Round Steak recipes

Round steak is a versatile and budget-friendly cut of beef that can transform into a delicious meal with the right techniques. In this guide, we’ll share some of the best round steak recipes to help you make this affordable cut tender, juicy, and flavorful. Whether you prefer braised round steak, slow cooker round steak, or grilling, these cooking methods will bring out the best in this lean cut. Let’s dive into these tender round steak recipes and discover how to elevate your meals.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about cooking round steak, from selecting the best cut to mastering different cooking methods. Whether you’re slow-cooking for a rich, hearty meal, marinating for the grill, or slicing thinly for a quick stir-fry, round steak is a fantastic option for a wide range of dishes. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can enjoy this lean cut without sacrificing tenderness or flavor.

Not only will we dive into the best ways to prepare round steak, but we’ll also share some tried-and-true recipes that will have you cooking like a pro. From comforting braised dishes to sizzling grilled steaks, round steak offers a world of possibilities for home cooks. Plus, we’ll recommend complementary side dishes and sauces to complete your meal, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

Whether you’re new to round steak or looking for new ways to enjoy this cut, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration you need to make the most out of round steak in your kitchen. Let’s get started!

What is Round Steak?

Round steak comes from the rear leg of the cow, an area that gets a lot of exercise. As a result, this cut is lean with very little fat marbling, which can make it a bit tough if cooked improperly. However, with the right methods—such as marinating, slow-cooking, or slicing thinly against the grain—you can create a deliciously tender meal.

Types of Round Steak

Round steak is typically divided into several sub-cuts, each with its own cooking methods:

• Top Round: The most tender of the round steaks, often used for London broil.
• Bottom Round: Less tender but more flavorful, commonly used for roast beef.
• Eye of Round: Very lean and best when braised or slow-cooked.
• Sirloin Tip: Though not technically from the round, it’s often included and used similarly to top round.

Cooking Techniques for Round Steak

Given its leanness, round steak benefits from either slow-cooking or quick, high-heat methods. Here are some techniques that ensure the steak comes out tender and flavorful:

1. Slow Cooking

One of the best ways to handle round steak is by using slow, moist-heat cooking methods like braising or stewing. These methods break down the connective tissue over time, resulting in a tender, flavorful dish. Consider making a hearty round steak stew or a comforting pot roast with vegetables.

2. Marinating and Grilling

To add flavor and help tenderize the steak, marinating is an essential step. Choose a marinade that contains acids like vinegar or citrus to break down the meat fibers. After marinating, you can either grill the steak over high heat for a quick sear or broil it in the oven.

3. Pan-Seared and Sliced Thin

Another excellent method for round steak is pan-searing it in a hot skillet and slicing it thinly against the grain. This technique works well for dishes like steak sandwiches or stir-fries. Pair it with fresh-baked Perfect Sandwich Bread for a truly indulgent sandwich.

4. Sous Vide

Sous vide cooking involves vacuum-sealing the steak and cooking it in water at a precise, low temperature for several hours. This method ensures an even cook and incredibly tender results.

Best Round Steak Recipes

Here are some tried-and-true round steak recipes that you can easily incorporate into your meal rotation:

1. Classic Braised Round Steak

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of round steak
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Season the round steak with salt and pepper and brown both sides.
3. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
4. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
5. Return the steak to the skillet, cover, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2-3 hours or until tender.

This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner. Pair it with mashed potatoes or vegetables for a complete meal.

2. Grilled Marinated Round Steak

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs top round steak
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and pepper in a bowl to make the marinade.
2. Place the steak in a resealable bag, pour in the marinade, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to high heat. Grill steak for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
4. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

For extra flavor, consider serving this steak with Cowboy Butter for dipping.

3. Slow Cooker Round Steak with Gravy

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs bottom round steak, cut into portions
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the steak in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix the mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and water. Pour over the steak.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the steak is tender.
4. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.

4. Round Steak Fajitas

Ingredients:

• 1 lb top round steak, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
• Tortillas for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet over high heat and add oil.
2. Season steak strips with fajita seasoning and sear in the hot skillet.
3. Remove steak from the skillet and sauté peppers and onions until softened.
4. Return steak to the skillet to heat through and serve with warm tortillas.

For a more in-depth guide on achieving the perfect meat sear and maintaining juiciness, you can check out this Ultimate Guide to Perfect Pork Cutlets, which shares similar cooking principles.

