vegetable broth
Apple juice or cider
Cranberry juice
Tomato juice
Unsweetened wine mixed with broth
Water
1 tablespoon liquid seasoning such as barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, beef marinade, Worcestershire sauce (You can dilute liquid seasonings with water).

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/ec/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-4.jpg/v4-460px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-4. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/ec/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-4.jpg/v4-728px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step- 4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Mix in dry seasoning. To add more flavor to the stew, you can mix more dry spices as you like. Mix about 1 teaspoon of dry seasoning or 1 tablespoon of fresh seasoning. Try using spices like:

Basil
Herbes de Provence spice
Italian seasoning
Spicy marjoram leaves
Thyme

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/7e/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-5.jpg/v4-460px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-5. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7e/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-5.jpg/v4-728px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step- 5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Stew meat in a pot. Cover the cast iron pot with a heavy lid and place it in the oven. With 1-1.5 kg shoulder lean meat, you need to stew for about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. The meat will be completely tender when the stew is done and you can serve it up. If you check the temperature, the steak will come to 62 degrees Celsius if it’s undercooked, and 79 degrees Celsius if it’s cooked well. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

To test for tenderness, you can prick the meat with a fork. If the meat is already tender, you can skewer it easily.

Grilled beef shoulder

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/65/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-6.jpg/v4-460px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-6. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/65/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-6.jpg/v4-728px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step- 6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Turn on the oven and marinate the meat. If the grill is on the top of the oven, you need to move the oven rack about 10cm away from the heat bar. If the grill is in the sliding tray below, you do not need to adjust the oven rack. Turn on the oven while seasoning with salt and pepper on both sides of the meat. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

If you like, you can use any beef seasoning to flavor the dish.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0e/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-7.jpg/v4-460px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-7. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0e/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-7.jpg/v4-728px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step- 7.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Grill the meat on one side. Place the marinated meat on a baking sheet or baking pan and place under the grill. Depending on the thickness of the meat, you need to bake for about 7-9 minutes. If you like medium or rare, bake for 6-7 minutes. ^{[6] X Research Source}

Depending on the type of grill, you may need to open the oven door slightly to monitor the baking process.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/fa/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-8.jpg/v4-460px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-8. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/fa/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-8.jpg/v4-728px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step- 8.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Flip the meat over and grill the other side. Carefully use a fork or tongs to flip the meat. Place the steak back into the oven under the grill and bake for another 5-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. Check the meat temperature. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

If you like to eat rare, you should take the meat out of the oven when the temperature of the meat is 60 degrees Celsius. If you like medium cooked, you need to bake until the meat temperature reaches 70 degrees Celsius.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8a/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-9.jpg/v4-460px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-9. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8a/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-9.jpg/v4-728px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step- 9.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Let the meat “rest” and serve. Place the meat on a cutting board or plate. Cover the meat with aluminum foil in the shape of a tent and let it “rest” for about 5 minutes. This step will help the fibers redistribute the juice inside so it doesn’t run out when you cut the meat. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

The meat will decrease by 5 degrees from the time it is removed from the grill and after “resting”.

Pan-fried beef shoulder

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/81/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-10.jpg/v4-460px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-10. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/81/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-10.jpg/v4-728px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step- 10.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Turn on the oven and marinate the meat. Preheat the oven to 204 degrees Celsius. Season the meat with whatever seasoning you like. If you want to keep it simple, just season with salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to rub seasoning on both sides of the meat, as this will enhance the flavor of the dish and help brown the meat. Marinate so you can see the seasoning on the meat. You can also use: ^{[9] X Research Sources}

Cajun seasoning
Chimichurri
Teriyaki
Montreal Grilled Beef Seasoning

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8f/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-11.jpg/v4-460px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-11. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8f/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-11.jpg/v4-728px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step- 11.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Heat the pan. Heat a thick-bottomed pan (cast iron is best) over high heat. Add a few tablespoons of coconut oil, grapeseed oil, or vegetable oil to the pan. You need to heat the pan very hot so that the meat sizzles as soon as you put it in the pan and starts to turn brown.

Coconut oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil all have high boiling points, so they won’t burn when the pan is heated. Avoid frying meats with butter or olive oil, as they will burn.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/1c/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-12.jpg/v4-460px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-12. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/1c/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-12.jpg/v4-728px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step- 12.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Sauté both sides of the meat. Place the meat in the hot oil pan and sauté for 1-3 minutes. Carefully turn the meat over and sauté the other side for another 1-3 minutes. Both sides of the meat will be dark golden brown. The inside of the meat is almost raw, but you’ll be finishing the pan in the oven so it’s cooked evenly.

You can turn the meat several times while it is sautéing so that the meat is sautéed more evenly and golden faster. ^{[10] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/02/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-13.jpg/v4-460px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-13. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/02/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-13.jpg/v4-728px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step- 13.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Finish the pan-fried meat in the oven. Place both the pan and the meat in the preheated oven. Bake for 6-8 minutes or until the meat reaches the desired doneness. If you check the temperature, the meat will have a temperature of 62 degrees Celsius when eaten rare, and 79 degrees Celsius when fully cooked. Transfer the meat to a plate and let it “rest” for a few minutes before serving. ^{[11] X Research Source}

When the meat is “rested”, the juice inside will be evenly distributed.
Be sure to use a pan that can be safely used in the oven. Even if the pan is advertised as oven-safe, it’s still a good idea to check that the pan can withstand a temperature of 204 degrees Celsius in the oven.

Meat selection and dish presentation

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/c9/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-14.jpg/v4-460px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-14. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c9/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-14.jpg/v4-728px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step- 14.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Choose meat. If you’re buying meat to serve multiple people, you should try to choose small pieces that are about the same size. If you can’t find one, you can buy one or two large chunks of meat to cut into smaller pieces; This way the pieces of meat will cook evenly.

Lean beef may not be the right way, as this meat includes a lot of muscle in the shoulder area. Look for lean cuts of beef that don’t have a lot of fat and are uniform in thickness. ^{[12] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/6e/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-15.jpg/v4-460px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-15. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/6e/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-15.jpg/v4-728px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step- 15.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Meat preservation and handling. Try to cook fresh meat as soon as you buy it. If you can’t use it right away, you can keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days. To preserve meat, remove the meat from the wrap and place it on a plate (don’t use a plastic dish). Cover the dish slightly so that air can enter. Put the meat in the meat compartment in the refrigerator or put it on the bottom shelf to prevent the juices from dripping on other foods. ^{[13] X Research Source}

When handling and storing raw meat, it is important not to mix, touch or store raw meat with cooked meat. You need to store raw and cooked meat in separate compartments and use separate cutting boards when wrapping and preparing meat.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/fa/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-16.jpg/v4-460px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-16. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/fa/Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step-16.jpg/v4-728px-Cook-Chuck-Steak-Step- 16.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Clean up the food. Traditionally, lean beef shoulder is served with potatoes (mashed or grilled) and mixed vegetables. If you want a little variation, you can serve lean beef with cabbage salad, grilled vegetables, sautéed mushrooms. You can also serve the beef shoulder with any sauce (barbecue, pesto, hplandaise, or mixed butter). ^{[14] X Research Source}

You can also thinly slice the meat to serve with sautéed vegetables and rice, or wrap it in a tortilla to make fajitas.

Ingredient

Stewed beef shoulder

Grilled beef shoulder

Pan-fried beef shoulder

Steps

Stewed beef shoulder

Grilled beef shoulder

Pan-fried beef shoulder

Meat selection and dish presentation

Related Posts