Chip steak is a very thinly sliced cut of beef. It’s made by freezing the meat and then slicing it very thinly. The slices most often come from the round or sirloin parts of the cow, though other cuts are also used nowadays. Because it’s so thin, it cooks on a hot pan in seconds.
Chip steak is popular because it’s cheap, versatile, and cooks quickly. You can use it in various dishes, from cheesesteak sandwiches to stir-fries packed with veggies and meat, or even tossed into a salad for some extra protein. Although it’s usually cut from less expensive types of beef, the thin slices help it cook fast and stay tender.
The Origin of Chip Steak
In 1936, William Dubil, a Czecho-Slovak butcher from Pomona, California, inadvertently discovered chip steaks. It accidentally happened when some bottom round beef froze near the refrigerator coils. Dubil sliced the tough bottom round beef into paper-thin slices. To his surprise, these thin slices didn’t go bad. Instead, they thawed out into juicy, fresh-looking meat. Dubil figured out that slicing the meat this way broke down the fibers much like grinding would. Seeing the potential, Dubil patented the technique and partnered with William Thomas Carpenter to bring it to the market.
Visit Time Magazine’s Archive for the full story on this fascinating discovery and its impact on the meat industry.
What Are the Other Names for Chip Steak?
Other popular names for chip steak in the United States are sizzle steak, minute steak, and sandwich steak.
Where to Buy Chip Steak?
Chip steak is available in the frozen section of most grocery stores or at local butchers. Online beef stores are a good option for bulk purchases.
Alternatively, making chip steak at home is straightforward; simply freeze a piece of beef and slice it thinly.
Chip Steak Meal Ideas
Chip steak is great for more than just sandwiches. Here are some other great ways to enjoy chip steak:
- Mexican Recipes: Chip steak fits perfectly into Mexican cuisine. Try it in burritos, tacos, or quesadillas for a tasty twist.
- Salads: Add thinly sliced chip steak to your salad for a quick and flavorful protein boost. It cooks fast and adds a delicious, meaty taste to any salad mix.
- Breakfasts: With its quick cook time, chip steak is also a great choice for breakfast. Serve it with eggs for a filling and protein-packed meal.
Cooking Tips: Because chip steaks are thin, they cook best quickly over high heat. A minute or two in a hot cast iron skillet or on the grill is usually enough, depending on how you like it.
Discover Other Steak Cuts
Expand your knowledge of beef cuts similar to chip steak with these comprehensive guides: