Shaved Beef Recipes: How to Make the Most of It

Looking for quick and tasty meal ideas? Shaved beef recipes might be just what you need! These thin slices of beef are taking home kitchens by storm, and it’s easy to see why. Shaved beef cooks in minutes, works in dozens of dishes, and makes meal prep a breeze. Whether you’re whipping up a classic Philly cheesesteak or trying something new, shaved beef recipes offer endless possibilities for delicious meals without the long cooking times.

In this post, we’ll explore what shaved beef is, where to find it, and share some amazing shaved beef recipes that will have your family asking for seconds. From quick weeknight dinners to impressive weekend meals, you’ll discover just how versatile this ingredient can be!

What is Shaved Beef?

Shaved beef is exactly what it sounds like – beef that’s been cut into paper-thin slices. These super-thin cuts cook incredibly fast and soak up flavors beautifully. You might find it sold under different names at your local grocery store or butcher shop:

• Chip steak
• Sandwich steak
• Minute steak
• Shaved steak
• Beef shavings

Unlike thicker cuts like steak strips or stir-fry beef, shaved beef is much thinner – often just 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick. This thinness is what gives shaved beef recipes their signature tender texture and quick cooking time.

You can buy pre-packaged shaved beef at most grocery stores in the meat section. Many butchers will also shave beef for you if you ask. If you want to make it at home, partially freeze a chunk of beef (like sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye) for about 30 minutes, then use a very sharp knife to slice it as thinly as possible.

Why Shaved Beef Makes for Great Meals

There are so many reasons to love cooking with shaved beef recipes! Here’s why this ingredient deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation:

Super fast cooking time: Shaved beef cooks in literal minutes – sometimes just 2-3 minutes total! This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.

Budget-friendly: Because it’s sliced so thin, a little shaved beef goes a long way. You can stretch a pound to feed a whole family, especially when mixed with vegetables or served in sandwiches.

Works with any flavor: From Asian-inspired stir-fries to Italian sandwiches, shaved beef soaks up whatever seasonings you pair it with, making it incredibly versatile across different cuisines.

Perfect for meal prep: Cook up a batch of seasoned shaved beef on Sunday, and you’ll have the starter for multiple meals throughout the week – tacos, salads, rice bowls, and more!

Essential Tips for Cooking with Shaved Beef

Before diving into specific shaved beef recipes, let’s cover some important tips that will help you get the best results:

Proper Handling Techniques

• Keep shaved beef cold until ready to use
• Separate the slices before cooking
• Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture
• Season just before cooking for best flavor

Ideal Cooking Temperatures

For most shaved beef recipes, high heat is the way to go. A hot pan will give you a nice sear while keeping the meat tender. Aim for 375-425°F when using a skillet.

How to Avoid Overcooking

The number one rule with shaved beef recipes: cook it briefly! Because it’s so thin, shaved beef only needs about 1-2 minutes per side. It will cook properly when it just loses its pink color – any longer and it can become tough.

Best Seasonings and Marinades

Shaved beef loves bold flavors! Try these winning combinations:

• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder (simple but delicious)
• Soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger for Asian-inspired dishes
• Italian herbs, garlic, and olive oil for Mediterranean flair
• Lime juice, cumin, and chili powder for Mexican recipes

Cooking Methods: Stir-Frying vs. Searing

Stir-frying: Great for mixing with vegetables. Keep everything moving in the pan continuously.

Searing: Better for sandwiches like cheesesteaks. Let the meat sit untouched for 30-60 seconds to develop a nice crust before flipping or stirring.

Classic Shaved Beef Recipes

Philly Cheesesteak

Nothing showcases shaved beef better than the iconic Philly cheesesteak! This beloved sandwich is easier to make at home than you might think.