Side Dishes and Sauces for Round Steak

Round steak is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes and sauces can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Since round steak is lean, you’ll want to balance it with rich, flavorful, or texturally complementary sides. Whether you’re serving a braised, grilled, or stir-fried round steak, the right accompaniments will enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some ideal side dishes and sauces to consider:

Side Dishes

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that perfectly complements round steak, especially when the steak is slow-cooked or braised. The smooth, buttery texture of mashed potatoes pairs well with the hearty flavors of beef and helps soak up any delicious juices or gravy.
   • Tip: Try adding roasted garlic or a splash of heavy cream to your mashed potatoes for extra richness.
2. Roasted Vegetables Roasted vegetables are a healthy and flavorful option that works well with round steak. Vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or parsnips develop a natural sweetness when roasted, providing a nice contrast to the savory steak.
   • Tip: Toss your vegetables in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs before roasting to enhance their flavors.
3. Grilled Asparagus If you’re grilling your round steak, consider pairing it with grilled asparagus. The slightly charred, earthy flavor of asparagus balances the robust taste of the beef. A simple squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can really elevate this side dish.
   • Tip: Grill the asparagus alongside the steak for convenience, brushing them with olive oil and seasoning them with salt and pepper.
4. Rice Pilaf For a lighter side, rice pilaf offers a subtle, nutty flavor that complements round steak without overpowering it. Rice pilaf can be cooked with aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs, making it a versatile accompaniment for both grilled and braised steak dishes.
   • Tip: Add toasted nuts or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to your pilaf for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
5. Fresh Baked Bread There’s nothing quite like warm, freshly baked bread to accompany a hearty steak. Whether it’s a rustic loaf or some crusty rolls, bread is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce or gravy from your steak dish. You could try making your own Perfect Sandwich Bread for steak sandwiches or to serve as a side.
   • Tip: Serve the bread with herb butter or olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Round Steak Recipes

1. What is round steak best used for?

Round steak is a lean cut of beef that’s great for slow-cooking, braising, grilling, and stir-frying. It’s best used in recipes like pot roasts, stews, and fajitas, where it can be cooked slowly to tenderize the meat or sliced thinly for quick cooking.

2. How do I tenderize round steak?

To tenderize round steak, you can use a meat mallet to physically break down the fibers, or you can marinate the steak in an acidic mixture (like vinegar or citrus juice) for several hours. Slow cooking methods such as braising or using a slow cooker are also excellent ways to naturally tenderize round steak.

3. Can I grill round steak?

Yes, round steak can be grilled, but it’s important to marinate it first to add flavor and tenderness. Grill it over high heat for a short period, around 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, and slice it thinly against the grain for best results.

4. What’s the difference between top round and bottom round steak?

Top round is slightly more tender than bottom round and is often used for London broil or roast beef. Bottom round is less tender but has more flavor, making it ideal for braising, pot roasts, and slow-cooker recipes.

5. How long does it take to cook round steak in a slow cooker?

Round steak typically takes 6-8 hours on low in a slow cooker to become tender. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the recipe.

6. What can I serve with round steak?

Round steak pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted or grilled vegetables, rice, and bread. You can also serve it with sauces like Cowboy Butter or alongside fresh Perfect Sandwich Bread.

7. Is round steak good for stir-fry?

Yes, round steak is a good option for stir-fry as long as it’s sliced very thinly against the grain. This will ensure that the meat stays tender after quick, high-heat cooking.

8. Can I freeze round steak?

Absolutely! Round steak can be frozen for up to 6-12 months if properly sealed in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking to maintain its quality.

9. What’s the best way to slice round steak?

To keep round steak tender, always slice it thinly against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers and makes the meat easier to chew, especially when cooked quickly or after slow-cooking.

10. What’s the difference between round steak and other cuts like sirloin or ribeye?

Round steak is leaner and tougher compared to sirloin or ribeye, which have more fat marbling and are naturally more tender. However, with the right cooking techniques, round steak can be just as delicious.

These FAQs should address common concerns and provide valuable tips for anyone preparing round steak recipes.

Conclusion

Round steak is a versatile and budget-friendly cut of beef that, when cooked properly, can deliver rich and satisfying meals. Whether you’re slow-cooking it for a tender stew, grilling it for fajitas, or using it in a sandwich, this lean cut offers endless possibilities. By pairing it with the right sides, sauces, and cooking techniques, you can elevate round steak into a delicious centerpiece for your meals.

Explore other useful cooking techniques and tips, such as pairing your steak with flavorful sides like Cowboy Butter, or enhance your meal with freshly baked Perfect Sandwich Bread. If you’re interested in learning more about cooking techniques, check out this Ultimate Guide to Perfect Pork Cutlets, as many of the same principles apply to round steak.

For more inspiration on how to diversify your meals with round steak, be sure to explore further cooking tips and recipe ideas from other trusted sources like:

• Beef It’s What’s For Dinner
• AllRecipes Beef Collection

Happy cooking, and enjoy discovering new ways to make the most out of this humble cut!

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