Gather round, fellow steak lovers, as we share the secret to tender round steak. Did you know round steak comes from the cow’s rear and is both affordable and nutritious1? Yet, it can be tough. But don’t worry, we have the perfect way to make it tender and delicious.
The secret to tender round steak is in how you cook it2. Since it comes from muscles that work a lot, it can be chewy. But with the right cooking methods, you can turn it into a tender and tasty dish.
Key Takeaways:
- Round steak is an affordable and nutritious cut of beef from the rear portion of a cow’s hindquarters.
- The lean and tough nature of round steak requires careful preparation to achieve tenderness.
- Searing the steak and then basting it with garlic, herbs, and butter can yield a tender and juicy result.
- Purchasing steak from a butcher can provide better quality and selection.
- Experimenting with different seasoning options can add variety to round steak dishes.
Introduction to Round Steak
Round steak is a versatile and affordable cut of beef from the cow’s hindquarters3. It’s lean and tough because the back legs work hard3. The Beef Round primal cut is split into four parts: Top Round, Bottom Round, Eye of Round, and Sirloin Tip3.
Top Round steaks, also called Butterball Steaks or Inside Round steaks, are softer than others3. Bottom Round is great for roasts like Bottom Round Roast and Rump Roast3. The steaks from this cut are known as Western Steaks or Bottom Round Steaks3.
Eye of Round steaks are perfect for Philly Cheesesteaks. Sirloin Tip, though part of the Round, can make Sirloin Tip Center Steak, Sirloin Tip Side Steak, and Sirloin Tip Steak3.
Round steak comes in different grades, with Prime being the most tender and flavorful but also the priciest3. Choice cuts are leaner and easier to find in stores. Select cuts are the cheapest but also lean and tough3. Despite its toughness, round steak is great for many dishes, like jerky, roasts, stir-fries, and deli meats3.
When cooking round steak, use moist methods like slow cooking or braising to make it tender3. With the right cooking, round steak can be a tasty and affordable choice for your meals3.
Different Cuts of Round Steak
Round steak comes in several cuts, each with its own special traits. The Top Round steak, also known as Butterball Steak or Inside Round, is the biggest muscle in the round. It’s often used for roast beef and London Broil recipes4. The Bottom Round is known for its great taste and is good for roast beef and Cube Steaks4. The Eye of Round is the toughest cut and is not often found at Tony’s4.
The Sirloin Tip, also called the Knuckle, is a big cut that can be sliced into chip steaks. These are perfect for Philly Cheesesteak dishes4. Round steak is lean with little fat, making it a bit tough5. To make it tender and juicy, it’s often marinated or cooked slowly, like braising5.
The rump cover or picanha is a round steak with a thick fat layer. It’s very valued in South America, like Brazil and Argentina5. British cuts like topside and silverside are similar to the American round cut5. Round steak is great for many dishes, from Biltong and Bresaola to London Broil and Steak and Guinness Pie5.
When cooking round steak, slice it very thinly, about 0.5 cm or 1/4-inch. This makes it tender6. Then, pan-fry it for 1-2 minutes on each side. Serve it with a creamy sauce of wine, shallots, and garlic for extra flavor6.
In summary, round steak has different cuts like Top Round, Bottom Round, Eye of Round, and Sirloin Tip. Each cut has its own qualities and can be used in many tasty dishes. Knowing about these cuts helps you enjoy this versatile and flavorful beef456.
Difference Between Round Steak and Cube Steak
Many people think “round steak” and “cube steak” mean the same thing. But they’re not. Cube steak is round steak that’s been made tender by a machine7. Round steak, on the other hand, hasn’t been tenderized and might need a tool to soften it7.
Cube steak can also come from top sirloin, which has been tenderized7. In some places, it’s called minute steak or bucket steak7. It’s more flexible and can be cooked in many ways, like pan-frying or braising7.
It’s easier to slice cube or round steak when it’s a bit frozen. This makes it firmer and easier to cut7.
| Attribute | Round Steak | Cube Steak |
|---|---|---|
| Tenderization | Not tenderized | Tenderized mechanically |
| Texture | Firmer and chewier | Softer and more tender |
| Cooking Methods | Braising, grilling, pan-searing | Pan-frying, braising, grilling |
| Versatility | Limited | More versatile |
In short, the big difference is that cube steak is tenderized by machine, while round steak isn’t. This makes cube steak more flexible in cooking and texture. Round steak might need extra tenderizing for a softer feel7.