Authentic ingredients:

• 1 pound shaved beef
• 1 sliced onion
• Bell peppers (optional)
• Provolone or Cheez Whiz
• Hoagie rolls

Step-by-step cooking process:

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
2. Sauté onions and peppers until soft, about 5-6 minutes
3. Push vegetables to one side and add shaved beef
4. Cook beef for 2-3 minutes, chopping with a spatula as it cooks
5. Mix beef with vegetables, add salt and pepper
6. Place cheese on top to melt
7. Pile the mixture into toasted hoagie rolls

Pro tip: For restaurant-quality results, warm your rolls in the oven while cooking the filling, and don’t overload the pan when cooking the beef – work in batches if needed.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This takeout favorite becomes a 15-minute meal when you use shaved beef recipes instead of thicker cuts!

Key ingredients:

• 1 pound shaved beef
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

For the sauce:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Cook the beef first (about 2 minutes), remove it from the pan, then cook the broccoli and aromatics. Add the sauce ingredients and return the beef to the pan. The entire dish comes together in less than 15 minutes!

Beef Stroganoff with Shaved Beef

Traditional beef stroganoff can take over an hour, but shaved beef recipes cut that time dramatically!

For the creamy sauce:

• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 1 diced onion
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons flour

Sauté the mushrooms and onions first, then add the shaved beef for just 2-3 minutes. Make the sauce in the same pan and serve over egg noodles for a comforting dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

International Shaved Beef Recipes

Asian-Inspired Recipes

Shaved beef is a star in many Asian cuisines, where thin-sliced meats are prized for their tender texture.

Korean Beef Bulgogi: Marinate shaved beef in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes. Sear quickly in a hot pan and serve over rice with kimchi.

Japanese Gyudon (Beef Bowl): Simmer shaved beef with sliced onions in a sweet-savory broth of soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. Serve over hot rice with a soft-boiled egg on top.

Chinese Hot Pot additions: Raw shaved beef is perfect for hot pot meals – the thin slices cook instantly when dipped in hot broth at the table.

Mediterranean Shaved Beef Recipes

Shaved beef recipes shine in Mediterranean cooking too!

Beef Shawarma wraps: Season shaved beef with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon. Cook quickly and wrap in warm pita with tomatoes, cucumber, and garlicky yogurt sauce.

Greek beef pitas: Cook shaved beef with oregano and lemon, then stuff into pita pockets with feta cheese, diced cucumber, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce.

Italian beef sandwiches: Simmer shaved beef in herbed beef broth with Italian seasonings, pile onto crusty rolls, top with provolone, and dip in the cooking broth.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Shaved Beef

Already cooked too much shaved beef? No problem! Here are some tasty ways to use the leftovers:

Breakfast options:

• Shaved beef and cheese omelets
• Breakfast burritos with beef and eggs
• Beef hash with potatoes and bell peppers

Snack ideas:

• Loaded nachos with beef, cheese, and jalapeños
• Stuffed potato skins with beef and sour cream
• Beef sliders on dinner rolls

Reinvented dinners:

• Mix into fried rice with peas and carrots
• Stuff into bell peppers with rice and cheese
• Fold into creamy pasta dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does shaved beef last in the refrigerator? Raw shaved beef should be used within 1-2 days of purchase. Cooked shaved beef will last 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Can you freeze shaved beef? Yes! Raw shaved beef freezes well for up to 3 months. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

What’s the best way to defrost shaved beef? The safest method is in the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, place the sealed package in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.

What can I substitute for shaved beef in recipes? If you can’t find shaved beef, try:

• Thinly sliced deli roast beef
• Frozen Steak-umm products
• Thinly sliced sirloin steak
• Ground beef (for some applications)

Conclusion

From quick weeknight dinners to meal prep magic, shaved beef recipes offer endless possibilities for delicious meals without the fuss. Whether you’re making a classic Philly cheesesteak, trying an international dish like bulgogi, or creating a healthy stir-fry, shaved beef delivers tender, flavorful results in minutes.

Next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a package of shaved beef and try one of these recipes! Your family will love the flavor, and you’ll love how quickly dinner comes together.

Have you tried cooking with shaved beef before? What’s your favorite shaved beef recipe? Share your ideas and cooking tips in the comments below – we’d love to hear how you make the most of this versatile ingredient!