If you’ve ever wondered about the humble bottom round steak, this is the perfect guide for you.
We’ll dive into everything from what it is, how to cook bottom round steak, and the best ways to tenderize this lean, budget-friendly cut. We’ve also crafted a selection of mouth-watering marinades and simple recipes to transform this robust piece of meat into a flavorful feast. So whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, let’s conquer the kitchen with the bottom round steak together.
How To Cook Bottom Round Steak – Cook Round Steak At Ease
The bottom-round steak, while lean and budget-friendly, can be a bit of a challenge due to its lack of fat and marbling. This means it can dry out if not cooked with care. But don’t worry, my friend. With the right techniques such as slow cooking or braising (you can still put out a banger round roast), you can turn this robust cut into a tender, flavorful dish.
Let’s explore some of these methods for the eye of round steak:
- Braising: Imagine cooking your cube steak low and slow in a flavorful liquid like a good broth or even wine. This process, known as braising, breaks down those tough fibers, turning them into a tender treat. Sounds delicious already, doesn’t it?
- Slow Cooking: Another method to win over this tough steak is using your trusty slow cooker or crockpot. Picture your steak bathing with some root vegetables in a delicious broth, all coming together over several hours to create a fork-tender delight. That’s the power of slow cooking!
- Pan-Searing: Now, if you’re looking for a quick fix, pan-searing is your friend. Start by getting your cast-iron skillet smoking hot, sear your steak on each side to form a beautiful crust, and then let your oven do the rest. It’s like a quick spa treatment for your steak!
- Grilling: And who doesn’t love a good grilled steak? Marinate your bottom round steak to infuse it with flavor and tenderize it, then grill it over high heat, but remember, don’t leave it on for too long. You don’t want to overcook this cut, or it can become chewy.
Regardless of the cooking method you choose, remember this golden rule: always slice your steak thinly against the grain. This will ensure maximum tenderness and flavor in every bite. Now, with these techniques in your cooking repertoire, you’re ready to conquer the kitchen with a bottom round steak!
How To Marinate Bottom Round Steak
Ready to take this cut of meat to the next level? Let’s dive into the world of marinades!
- Soy Sauce Marinade: Grab a bowl. Add half a cup of soy sauce, a quarter cup of white wine vinegar, a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and two garlic cloves, minced. Whisk it up. Your marinade is ready. Put your steak slices in a zip bag, pour in the marinade, zip it up, and pop it in the fridge. Leave it for at least two hours, or better still, overnight.
- Lemon Herb Marinade: In your bowl, combine a quarter cup each of soy sauce and olive oil. Add two tablespoons of lemon juice, a tablespoon each of Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic, and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Don’t forget half a teaspoon each of black pepper and salt, and a little pinch of red pepper. Whisk it well. Put your steak in a zip bag or a large bowl. Pour in the marinade, seal it up, and into the fridge, it goes for at least two hours or overnight.
- Brown Sugar Marinade: This time, mix half a cup of soy sauce, two tablespoons of olive oil, half a cup of brown sugar, and half a teaspoon of all-purpose seasoning salt in your bowl. Feel free to add any favorite spices. Whisk it up. Put your steak in a zip bag or bowl, pour in the marinade, seal, and refrigerate. Give it 3-6 hours, depending on how thick your steaks are.
- Balsamic Vinegar Marinade: Let’s whisk together a third of a cup each of balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, a quarter cup of oil, and two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce in the bowl. Put your steaks in a bag, pour the marinade on top, seal it, and chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
Remember, always chill your marinating steaks. And never reuse marinade that’s touched raw meat.
Bottom Round Steak Recipe – How To Cook Bottom Round Steak In The Oven
Ingredients
- Marinated bottom round steak 400 grams
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the steak from the marinade and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the steak in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake for about 2 hours, or until the steak is tender.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.
How To Cook Bottom Round Steak In The Pan
Ingredients
- Marinated bottom round steak 400 grams, slice thinly.
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade, season with salt and pepper, and add it to the pan.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until desired doneness.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.
How To Cook Bottom Round Steak Thin Sliced On Stove Top
Ingredients
- Bottom round steak with your favorite marinade
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade, season with salt and pepper, and add it to the pan.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until desired doneness.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.
How To Cook Bottom Round Steak On A Grill
Ingredients
- Marinated bottom round steak
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade, season with salt and pepper, and place it on the grill.
- Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until desired doneness.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.
How To Cook Bottom Round Steak In A Crock Pot
Ingredients
- Bottom round steak
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 onion sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the steak with salt and pepper and place it in the crock pot.
- Add the beef broth and sliced onion.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the steak is tender.
- Slice against the grain before serving.
How To Cook Bottom Round Steak In An Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb bottom round steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
Instructions
- Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Turn your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ setting and add the olive oil.
- Once hot, add the steak and brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
- Return the steak to the pot.
- Secure the lid and select the ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ setting. Cook at high pressure for 20 minutes.
- After the cooking time is up, do a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.
- Remove the steak and set it aside. Turn the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’.
- Mix the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the pot to thicken the gravy.
- Slice the steak against the grain and serve with the gravy.
How To Cook Bottom Round Steak For Tacos
Ingredients
- Thinly sliced bottom round steak
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- Taco seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan over high heat.
- Season the steak slices with taco seasoning and add them to the pan.
- Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until desired doneness.
- Remove from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving in tacos.
Cooking bottom round steak doesn’t have to be a challenge. With these easy and delicious recipes, you can turn this economical cut into a meal that your whole family will love. So, what are you waiting for? Get your apron on and start cooking!
What To Pair With Bottom Beef Round Steak? Side Dish Recommendations!
Enjoying a succulent bottom round steak? Here’s a lineup of seven delicious sides that perfectly complement this robust cut:
- Gravy: A rich, homemade gravy adds depth and flavor to your steak. Made from the meat’s juices and a touch of wine, it’s a delightful, savory drizzle. You can make it in an instant pot as well.
- Mashed Potatoes: You can’t beat the classic combo of steak and creamy mashed potatoes. The fluffy, buttery potatoes provide a comforting counterpoint to the steak’s hearty texture.
- Steamed/Stir-fry Vegetables: Brighten up your plate with a mix of steamed veggies like broccoli, carrots, and green beans. They add color, nutrients, and a satisfying crunch.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted until crispy and caramelized, Brussels sprouts offer a unique, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with steak.
- Baked Sweet Potato: A healthier alternative to regular potatoes, baked sweet potatoes add a sweet note to balance the savory steak.
- Grilled Asparagus: Light and fresh, grilled asparagus with a squeeze of lemon can cut through the richness of the steak.
- Garlic Bread: Lastly, there’s nothing like a slice of warm, crunchy garlic bread to mop up that delicious gravy!
Remember, a great meal is all about balance. With these diverse side dishes, your steak dinner will be an unforgettable feast!
FAQs
Is bottom round steak tough?
Yes, bottom round steak can be tough because it’s a lean cut from a heavily exercised muscle. But with the right cooking method, it can be made tender and flavorful.
What is a bottom round steak good for?
Bottom round steak is great for slow-cooked dishes like stews and pot roasts. It can also be used for steak sandwiches, stir-fries, or steak salads if thinly sliced.
How to cook bottom round steak to make it tender?
To make a bottom round steak tender, use methods like slow cooking or braising. Marinating before cooking can also help tenderize the meat.
What is bottom round steak? 1-sentence explain.
The bottom round steak, a lean cut from the rear leg of the cow, is often tougher than other steaks due to its active muscle fibers.
References
- Round steak: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Round_steak
- (USDA) Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications: https://fedspecs.gsa.gov/s/usda-meat-specifications
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