Braised Chuck Steak

3h 30m
Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Season both sides of the chuck steak liberally with kosher salt.
  2. 2Season both sides of the chuck steak liberally with black pepper.
  3. 3Place the seasoned chuck steak in a dry pan over medium heat.
  4. 4Sear the steak for about 5 to 6 minutes until a nice crusty sear forms on one side.
  5. 5Flip the steak and sear the other side until it looks just like the first side.
  6. 6Set the seared chuck steak aside to rest.
  7. 7If there's too much fat in the pan, blot out a little extra with a paper towel, but do not remove the fond.
  8. 8Turn the heat to low.
  9. 9Add one rough chopped onion, 8 to 10 sliced garlic cloves, some thyme leaves, and some rosemary leaves to the pan.
  10. 10Cook the aromatics, using them to scrub off the fond stuck to the bottom of the pan.
  11. 11Once the aromatics soften, add a quarter cup of balsamic vinegar to the pan.
  12. 12Reduce the balsamic vinegar until it transforms from a hot vinegar smell to a sweet syrup.
  13. 13Add about a cup of chicken stock or beef stock to the pan.
  14. 14Add one large can of San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand, to the pan.
  15. 15Rinse the empty tomato can with water and add the rinse water to the pan.
  16. 16Reduce the entire mixture in the pan by about half its volume.
  17. 17Return the chuck steak and any resting juices to the pan.
  18. 18Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil or a lid.
  19. 19Transfer the pan to a 325-degree oven for about three hours.
  20. 20After removing it from the oven, ensure the steak shreds apart easily with two forks.
  21. 21Cover the steak back up and let it rest for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1 ea chuck steak
  • Kosher salt
  • black pepper
  • 1 ea onion, chopped
  • 8 to 10 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 2 sprigs thyme leaves
  • 1 sprig rosemary leaves
  • 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup chicken stock or beef stock
  • 1 large can San Marzano tomatoes, crushed

Equipment

pantongsbaking sheetpaper towelaluminum foilovenforks

Tips

  • When searing, ensure the pan is hot enough for the steak to sizzle; if it doesn't, remove it and wait for the pan to heat up more.
  • Do not get rid of the beautiful brown fond created in the pan after searing the steak.
  • When reducing balsamic vinegar, it should go from smelling like hot vinegar to a nice sweet syrup.
  • Always remember to rinse the can when using canned tomatoes.
  • After removing from the oven, ensure the chuck steak shreds apart easily with two forks.
  • Let the steak rest for 20-30 minutes after taking it out of the oven.