Nothing beats the aroma of a perfectly cooked steak! As a busy parent, I value quick and tasty dinner recipes. Our round steak is a favorite, with a golden-brown sear and tender, flavorful inside that impresses everyone.
My round steak recipe brings a 5-star steakhouse experience to your table! Searing it in garlic and herb butter makes it quick and easy. As my family loves beef for dinner, round steak is my go-to for its affordability. Sear in a hot skillet, then baste with garlic, herbs, and butter for a golden crust and juicy interior every time!
Key Takeaways
- Round steak is a lean and affordable cut of beef that’s perfect for quick weeknight meals.
- Searing the steak in a hot skillet creates a delicious, caramelized crust.
- Basting the steak with garlic, herbs, and butter infuses it with mouth-watering flavor.
- Cooking the steak to an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare ensures it’s juicy and tender.
- Letting the steak rest before slicing is crucial for retaining the juices and achieving the perfect texture.
Understanding Round Steak
What is Round Steak?
Round steak comes from the cow’s hind legs. It’s tougher and leaner than other steaks. But, with the right cooking, it can be tender and delicious.
Different Cuts of Round Steak
The round steak is divided into three main cuts:
- Eye of round – The most tender and flavorful cut.
- Bottom round – Needs longer cooking or marinating.
- Top round – More tender than bottom round but less than eye of round.
Each cut has its own traits. Knowing these helps you pick the best for your meal. This ensures your round steak is always perfect.
Round steak is affordable and versatile. It’s great for slow-cooked dishes or quick-seared steaks. With the right cooking, it’s full of flavor and nutritious.
Benefits of Cooking Round Steak
Looking for a budget-friendly steak option? Round steak is a great choice. It’s not only affordable but also absorbs flavors well.
Budget-Friendly Option
Beef is a popular meat worldwide, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Flank Steak is cheap, perfect for those on a budget or feeding many. It’s a good value without losing flavor.
Absorbs Flavors Easily
Round steak is great at soaking up flavors. It works well with garlic, rosemary, or butter. This makes it versatile for many dishes.
It’s also packed with nutrients like iron, potassium, and B vitamins. Cooking it right can make for a tasty, affordable steak dinner.
With a Nutrivore Score of 403, beef round tip center steak is recognized as a highly nutrient-rich food.”
Essential Ingredients
For perfect flank steak, select a 1-inch thick cut that is deep red with minimal fat. Buying from a local butcher often ensures better quality.
Season the steak with kosher or sea salt and black pepper to enhance the beefy flavor. Use olive oil to prevent sticking in the skillet, and add a pat of butter at the end for a golden crust.
Don’t forget garlic and rosemary. They add a savory flavor that goes well with the steak. With these round steak ingredients, you’re set for a delicious meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Round Steak | 2 lbs, 1-inch thick |
| Kosher Salt or Sea Salt | To taste |
| Coarsely Ground Black Pepper | To taste |
| Olive Oil | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Unsalted Butter | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Garlic Cloves | 2 cloves, minced |
| Fresh Rosemary | 1 sprig |
Preparing Round Steak for Cooking
Before enjoying round steak, proper preparation is key. This tough cut needs extra care to ensure it’s tender and juicy when cooked.
Tenderizing Techniques
Round steak is lean but can be tough. To tenderize it, place the steak between parchment paper and pound it with a meat mallet until it’s about 1/2 inch thick.
This helps break down the tough muscle fibers and connective tissue. It results in a more tender texture.
Seasoning Round Steak
Once tenderized, generously season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper. Feel free to experiment with additional spices for extra flavor!
Try garlic powder, Montreal steak seasoning, or Cajun seasoning. Rubbing them into the meat helps the flavors penetrate, infusing the steak with delicious taste.
By taking the time to properly tenderize and season your round steak, you’re well on your way to cooking it to perfection every time.
Searing Round Steak
To achieve a perfect sear on round steak, preheat your cast iron skillet until super hot. The steak should sear instantly when it hits the pan, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Tips for Perfect Searing
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the meat develop a better sear.
- Use a high smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed oil. They can withstand the intense heat needed for searing.
- Allow the steak to rest for 5 minutes after searing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.
- Baste the steak with butter or garlic-infused oil during the last minute of searing for added richness.
- Resist the urge to move the steak too much while searing. This allows the crust to form properly.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve perfectly seared round steak every time. Create a high-heat environment and let the meat rest before slicing. With practice, you’ll be a searing pro.
“The secret to a good sear is a ripping hot pan and just a touch of patience. Let that steak do its thing, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful crust.”
Basting with Garlic Butter
Elevate your round steak by basting it with garlic butter. This simple method adds a rich, garlicky flavor. It makes your steak smell and taste amazing, just like in a restaurant.
Importance of Resting the Steak
Before basting, let your flank steak s rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly. It prevents the edges from getting too done while the center stays juicy.
Resting also lets the juices spread evenly. This makes your steak tender and juicy.
