Get ready to enjoy some tasty beef round steak recipes. They are simple to create and budget-friendly. Whether you want tender marinades, savory slow cooker meals, or juicy grilled steaks, we’ve got you covered. Round steak, from the cow’s hind legs, is versatile and flavorful.
Round steak is often seen as a tougher cut. But with the right methods, it can be tender and full of flavor. We’ll show you how to cook round steak to perfection, from classic beef and gravy to air-fried and grilled.
So, gather your ingredients and sharpen your cooking skills. Get ready to make delicious beef round steak recipes that everyone will love. Let’s explore the world of tender, flavorful round steak dishes that will become new favorites.
What is Round Steak?
Round steak comes from the cow’s hind legs. It’s divided into three parts: the eye of round, bottom round, and top round steak. Despite being tougher, it can become tender and tasty with the right cooking.
Round steak is affordable and absorbs flavors well. It’s easy to cook in many ways, like searing, grilling, or air frying. This makes it a flexible option for a variety of dishes.
Characteristics of Round Steak
- Sourced from the cow’s hind legs, it’s usually separated into subcuts like the eye of round, bottom round, and top round.
- Considered a tougher cut of beef due to the muscles in the leg region
- Takes about 5 minutes to sear on each side when cooking
- Recommended thickness for cooking is around 1 inch
- Yields approximately 236 calories per serving
- It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.
Round steak may not be as tender as sirloin. But, it’s cheaper and great at soaking up flavors. With proper cooking, it can turn into a tasty and fulfilling meal.
Why Choose Round Steak?
Round steak is a budget-friendly beef option that’s full of benefits. It comes from the cow’s hind legs. This makes it great at soaking up flavors, making it easy to prepare.
Budget-Friendly Beef Option
Round steak is affordable, perfect for saving money without losing flavor. It’s packed with vitamin B12, selenium, and CoQ10. These nutrients are valuable, and round steak offers them at a lower cost than premium cuts.
Soaks Up Flavors Like a Sponge
Round steak is amazing at taking in marinades and seasonings. Marinating it for at least four hours boosts its taste. It becomes tender and delicious.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
Round steak is quick and simple to cook, great for busy nights. You can grill, braise, or stir-fry it. This makes it a versatile and tasty option.
Multiple Cooking Methods Available
Round steak can be cooked in many ways, from stovetop to air fryer to grill. It’s perfect for a juicy grilled steak or a tender braise. You have the flexibility to tailor it as you wish.
Round steak is a fantastic choice for those who want tasty beef without spending a lot. Its ability to absorb flavors and easy preparation make it a standout option.
Beef Round Steak Ingredients
To make a tasty beef round steak, you need the right ingredients. You’ll need the round steak itself, along with some seasonings and aromatics. These add to the steak’s natural flavor.
The Round Steak
The round steak is the main ingredient. It comes from the cow’s hind legs. It’s tough but can become tender and flavorful with the right cooking.
There are different types of round steak. Top round, bottom round, and eye of round each have their own traits.
Seasonings and Aromatics
- Salt and pepper – These classic seasonings are a must for seasoning the round steak before cooking.
- Olive oil – A drizzle of olive oil helps to brown the steak and add richness.
- Butter – A pat of butter adds even more flavor and helps to baste the steak as it cooks.
- Garlic cloves – Minced or sliced garlic cloves provide an aromatic base.
- Fresh rosemary – This fragrant herb pairs beautifully with the beefy flavor of the round steak.
With these simple ingredients, you can make a delicious round steak dish. It’s a budget-friendly option that’s sure to please. Get ready to enjoy the juicy, tender results!
How to Cook Round Steak on the Stovetop
Cooking round steak on the stovetop is quick and easy. It makes the steak delicious and flavorful. Begin by seasoning the steak with salt and pepper. Next, sear it in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. Finally, baste it with garlic-herb butter for extra flavor and tenderness.
You’ll need a 1.5 to 2 lb grass-fed top round steak, about 1 1/2 inches thick. Season it well with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of coarsely ground black pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or clarified butter in a large skillet over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned steak. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until it’s nicely browned. This step locks in the juices and adds flavor.
While the steak is searing, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Baste the steak with this garlic-herb butter mixture during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Once the steak is cooked to your liking, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. This resting period makes the steak more tender and flavorful.
Serve the skillet round steak immediately, either on its own or with your favorite sides. Enjoy this quick and easy stovetop method for cooking delicious beef round steak!
Air Fryer Round Steak Method
The air fryer is perfect for cooking round steak. It makes the steak tender and flavorful. You get a crispy outside and a juicy inside. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a special weekend meal.
First, season your steak with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Then, grease the air fryer basket lightly. Place the steak in the basket. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway for medium-rare.
For different doneness, adjust the cooking time. medium-rare, aim for 130-140°F. For medium, cook to 140-150°F. well-done, cook until it’s 160°F.
Allow your round steak to rest for 5-10 minutes prior to slicing. This makes it more tender and flavorful. Serve it with your favorite sides for a tasty meal!
Tip: Use an eye of round steak for the best results. Its thickness works well with the air fryer’s quick cooking time.
Nutritional information per serving of the air fryer steak recipe: 316 calories, 51g protein, 11g fat, 4g saturated fat, 142mg cholesterol, 129mg sodium, 796mg potassium, 45mg calcium, 5mg iron.
Grilled Round Steak Instructions
For a smoky, chargrilled flavor, grilled round steak is a delicious way to enjoy this budget-friendly cut of beef. With a few simple steps, you can achieve perfectly cooked grilled round steak that’s tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into the process:
- Start by selecting a thick, 1-inch or more, round steak cut. This will help prevent the meat from drying out during the grilling process.
- Prepare your grill for high-heat cooking, aiming for temperatures between 450-500°F. This intense heat is key to achieving a nice sear and locking in the juices.
- Season the round steak liberally with your desired spices, herbs, and seasonings. A simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic works beautifully, or you can try a flavorful marinade for added tenderness and depth of flavor.
- Place the seasoned round steak directly on the grill grates and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. To achieve a medium-rare finish, target an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
- Once the grilled round steak is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Allowing the meat to rest lets the juices redistribute, making each bite more tender and flavorful.
- Finally, slice the grilled round steak against the grain for the most tender and juicy slices. Serve hot and enjoy the smoky, char-grilled goodness!
With this how to grill round steak method, you’ll be able to create restaurant-quality grilled round steak right at home. Pair it with your favorite grilled veggies or a fresh salad for a complete and delicious meal.
Oven-Baked Round Steak Technique
Looking for a tasty and simple way to cook oven baked round steak? You’re in the right spot. This method makes the steak juicy and tender every time. Let’s explore how to bake round steak in the oven perfectly.
First, heat your oven to 300°F. While it warms up, season your round steak with salt and pepper. Feel free to add garlic powder or dried herbs too.
Then, pick a baking dish or oven-safe skillet big enough for the steak. Grease it with olive oil or melted butter to avoid sticking.
Put the seasoned steak in the greased dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep moisture and flavor in. Then, put it in the oven.
- Bake the steak for 3 hours, or until it’s 145°F for medium-rare.
- If your steak is thicker, bake it for 30 minutes to an hour longer.
- After it’s cooked, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
This oven-baked round steak method is perfect for budget-friendly beef. The slow cooking tenderizes the meat, and the foil keeps it juicy. Serve it with your favorite sides for a tasty meal.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Round Steak | 1 lb |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
| Olive Oil | as needed |
The secret to great oven baked round steak is patience. Let the slow cooking do its magic. With some prep and the right method, you’ll make a tender steak everyone will enjoy.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Beef Round Steak Recipes
Cooking round steak to perfection needs a few key techniques. Follow these tips to make sure your beef round steak recipes are tender, juicy, and full of flavor every time.
Let the Steak Rest
After cooking, let the round steak rest for about 5 minutes. This lets the juices spread out, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
Bring Steak to Room Temperature
Before cooking, take the round steak out of the fridge and let it warm up to room temperature. This helps the steak cook evenly, so the outside doesn’t get too hot while the inside stays cold.
Preheat Skillet Properly
When pan-searing round steak, make sure your skillet or cooking surface is very hot. A hot, well-seasoned pan is essential for a nice sear and keeping the juices in.
Cook to Medium-Rare
For the most tender and flavorful round steak, cook it to a medium-rare doneness, which is around 130-135°F. This makes the center still pink and juicy, while the outside is nicely browned.
By letting the steak rest, bringing it to room temperature, preheating the cooking surface, and stopping the cooking at medium-rare, you’ll consistently get deliciously tender and flavorful beef round steak recipes.
Delicious Round Steak Recipe Variations
Cooking round steak opens up a world of possibilities. You can change up the flavors to make many tasty dishes. Try different seasonings, marinades, and cooking methods to find your favorite round steak recipe.
Spice Up Your Round Steak
Make your round steak taste better with various spice blends. Garlic powder, Montreal steak seasoning, or Cajun seasoning can enhance the flavor. Rub the seasoning on the steak before cooking for a tasty crust.
Marinate for Maximum Tenderness
Marinating round steak makes it tender and flavorful. Use a 3-ingredient steak marinade with oil, acid, and herbs. For a unique taste, try a fajita marinade or a teriyaki-inspired marinade. Let it marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Storing and Freezing Cooked Round Steak
After cooking a tasty round steak, you’ll want to keep it fresh. Storing it right helps keep the flavor and texture. Here’s how to store and freeze your cooked round steak for freshness and ease.
Refrigerating Cooked Round Steak
To store leftover cooked round steak, let it cool down first. Then, put it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing Cooked Round Steak
To store it longer, freeze your cooked round steak. Let it cool completely. Wrap it in plastic wrap or foil, or use a resealable freezer bag. Remove air to avoid freezer burn. It can be kept frozen for 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps it tender and flavorful.
These simple storage tips make cooked round steak convenient. It’s great for quick meals or dinner parties. Properly stored, it’s a delicious and versatile choice.
Is Round Steak Better than Sirloin?
Both round steak and sirloin have their own special qualities. Sirloin is known for being tender and versatile. But round steak has a deeper beefy taste, especially when cooked with butter and herbs.
Sirloin is a top choice for its tenderness and flexibility in cooking. But round steak is more affordable and can be just as tasty. With the right methods, like pounding or slow-cooking, round steak can become tender and full of flavor.
| Round Steak | Sirloin Steak |
|---|---|
| More intense beefy flavor | Tender and versatile |
| Budget-friendly | Premium cut |
| Requires more preparation to tenderize | Can be cooked in various ways without extensive preparation |
Choosing between round steak vs sirloin depends on what you like and what you’re making. If you want a strong beef taste and are up for tenderizing, round steak might be best. If you prefer something tender and easy to cook, sirloin is a better pick.
Think about how you’ll cook it. Sirloin works well for quick dishes. Round steak is great for slow-cooked meals like stews. The key is to cook it right and enjoy its rich flavor.
Beef Round Steak Recipes
Round steak is a great choice for tasty and affordable beef dishes. It comes from the cow’s hind legs and can be made into many delicious recipes. Here are two amazing round steak recipes to try:
Garlic Butter Round Steak
This recipe starts with a garlic-herb butter that makes the steak juicy and flavorful. The steak gets a crispy, caramelized crust that’s full of savory goodness. Enjoy it with your favorite roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Classic Round Steak and Gravy
This dish is comforting and hearty. Tender round steak is cooked in a rich, onion-infused gravy until it’s very tender. It’s best to cook the steak slowly to make it tender. Serve it over mashed potatoes or white rice for a satisfying meal.
Both recipes are easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you want a juicy garlic-butter steak or a classic gravy dish, these garlic butter round steak recipe and classic round steak and gravy recipe will be loved by your family.
Conclusion
Beef round steak is a versatile and budget-friendly cut of meat. It can be turned into many delicious dishes. By learning the right cooking techniques, you can make round steak tender and flavorful.
Whether you like classic dishes or new flavors, round steak is great for any meal. It’s perfect for easy weeknight dinners or special occasions.
The secret to great round steak is to let it rest and bring it to room temperature before cooking. Choose the right cooking method for the tenderness you want. With a bit of creativity, you can make this humble beef into a dish everyone will love.
So, start exploring beef round steak recipes. Try different seasonings, marinades, and cooking methods. Enjoy the rich, beefy flavors that beef round steak offers.