There’s nothing better than biting into a juicy, flavorful steak. But steak can feel like a luxury for special occasions. That’s where beef top round steak recipes come in, making delicious meals affordable.
This cut of meat might not be the tenderest. But with the right recipes, it can taste like a steakhouse meal at home. You can grill it, stir-fry it, or stew it. These 10 recipes will make you enjoy beef’s bold flavors without spending a lot.
Key Takeaways
- Beef top round steak is a versatile, budget-friendly cut that can be prepared in a variety of delicious ways.
- Proper cooking techniques, such as searing, braising, and marinating, can tenderize and enhance the flavor of top round steak.
- These recipes showcase the versatility of top round steak, from classic grilled steaks to creative stir-fries and hearty stews.
- Exploring new recipes and cooking methods can help you enjoy the bold, beefy flavors of top round steak in your home kitchen.
- Serving top round steak with flavorful sides and accompaniments can create a well-balanced, satisfying meal.
What is Beef Top Round Steak?
Beef top round steak is a lean and affordable cut from the cow’s hind legs. It’s known for its strong beef taste. Even though it’s tougher, the right cooking can make it tender and tasty.
Overview of Top Round Steak
The top round steak comes from the cow’s hind legs. It’s a bit tough because of the muscle’s constant use. But, its bold flavor makes it perfect for many recipes.
It’s great in roasts, stir-fries, and braised dishes. Slow cooking or marinating can make it tender.
Nutritional Benefits of Top Round
Beef top round steak is packed with protein, about 25 grams in a 3-ounce serving. It’s also low in fat, making it a healthier choice. It’s full of vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are good for your health.
Cooking Techniques for Best Results
To get the best results from top round steak, choose the right cooking methods. Quick, high-heat methods like grilling and pan-searing seal in juices and create a nice sear. Slow-cooking methods like braising or slow roasting break down tough tissues, making it tender.
Cooking Method | Cooking Time | Internal Temperature |
---|---|---|
Broiling | 26-28 minutes for medium-rare, 28-30 minutes for medium | 145°F for medium-rare, 160°F for medium |
Slow Cooking (Instant Pot) | 20 minutes under high pressure | N/A |
Slow Cooking (Slow Cooker) | 8 hours on low | N/A |
Oven Roasting | 2-2.5 hours at 350°F | 155-165°F |
Knowing about beef top round steak and the best cooking methods helps you make delicious dishes. These dishes will highlight the natural beefy flavor of this versatile cut.
Essential Ingredients for Top Round Steak Recipes
Creating delicious beef top round steak dishes starts with the right seasonings and marinades. From classic salt and pepper to herbs and citrus, the right mix of flavors can make a simple steak into a masterpiece. Let’s look at the key ingredients to enhance your top round steak recipes.
Common Seasonings and Marinades
Begin by seasoning your steak with kosher salt and black pepper. These basics are a great start. Add minced and roasted garlic for depth. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley add a fragrant touch.
Marinating the steak can make it tender and flavorful. Use Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and citrus juices. These acids break down the steak’s tough fibers, making it tender and tasty.
Recommended Cut Sizes
Choose top round steak cuts that are about 1 inch thick. This size ensures a good sear and keeps the inside juicy. Thin steaks can dry out quickly.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To prepare your steak, you’ll need some key tools. A cast-iron skillet or heavy-duty pan is best for searing. A meat mallet helps tenderize the steak. And a meat thermometer ensures it’s cooked just right.
With these ingredients and tools, you’re ready to make delicious top round steak dishes. They’ll impress anyone.
Classic Grilled Top Round Steak Recipe
Grilling brings out the best in a top round steak. With a few simple steps, you can make it juicy and tender. You’ll also get stunning grill marks that will wow your guests. Let’s dive into making a classic grilled top round steak that will please your taste buds.
Ingredients for Grilling
- 1 lb beef top round steak, about 3/4-inch thick
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F.
- Pat the top round steak dry with paper towels and brush both sides with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the steak on the hot grill grates and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
- To achieve those perfect grill marks, rotate the steak 45 degrees halfway through the cooking time on each side.