After resting, start basting. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and fresh rosemary. Let it cook for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
Generously spoon the garlic butter over the steak, covering all sides. Do this a few times while cooking. This creates a glossy, flavorful crust.
This basting method boosts the steak’s flavor and keeps it moist. The butter forms a tasty crust on the outside. Inside, the steak stays juicy and tender.
Remember, don’t overcook the steak. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Remove it when it reaches 130-140°F for a perfect medium-rare to medium finish.
This basting method can make your flank steak s taste like a restaurant dish. Enjoy the tender steak and the rich garlic butter for a memorable meal.
Alternative Cooking Methods
There are other ways to cook round steak besides pan-searing. The air fryer, grill, and oven can also make delicious, tender steak. Let’s look at these options.
Air Fryer Method
The air fryer is perfect for air fryer round steak. Season your steak, put it in a greased basket, and air fry for 15 minutes. Flip it halfway. This method sears the outside and keeps the inside juicy.
Grill Method
For a smoky taste, try grilling grilled round steak. Heat your grill to medium, then cook the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side. This method gives a nice char on the outside and a juicy inside.
Oven Method
The oven is great for oven baked round steak. Preheat to 180°C/350°F, grease a dish, and bake the steak for 18-20 minutes. It’s easy and makes tender, flavorful steak.
Remember to let your steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This makes it juicier and more tender.
round steak Doneness Temperatures
Achieving perfect doneness for round steak is crucial. Use an instant-read meat thermometer for accuracy. Here’s a quick guide to doneness levels and their temperatures:
- Rare: 125°F to 130°F
- Medium-Rare: 130°F to 135°F
- Medium: 135°F to 140°F
- Medium-Well: 140°F to 150°F
- Well-Done: 155°F and above
For the most tender round steak, aim for medium-rare. This is when the internal temperature is 130°F to 135°F. This temperature keeps the steak juicy and tender.
| Doneness | Internal Temperature | Estimated Cook Time (1 1/2-inch thick steak) |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 125°F to 130°F | 8 minutes |
| Medium-Rare | 130°F to 135°F | 9 minutes |
| Medium | 135°F to 140°F | 10 minutes |
| Medium-Well | 140°F to 150°F | 11 minutes |
| Well-Done | 155°F and above | 12 minutes or more |
Remember, the steak’s temperature will rise a bit after it’s removed from heat. So, take it off the heat a few degrees before your desired doneness. With practice and a good meat thermometer, you’ll cook round steak perfectly every time.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
Enhancing your round steak meal is more than just the main dish. Choose the right sides to make your meal complete. You can go for classic potato dishes or fresh vegetable salads. These options complement the savory flavors of your round steak perfectly.
Start by cutting the steak into thin strips and putting it back in the pan. Add the garlic butter on top, letting it melt and infuse the meat. This simple step makes the steak tender and juicy, adding a touch of luxury.
For a hearty side, try our Skillet Potatoes. They offer crispy edges and a creamy inside, perfect for comfort. Or, for something lighter, our Arugula Salad with Grilled Peaches, Bacon, and Balsamic Glaze is a refreshing contrast to the savory steak.
Round steak is versatile, so you can pair it with many sides. Try Garlic Mushrooms, Roasted Broccoli, Cacio E Pepe Brussels Sprouts, or Miso-Glazed Vegetables. These options let you create balanced and appealing plates that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
| Side Dish | Preparation Time | Key Ingredients | Flavor Pairings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skillet Potatoes | 30 minutes | Red potatoes, garlic, butter, parsley | Cheddar, Swiss, or provolone cheeses |
| Arugula Salad with Grilled Peaches, Bacon, and Balsamic Glaze | 45 minutes | Arugula, peaches, bacon, balsamic vinegar | Grilled peaches, bacon, and balsamic |
| Garlic Mushrooms | 20 minutes | Mushrooms, garlic, butter, parsley | Garlic, butter, and parsley |
| Roasted Broccoli | 25 minutes | Broccoli, olive oil, salt, pepper | Lemon zest and Parmesan cheese |
| Cacio E Pepe Brussels Sprouts | 35 minutes | Brussels sprouts, Parmesan, black pepper | Parmesan cheese and black pepper |
| Miso-Glazed Vegetables | 40 minutes | Assorted vegetables, white miso paste, sesame seeds | Miso paste and sesame seeds |
Offering a variety of side dishes can make your round steak meal unforgettable. Try different flavors, cooking methods, and presentations. This way, you can find the perfect sides to enhance your round steak.
Conclusion
With the right prep and cooking, round steak can be tender and delicious. Season well and cook properly for a meal your family will love.affordable and satisfying!
Round steak is lean and versatile . perfect with garlic butter, an Asian marinade, or red wine sauce. Cook it just right for tenderness, and with practice, you’ll master it!
So, let’s get creative with round steak. Try different seasonings, cooking methods, and ways to serve it. Find the perfect mix for your taste and budget. Enjoy making this affordable cut into a dish your family will cherish.