Availability and Grading of Round Steak
Round steak is easy to find in most grocery stores and butcher shops in the U.S8.. It’s not as famous as filet mignon or ribeye, but it’s great value. You can cook it in many tasty ways.
There are three main grades of round steak: Prime, Choice, and Select8. Prime is the most tender and tasty, but it’s rare outside fancy restaurants8. Choice is easier to find, offering quality and price balance8. Select is the cheapest, but it’s tougher and needs tenderizing.
Recent data shows round steak is still popular in supermarkets. It had feature rates from 68.9% to 74.3% and special rates from 7.3% to 16.0% from August 30th to September 5th9. The activity index stayed around 73,000 to 75,000 outlets during this time9.
Prices vary, but bottom and eye of round steak are cheaper than ribeye steak9. For example, in the Northeast, bone-in ribeye steak costs over $15.99 per pound. Top round steak, however, is between $7.40 and $5.76 per pound, depending on the grade9.
Round steak is a versatile and affordable beef cut found in many supermarkets and butcher shops8. Whether you want a tender Prime cut or a budget-friendly Select option, there’s a round steak for every taste and budget8.
cook round steak
Cooking round steak to tender, mouthwatering perfection is easy with the right techniques10. Use moist cooking methods like slow cooking or braising. These methods break down tough muscle fibers, making the meat tender10. Top Round is more tender than Bottom Round, perfect for grilling or pan-searing11.
When grilling round steak, cook it to medium-rare. Then, slice it thinly against the grain. This prevents it from becoming tough and chewy11. For a quick recipe, sear the steak in a hot skillet. Baste it with garlic, fresh herbs, and butter for a golden crust and tender inside12.
| Cooking Method | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Slow Cooking | 3 hours | 300°F |
| Braising | 45-60 minutes | 325°F |
| Grilling | Varies | Medium-Rare |
| Pan-Searing | 10-15 minutes | High Heat |
No matter how you cook round steak, the key is to use moisture and cook it low and slow. This ensures it’s tender and juicy10. With the right techniques, you can turn this tough cut into a delicious meal12.
“The best way to cook round steak is to use moist cooking methods like slow cooking or braising. This helps break down the tough muscle fibers and make the meat tender and juicy.”
Versatility of Round Steak
Round steak is a versatile cut of beef that can be used in many dishes. It’s a bit tougher than other cuts but is very affordable. This makes it a great value for your money13. You can turn it into juicy roasts, flavorful steaks, nutritious ground beef, and even savory jerky13.
Round steak can be cooked in many ways. You can grill, broil, or slow-roast it14. Marinating it is important to make it tender and flavorful. This makes it a favorite among both home cooks and chefs14.
Round steak is also a healthy choice. It’s a lean cut of beef that’s full of nutrients like iron, potassium, selenium, and B vitamins13. It’s perfect for those who want to add high-quality protein to their diet.
| Uses for Round Steak | Nutritional Benefits |
|---|---|
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Looking to save money, feed a crowd, or just enjoy a quality protein? Round steak is a great choice. It’s versatile and offers great value in the kitchen1314.
Cooking Methods for Round Steak
When cooking round steak, it’s important to use methods that add moisture to tenderize the meat15. Slow cooking and braising are great for making round steak tender. Slow cooking involves covering the meat in liquid and cooking it slowly. Braising starts with searing the steak to create a flavorful crust, then adds a bit of liquid and continues cooking.
For a simple and tasty way to cook round steak, try pan-searing16. First, flatten the steak to about 1/4 inch. Then, season it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear the steak for about 3 minutes on each side until it’s golden-brown16.
To finish, baste the steak with melted butter, fresh herbs, and minced garlic. This lets the flavors soak into the meat, making it juicy and tender16.
If you prefer not to cook yourself, round steak can be cooked in the oven or air fryer15. Bake it at 325°F (163°C) for 60 minutes, then uncover and cook for 5 more minutes with shredded cheddar cheese on top. Or, air fry the steak at 400°F (204°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until it’s done to your liking.
Regardless of the method, the secret to tender round steak is not to overcook it16. Aim for medium-rare to medium (135°F to 145°F) for the best results. Overcooking can make the steak tough and dry16. Always check with a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked just right.
Round Steak Recipes
Round steak is a versatile and affordable cut of beef. It can be turned into many tasty dishes, from stews to fried bites. Let’s dive into some delicious round steak recipes that will make your taste buds happy.