- Once grilled, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Tips for Perfect Grill Marks
To get those beautiful grill marks, don’t move the steak too much while cooking. Letting it sear undisturbed will give you the best results. Also, make sure your grill is hot and stays at medium-high heat while cooking.
“The grilled top round steak was so tender and flavorful, it quickly became a new family favorite!”
– Juliec
Savory Braised Top Round Steak
Cooking beef steak from the top round can be tricky because it’s tough. But, with the right methods, you can make it tender and delicious. Braising is a slow cooking method that adds rich flavors to the meat.
Braising Ingredients You’ll Love
To make a tasty braised top round steak, you’ll need a few ingredients. Start with 2-2 1/2 pounds of boneless beef top round steak. This will give you about 4 servings. You’ll also need:
- Olive oil for searing
- Butter for sautéing
- Onion, garlic, and celery for aromatic depth
- Beef broth and Worcestershire sauce for richness
- Tomato paste and canned diced tomatoes for tang
- Herbs like rosemary and thyme for earthy notes
- Smoked paprika and black pepper for seasoning
Cooking Method Explained
Start by searing the top round steak in a hot pan with olive oil. Brown the meat well, then set it aside. Next, sauté the onion, garlic, and celery until they smell good.
Then, add tomato paste and beef broth to the pan. This will loosen the browned bits. Put the steak back in the pan with the rest of the broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs. Simmer it all, then cover and bake at 325°F for 2-3 hours. Let the steak rest before thickening the sauce with cornstarch.
Perfect Sides for Braised Steak
Pair the braised top round steak with sides to enjoy the sauce. Try creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts. Add fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish is sure to delight your family and friends.
Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 425 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 9 g |
Protein | 55 g |
Fat | 18 g |
Saturated Fat | 6 g |
Cholesterol | 150 mg |
Sodium | 714 mg |
Potassium | 1128 mg |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sugar | 3 g |
“Braising transforms tough top round into tender, flavorful meat. The key is to brown the steak first, then let it simmer low and slow in a blend of beef broth, red wine, and aromatic vegetables.”
Flavor-Packed Top Round Steak Stir-fry
Craving a quick and easy dinner that’s big on flavor? Look no further than a delicious top round steak stir-fry! This versatile protein pairs perfectly with a variety of fresh vegetables for a well-balanced, satisfying meal.
Quick Ingredients for Stir-fry
The beauty of a stir-fry is that it comes together in a flash with just a few key ingredients. For your top round steak stir-fry, you’ll need:
- Thinly sliced top round steak
- Colorful bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas
- Soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a savory sauce
- Vegetable oil for stir-frying
Cooking Process in Minutes
The key to a quick and easy stir-fry is keeping the cooking process moving. Start by stir-frying the steak in a hot wok or large skillet until it’s just cooked through. Then, add your veggies and stir-fry for a few more minutes until they’re crisp-tender. Finally, toss everything with the flavorful sauce and let it heat through.
Serving Suggestions for a Balanced Meal
To make this easy beef steak dinners a complete meal, serve the stir-fry over a bed of fluffy white rice or nutrient-dense whole grain noodles. The combination of tender steak, crisp-tender veggies, and savory sauce is sure to satisfy. This versatile recipe can also be customized with different protein or vegetable combinations to suit your family’s tastes.
Mouthwatering Top Round Steak Tacos
Elevate your taco night with juicy, marinated top round steak. This beef offers a perfect mix of tenderness and flavor. It’s ideal for your taco creations.
Taco Ingredients and Salsas
Season the top round steak with beef steak seasonings like chili powder and cumin. Grill or pan-sear until it’s just right, then slice it thinly. Warm up corn tortillas for your taco masterpiece.
Top your tacos with fresh ingredients like onions and cilantro. Don’t forget the salsas! Mild pico de gallo or spicy salsa roja will elevate your tacos.
Assembly Tips for Delicious Tacos
- Start with a warm tortilla and layer on the beef steak slices.
- Add your favorite toppings like onions and cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Finish with a generous spoonful of your favorite salsa for a burst of flavor.
Ideas for Taco Night Themes
Make taco night fun with a DIY taco bar. Offer a variety of toppings and salsas. Let everyone create their own tacos. You can even theme it, like Baja-style with fish tacos or Tex-Mex with beef steak and queso.
These top round steak tacos will be a hit at your next taco night. Enjoy the juicy, flavorful beef steak in every bite.
Tasty Top Round Steak Chili
Beef steak cooking tips often lead to a comforting dish like chili. This Tasty Top Round Steak Chili is a family favorite. It’s full of bold flavors and has a great texture.
Ingredients for Hearty Chili
- 1.5 lbs to 2 lbs of top round steak, cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions for the Perfect Bowl
To make this Tasty Top Round Steak Chili, start by browning the cubed beef steak in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the beef is browned, add the diced bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Next, stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let the chili cook for at least 8 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors will meld and develop.
Best Accompaniments for Chili
Serve this Tasty Top Round Steak Chili topped with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions. Cornbread or tortilla chips make excellent accompaniments, soaking up all the delicious juices. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making it a great meal-prep option.
“This is the best chili I’ve ever had! The top round steak gives it such a rich, beefy flavor, and the long simmer time makes the texture absolutely perfect.”
Baked Top Round Steak with Vegetables
Try baking top round steak with fresh vegetables for a healthy meal. This dish is easy to make and tastes great. It’s a mix of tender beef and roasted veggies, perfect for dinner.
Fresh Vegetables to Pair with Steak
There are many veggies you can pair with baked top round steak. Some good ones are:
- Potatoes (russet, red, or sweet)
- Carrots
- Onions
- Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
Choose a mix of root and cruciferous veggies. They roast well and add flavor to the beef steak.
Baking Instructions for Juicy Results
To bake your top round beef steak and veggies, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Cut the beef steak into small pieces and put them in a big baking dish or sheet pan.
- Chop the veggies into the same size pieces and put them around the beef steak.
- Drizzle olive oil over the beef steak and veggies. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs or spices.
- Bake for about 1 hour. The beef steak should be cooked to your liking, and the veggies tender and caramelized.
How to Plate for Presentation
To make it look good, slice the baked beef steak and place it on top of the veggies. Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a nice touch.
Enjoy your tasty baked top round beef steak with various beef steak side dishes for a complete meal.
Slow Cooker Top Round Steak Stew
Enjoy the warm, comforting taste of a slow cooker stew with tender top round steak. It’s a great way to warm up on a cold day. With just a few ingredients and little prep, you can make a tasty stew that will satisfy your hunger.
Ingredients for Easy Stew
- 2 pounds of beef stew meat, such as top round steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups water combined with 3 tablespoons beef base Better Than Bouillon
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening
Slow Cooking Techniques
Start by tossing the cubed top round steak with flour in a big bowl. This makes a tasty, thick gravy. Brown the floured beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Then, put it in a slow cooker.
Pour in the beef broth, made from water and beef base. Add carrots, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-6 hours, until the meat is tender.
In the last hour, mix cornstarch with hot liquid to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew to thicken. Then, add frozen peas and let them heat up.
Serving Recommendations
Serve the stew in bowls with crusty bread for dipping. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to make. The stew also freezes well, so you can enjoy it again later.
Flavorful Top Round Steak Sandwiches
Take your sandwiches to the next level with these top round steak sandwiches. Thinly sliced, grilled beef steak is the main attraction. It’s placed on crusty bread with caramelized onions, melted cheese, and zesty horseradish sauce.
The secret to tender bites is letting the rest before slicing it against the grain.
Ingredients for Building the Perfect Sandwich
- 2 1/2 pounds top round , tenderized
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
- Worcestershire sauce
- Tabasco sauce
- 8 crusty sandwich rolls, split in half
- Sliced cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or provolone)
- Horseradish sauce (or your favorite condiment)
Assembly Tips for a Delicious Bite
Start by caramelizing the onions in butter over medium-low heat. Stir them occasionally until they’re soft and golden, about 7-10 minutes. Season the with Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, then sear it in a hot skillet with butter until browned on both sides.
