Recipes

The Best Chuck Eye Steak + Tips for Carnivore and Keto Diets

Prep Time
60 mins
Servings
2
Jump to Recipe

Chuck eye steak is a mix of tenderness, affordability, and a fat-to-protein ratio ideal for low-carb diets like Keto and Carnivore. Whether you grill it, pan-sear it, or slow-roast it, you will learn tips to make rich, juicy steaks without breaking the bank! You will also learn the differences between chuck steak, chuck eye steak, and ribeye, plus Keto-friendly cooking tips to get the best results without special cooking skills.

What Is Chuck Eye Steak?

Chuck eye steak is cut from the front shoulder of the cow, just next to the ribeye. It is part of the chuck primal, but it is far more tender than a chuck roast because it is closer to the rib section.

This makes it both budget-friendly and tasty, which is perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or quick roasting.

Many confuse chuck steak with chuck eye steak. The key difference is that chuck steak is usually a tougher, thicker cut used for slow cooking, while the chuck eye is more tender and suitable for fast-cooking methods.

About 1-2 steaks per cow come from the chuck eye section. Chuck eye steak has:

  • Has a rich marbling, which improves its taste
  • Moderate tenderness (best medium-rare to medium)
  • 1-1.5 inch thickness, suitable for pan-searing or grilling

If you are still confused about chuck eye, chuck roast, and ribeye, check the table below that compares them:

Learn More: Carnivore Diet Recipes: Steak and Sausage Omelette with Cheese

Chuck Eye Steak Table 1

Why Chuck Eye Steak Is Perfect for Keto and Carnivore?

Low-carb, animal-based diets like Keto and Carnivore provide energy and satiety from high-fat, high-protein cuts. Chuck eye steak is one of the best cuts with its ideal fat-to-protein ratio, providing flavor, nutrition, and affordability.

Unlike leaner cuts like sirloin, chuck eye provides enough fat for Keto macros while keeping protein high. This makes it great for those doing intermittent fasting or making low-carb meals.

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Its richness also means fewer side dishes are necessary because it is yummy and filling, which makes it perfect for nutritious Carnivore meals.

A 6 oz (170 g) cut of cooked chuck eye steak provides:

  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0 g

You can also compare the nutrients in 3 popular cuts: chuck, eye steak, ribeye, and sirloin.

Learn More: Steak and Eggs Recipe: Carnivore & Keto Eggs Benedict Steak

Chuck Eye Steak Table 2

Because of its high fat content, chuck eye steak keeps you full longer on a Carnivore and Keto Diet. It also reduces cravings and improves flavor when cooking without added oils.

Now that we know the basics about chuck eye steak, let’s learn how to cook it the best way. You can also use these free Carnivore Diet Recipes for more low-carb and zero-carb meal ideas.

Learn More: Carnivore Steak Bowl Recipe: A Yummy Source of Fat & Protein

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How to Cook The Best Chuck Eye Steak?

All the steps of making 2 servings of chuck eye steak take less than an hour. You need 10 minutes for preparation, 30-45 minutes for dry brine, about 7 minutes for cooking, and about 5 minutes for the steak to rest before serving.

Each serving of this mouth-watering and nutritious dish provides about:

  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0 g

Ingredients

  • 2 chuck eye steaks (~8 oz each)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp beef tallow or unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

Learn More: Carnivore Diet Steak and Bacon Salad with Cheese and Cream

Instructions

  1. Season the steaks with salt and pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes (or refrigerate 1-24 hours).
  2. Remove the steaks from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.
  3. Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking.
  4. Add tallow or butter and sear the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side until a crust forms.
  5. Tilt the pan and spoon melted fat over the steaks for 1-2 minutes per side. (Add smashed garlic/herbs if using).
  6. Remove the steaks from the pan, tent with foil, and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.
  7. Slice against the grain and sprinkle with finishing salt.
  8. Enjoy!

Learn More: 10+ Best Carnivore Recipes for Every Occasion [Zero-Carb]

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Tips to Make the Best Chuck Eye Steak

  1. 1-1.5 inches thick is ideal. Thinner cuts dry out fast.
  2. Grass-fed meat has leaner fat, more omega-3s, but grain-fed is richer and marbled.
  3. You can try the reverse sear option. Slow cook at 120°C (250°F) to an internal temperature of 45°C, then sear for 1-2 minutes per side.
  4. Dry brine beats marinades and enhances natural beef flavor without adding sugar or carbs.
  5. Resting is essential; do not skip it because it prevents juice loss.
  6. The medium-rare pull temperature is 52-54°C (125-130°F).
  7. Avoid nonstick pans because they do not let the crust form.

Learn More: Beef Fat on a Carnivore Diet: What Can You Use It For & How?

Buying Guide

  • Look for rich marbling and deep red color.
  • Choose 1-1.5-inch thick steaks for the best results.
  • Expect $7-10 per pound, depending on the region and quality.
  • Chuck eye steaks are rare. Ask your butcher in advance.
  • Use beef chuck steak if chuck eye is unavailable, but adjust cooking (slow braise is a good method).

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Variations

While this is one of the best methods to make chuck eye steak, you can also try the following recipes. Also, check these Carnivore Diet Recipes for more meal ideas.

1. Carnivore Butter-Basted Chuck Eye

  • Ingredients: 2 steaks, 2 tbsp tallow, a pinch of salt
  • Method: Sear and baste with tallow only.
  • Time: 15 minutes
  • Calories: 460 kcal per serving

Learn More: 80/20 Ground Beef Nutrition Facts and Calories for Carnivore

2. Keto Garlic-Herb Chuck Eye

  • Ingredients: 2 steaks, 2 tbsp butter, 2 garlic cloves, 2 sprigs thyme, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper
  • Method: Sear, baste with garlic/herbs.
  • Time: 20 minutes
  • Calories: 470 kcal per serving

3. Air Fryer Chuck Eye Steak

  • Ingredients: 2 steaks, 1 tsp olive oil, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper
  • Method: Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F), cook for 7 minutes each side.
  • Calories: 460 kcal per serving

Learn More: 15 Best Zero Calorie Drinks for Keto and Carnivore Diets

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FAQs

Let’s also answer the most frequently asked questions about chuck eye steak.

Is Chuck Eye Steak Tender?

Yes, it is more tender than regular chuck but less tender than ribeye. It is best cooked medium-rare to medium.

What Is the Difference Between Chuck Steak and Chuck Eye Steak?

Chuck steak is tougher and usually used for braising, while chuck eye is closer to ribeye and better for quick-cooking methods like grilling or pan-searing.

Can You Grill Chuck Eye Steak?

Yes, preheat the grill to high, sear for 2-3 minutes per side, and let it rest.

Learn More: How to Make Smoked Ribeye Roast for Carnivore and Keto Diets

Is Chuck Eye Steak Good for Keto?

Yes, high fat, high protein, and zero carbohydrates make it suitable for Keto and Carnivore diets.

How Thick Should a Chuck Eye Steak Be?

1-1.5 inches thick is the best thickness. Thinner steaks cook too quickly and dry out.

How Long Do You Rest Chuck Eye Steak?

5-10 minutes under foil prevents juice loss and keeps the steak tender.

Learn More: 20 Best Carnivore Lunch Ideas Based on Your Goals + Recipes

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