One favorite is Canned Beef Stew. It has tender round steak, potatoes, carrots, and onions in a savory broth17. It’s ready in 2 hours and 50 minutes, serving 4 people. It’s great for busy weeknights17.
Try our Swiss Steak recipe for a heartier dish. We pound the steak thin, then sear and simmer it in a tomato sauce18. It’s tender and pairs well with mashed potatoes or noodles17.
Homemade Beef Jerky with round steak is a tasty snack17. It’s packed with protein and can be seasoned how you like17.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is quick and easy for weeknights. Thinly sliced steak cooks fast, and broccoli and sauce make it nutritious17.
London Broil is a classic. Marinated round steak is grilled to perfection18. Slice it thinly for tenderness and serve with roasted veggies for a fancy meal17.
Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteaks are hearty and comforting. They have round steak, peppers, and onions in a tasty sauce17. It’s perfect for weeknights or game days.
Fried Round Steak is crispy and satisfying10. Season the meat, fry it in butter, and serve on white bread with mayonnaise and pepper10.
These are just a few round steak recipes to try. Whether you want a stew, stir-fry, or fried dish, round steak is versatile. Impress your loved ones with these round steak meal ideas!
Tips for Cooking Tender Round Steak
Cooking tender round steak can be a bit tricky, but with the right methods, you can get amazing results. Here are some tips to help you make this affordable and versatile beef cut delicious:
First, try cooking round steak with moisture, like slow cooking or braising19. This method breaks down tough tissues, making the meat tender. For braising, use about 2 pounds (0.91 kg) of steak and 500 milliliters (17 fl oz) of liquid19.
Before cooking, tenderizing the steak is key. Use a meat mallet to pound it, breaking fibers and tenderizing18. You can also marinate it in oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices19.
When cooking, aim for medium-rare and slice thinly against the grain18. This ensures the steak is tender3. Letting it rest for 5 minutes before slicing helps the juices spread, making it even more tender.
Also, consider the steak’s cut. The top round is the tenderest, while the bottom and eye of round are tougher3. With the right techniques, any round steak can become a tender and tasty meal.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to cooking the perfect tender round steak every time19183.,,
Conclusion
We’ve looked into the many ways to cook round steak, a budget-friendly beef cut20. It comes in three main cuts: top round, bottom round, and eye of round20. Chefs might say round steaks are not good for slow cooking because they can get dry20. But, with the right cooking, round steak can be tender and tasty.
Many chefs prefer searing round steaks at high heat to get a crust20. Then, they cook them slowly until they reach 125 degrees20. Top round steak can be grilled for 4-5 minutes on each side for a medium-rare21. Braising it for 1-2 hours makes it tender and delicious21.
Round steak is not only affordable but also nutritious20. Grass-fed beef, like from US Wellness Meats, tastes better and is healthier than regular beef20. It’s perfect for making roast beef, chicken fried steak, or a paleo roast. Round steak is a great choice for a tasty, family-friendly meal.
FAQ
What is the best way to cook round steak so it is tender?
To make round steak tender, use moist cooking methods. Slow cooking or braising works well. These methods add moisture, making the meat softer.
What is round steak?
Round steak comes from the cow’s hindquarters. It’s lean and tough because the muscles are worked hard. This makes it a great choice for slow cooking. You can read more about the hindquarters of a cow on Wikipedia.
What are the different cuts of round steak?
The Beef Round is divided into four cuts: Top Round, Bottom Round, Eye of Round, and Sirloin Tip. Each can be sold as steaks or roasts.
What is the difference between round steak and cube steak?
Round steak and cube steak are not the same. Cube Steak is any beef tenderized by machine. Round Steak comes from the Beef Round primal cut.
How available and what are the grades of round steak?
Round steak is easy to find. It comes in Prime, Choice, and Select grades. Prime is the most tender but rare. Choice cuts are leaner and found in stores. Select is the cheapest and leanest. For more questions, you can also reach us via our contact page.
How should round steak be cooked?
Cook round steak with moisture. Slow cooking and braising are best. Slow cooking uses liquid, while braising starts with pan-searing for flavor.
How versatile is round steak?
Round steak is versatile despite being tough. It’s great for jerky, ground beef, roasts, steaks, deli meat, and stir-fry.
What are some tips for cooking tender round steak?
For tender round steak, cook with moisture. Pound the steak to tenderize. Cook to medium rare and slice thinly. Marinate before cooking and let it rest after.