After searing, deglaze the pan with Worcestershire and Tabasco sauces. This lets the flavors mix well.
Toast the sandwich rolls in butter until they’re crisp and golden. Place the and caramelized onions on the bottom half of each roll. Add a slice of melted cheese on top. Spoon some pan sauce over the meat before closing the sandwiches. Finish with a dollop of horseradish sauce for extra flavor.
Ideal Pairings for Sides and Drinks
These sandwiches go great with crispy fries or a refreshing side salad. For drinks, a cold beer or iced tea complements the flavors well. Enjoy these sandwiches at a casual gathering, game day, or a satisfying weeknight meal.
Nutrition Information (per serving) | Value |
---|---|
Calories | 691 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 38 g |
Protein | 36 g |
Fat | 44 g |
Saturated Fat | 19 g |
Cholesterol | 148 mg |
Sodium | 1350 mg |
Potassium | 547 mg |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sugar | 16 g |
Indulge in these sandwiches, but be ready to burn off the calories! The richness and satisfaction are worth it.
Creative Marinades for Top Round Steak
Make your beef top round steak taste amazing with a tasty marinade. Marinades add delicious flavors and make the meat tender. You can choose from many recipes like balsamic-herb, soy-ginger, or citrus.
Best Homemade Marinade Recipes
- Balsamic-Herb Marinade: Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper.
- Asian-Inspired Soy-Ginger Marinade: Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and chili-garlic sauce.
- Zesty Citrus Marinade: Whisk together orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, oregano, cumin, and chili powder.
Marinating Tips for Maximum Flavor
For great results, use vinegar or citrus juice to tenderize the beef. Add oil to keep it moist and seasonings for flavor. Marinate in a non-reactive container or bag, turning it to coat evenly.
Time Recommendations for Marinating
The marinating time depends on the steak’s thickness. Here’s a guide:
- For thin steaks (1/2 inch or less), marinate for 2-4 hours.
- For thicker cuts (1 inch or more), marinate for up to 24 hours.
Marinate in the fridge and throw away the used marinade to avoid foodborne illness.
Marinade Ingredient | Function |
---|---|
Acidic Component (Vinegar, Citrus Juice) | Helps tenderize the beef |
Oil (Olive Oil, Vegetable Oil) | Keeps the meat moist and juicy |
Seasonings (Herbs, Spices, Garlic, etc.) | Infuses the beef with bold, flavorful notes |
“Marinating is the secret to transforming a basic beef top round steak into a culinary masterpiece.”
Conclusion: Enjoying Your Top Round Steak Dishes
Beef top round steak is a great choice for home cooks. It can be grilled, pan-seared, slow-cooked, or braised. With the right techniques and seasonings, it tastes amazing.
Try out different marinades, rubs, and cooking methods. This way, you can find your favorite ways to cook it.
Recap of Cooking Options
Beef top round steak can be made into many tasty dishes. You can grill it for perfect marks or braise it for rich flavors. Stir-fries are also a great option.
Learning different cooking methods lets you make a variety of meals. These meals are not only affordable but also very satisfying.
Encouragement to Experiment
Cooking with beef top round steak is all about being creative. Try new marinades, spice blends, and cooking techniques. This way, you can make it into dishes that are as good as those from restaurants.
With a bit of creativity, you can turn this simple cut of meat into something truly special. It will impress your family and friends.
Final Thoughts on Beef Top Round Steak
Beef top round steak is a versatile and affordable choice for your kitchen. By learning various cooking methods and trying new things, you can make many delicious beef dishes. Enjoy exploring the flavors and making the most of your top round steak.
FAQ
What is top round steak?
What are the nutritional benefits of top round steak?
What are the best cooking techniques for top round steak?
What are some common seasonings and marinades for top round steak?
What is the recommended cut size for top round steak?
What kitchen tools are essential for cooking top round steak?
How do you grill the perfect top round steak?
How do you braise top round steak?
How do you make a top round steak stir-fry?
How do you make top round steak tacos?
Source Links
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