Recipes From The Ranch: The Underrated Steak You Need to Try — Perfecting the Chuck Eye at Home

When it comes to beef, chuck eye steak is often called the “poor man’s ribeye.” That’s because it comes from the same primal cut—the chuck roll, located right next to the ribeye section. While it’s more affordable, chuck eye still carries that rich, beefy flavor and marbling that makes for a satisfying steak. At Six 9 Ranch, our Wagyu Angus cross chuck eye steaks are tender, full of flavor, and an underrated cut that deserves a spot on your table.

Why Choose Chuck Eye?

Chuck eye offers a bold, beef-forward flavor that makes it ideal for simple, rustic meals. When cooked properly, it can rival more expensive cuts. The key is to treat it with care: chuck eye has enough marbling to keep it juicy, but it benefits from the right cooking technique to maximize tenderness.

Preparing Your Steak

• Bring to Room Temperature: Take your steak out of the fridge 30–40 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.

• Season Generously: Keep it simple—coarse salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. Chuck eye has big flavor; you don’t need much more.

• Optional Marinade: If you want to take it up a notch, marinate in olive oil, soy sauce, and fresh herbs for 2–4 hours before cooking.

The Best Cooking Method: Cast Iron Skillet + Butter Baste

Chuck eye is at its best when seared hot and finished with a quick butter baste. Here’s how:

1. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat until smoking hot. Cast iron is ideal.

2. Add oil with a high smoke point (like avocado or canola oil).

3. Sear your steak for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until a golden-brown crust forms.

4. Add butter, garlic, and fresh thyme to the pan. Tilt the skillet and spoon the melted butter over the steak for another 1–2 minutes.

5. Check internal temperature: Aim for 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.

6. Rest before slicing: Let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes under foil to lock in juices.

Serving Suggestions

Slice thin against the grain and serve with roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, or a fresh ranch salad. Chuck eye also makes a hearty addition to steak sandwiches.

The Six 9 Ranch Difference

Our Wagyu Angus cross beef brings extra marbling and tenderness to this underrated cut. With a chuck eye steak from our ranch, you’ll taste the difference that careful breeding, sustainable practices, and ranch-raised quality make.

Ready to try a chuck eye steak for yourself? Our Wagyu Angus cross beef boxes are now available — raised right here at Six 9 Ranch in the foothills of Alberta. Order now here and taste the difference of locally raised, ranch-quality beef.