Blade steak is a slightly less popular beef cut that is sometimes confused with flat iron steak. In this guide, you will learn exactly how beef blade steak is cut, where it comes from on the cow, its alternative names, and some interesting facts about it.
What is Blade Steak?
The blade steak comes from the square-cut chuck primal area on a cow, specifically from the top blade cut. You can recognize this steak by the connective tissue that runs through its center. It is typically a less expensive cut of beef and, in our opinion, underrated, but it has a rich beef flavor and, when properly cooked, can be very, very tender.
What is the Difference Between Top Blade Steak and Flat Iron Steak?
Both cuts come from the same muscle but differ in how they are cut. Flat iron steak is cut along the grain, while blade steak is cut against the grain. The result is two steaks that are completely different in shape, size, and thickness. Both cuts have the same flavor and texture but require slightly different cooking techniques.
If you prefer your steak without connective tissue, choose a flat iron steak, but be prepared for a much higher price for this cut.
Other Names for Blade Steak
Beef blade steak is also known as:
- boneless top chuck steak,
- top blade steak
- book steak,
- butler steak,
- oyster blade steak, or just oyster steak,
- petite steak.
Where Does Blade Steak Come From on a Cow?
Blade steak is cut against the grain from the top blade muscle in the chuck area of the cow, which is why the visible sinew will always be in the center of the steak.
The chuck primal is an area known for cuts with a rich beef flavor, but most of the cuts from this area are tough. Beef blade steak is the exception.
Blade Steak Nutrition
| Nutrition | Portion size: 3 oz = 85 g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 187 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10.5 g |
| Protein | 23.4 g |
| Zinc | 7.99 mg |
| Potassium | 318 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.323 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 4.2 µg |
Nutrition facts based on cooked 3-oz beed blade steak (choice-grade).
Data source: USDA.
Blade Steak FAQs
Is blade steak good?
If you enjoy the rich flavor of beef, you’ll love blade steak. Remember that blade steak comes from a cow’s second most tender muscle. The only downside to this cut is the long connective tissue that runs along the entire center of the steak. Besides that, blade steak is a delicious, tender steak available at a reasonable price.
Is blade steak expensive?
Blade steak is not as popular as premium cuts like ribeye or filet mignon, so it is typically less expensive. It falls within the middle to lower price range. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that the final price can vary depending on the grade of beef and where you buy the steak.
Discover Other Beef Cuts
Discover other beef cuts that are just as interesting, tasty, and lesser-known as blade steak. Here are a few examples to get you started: