Round steak is a cut of beef that comes from the round primal, which is the hind leg of the cow.
It is a lean and tough cut of meat that contains muscles that are used for walking and standing, which can make it less tender compared to other cuts of beef.
Round steak is typically less expensive than other cuts of beef and is commonly used in dishes like stews, stir-fries, and for braising or slow cooking methods to help tenderize the meat.
Round steak can be found in various forms, such as top round steak, bottom round steak, eye round steak, and round tip steak.
These cuts may vary in tenderness and are typically cooked differently based on their thickness and intended use.
Round steaks are often less marbled with fat compared to other cuts of beef, which can make them leaner but also require some extra care during cooking to avoid drying out.
When cooking round steak, it’s important to use proper techniques to make it more tender and flavorful.
This can include marinating the meat, using a meat mallet to tenderize it, or using slow cooking methods such as braising or stewing to break down the tough fibers.
Round steak can also be grilled, pan-seared, or broiled, but it’s important to be mindful of its lean nature and take care not to overcook it.
Seasoning round steak with salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices can add flavor, and using a meat thermometer can help ensure that it’s cooked to the desired level of doneness.
Resting the cooked round steak before slicing and serving can also help retain its juiciness.
Round steak can be a budget-friendly option for beef lovers, and with the right cooking techniques and seasoning, it can be transformed into a delicious and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re using it in stews, stir-fries, or grilling it for a backyard barbecue, round steak can be a versatile and tasty addition to your culinary repertoire.
How to Grill Round Steak
Grilling round steak can be a delicious and flavorful way to prepare this cut of meat.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grill round steak,
Ingredients
- Round steak
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil or any preferred cooking oil
- Optional marinade or seasoning of your choice
Equipment
- Grill
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (optional)
- Basting brush (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the round steak. If the round steak is very thick (more than 1 inch), you may want to consider marinating it for a few hours or overnight to help tenderize the meat and add flavor. You can use your preferred marinade or seasoning. If you decide to marinate, follow the instructions for your chosen marinade and place the round steak in a shallow dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for the recommended time.
- Preheat the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, light the charcoal and let it burn until the coals are covered with white ash. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat the burners to medium-high heat.
- Season the round steak. Remove the round steak from the marinade (if using) and pat it dry with paper towels. Season it generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also brush it with olive oil or any preferred cooking oil to help prevent sticking to the grill and add flavor.
- Grill the round steak. Place the round steak on the preheated grill over direct heat. Grill for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer a more well-done steak. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C), and for medium, it should be around 145°F (63°C).
- Rest the round steak. Once the round steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a more flavorful and juicy steak.
- Slice and serve. After resting, slice the round steak against the grain into thin slices. This helps to ensure a tender bite. Serve the grilled round steak with your favorite side dishes, such as grilled vegetables, baked potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Grilling round steak can be a quick and easy way to enjoy this lean cut of meat.
With proper seasoning, cooking time, and resting, you can achieve a delicious and flavorful grilled round steak that’s perfect for your next barbecue or outdoor gathering.
How to Broil the Steak
Broiling is a high-heat cooking method that can be used to cook steak quickly and create a delicious sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to broil steak.
Ingredients
- Steak (any cut of your choice)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil or any preferred cooking oil
- Optional seasoning or marinade of your choice
Equipment
- Broiler pan or oven-safe skillet
- Oven with a broil setting
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the steak. Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps to ensure even cooking. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. If desired, you can season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other herbs, spices, or marinade of your choice. Brush the steak lightly with olive oil or any preferred cooking oil to enhance the flavor and prevent sticking.
- Preheat the broiler. Adjust the oven rack to the highest position, typically about 4-6 inches from the broiler element. Preheat your broiler on high for about 10 minutes. If your oven doesn’t have a broil setting, you can use the oven’s highest temperature setting.
- Prepare the broiler pan or skillet. If using a broiler pan, place it in the oven to preheat along with the broiler. If using an oven-safe skillet, heat it on the stovetop over medium-high heat until hot.
- Broil the steak. Carefully place the seasoned steak on the preheated broiler pan or skillet. Close the oven door and broil the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your desired level of doneness. Use tongs to flip the steak halfway through the cooking time. If using a meat thermometer, you can check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C), and for medium, it should be around 145°F (63°C).
- Rest the steak. Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Let the steak rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the steak to become more tender and flavorful.
- Slice and serve. After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin slices. This helps to ensure a tender bite. Serve the broiled steak with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Broiling is a quick and easy method for cooking steak that can result in a deliciously seared and flavorful meal.
With proper seasoning, cooking time, and resting, you can achieve a juicy and tender steak using the broiler setting in your oven. Enjoy!
