Ranch steak, also known as shoulder center steak, is a lean, affordable cut from the shoulder or chuck primal. It has a mild beefy flavor and is best suited for quick-cooking methods like grilling or pan-searing. While not as tender as premium cuts, ranch steak offers great value and can be tenderized with a marinade. It’s ideal for casual meals and works well in fajitas, stir-fries, or sliced over salads. For best results, cook it to medium-rare and slice thinly against the grain.