Easy Round Steak Recipes: Flavorful and Tender Dishes

Round steak is often overlooked in the meat aisle due to its reputation for being tough, but with the right techniques and recipes, it can become a tender, flavorful centerpiece of any meal. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or looking to impress guests, these easy round steak recipes will guide you in transforming this economical cut into dishes that are both delicious and sophisticated.

Understanding Round Steak

Before diving into the recipes, it’s crucial to understand what makes round steak unique:

• Lean Cut: Round steak comes from the rear leg of the cow, which means it has less fat, making it leaner but potentially tougher if not prepared correctly.
• Fibers: The muscle fibers in round steak are long and compact, requiring methods like marinating or slow cooking to break them down for tenderness.
• Varieties: Top round, bottom round, and eye of round are common forms, each slightly different in texture and how they’re best used.

Preparation Techniques for Round Steak

Here are some key preparation techniques to ensure your round steak turns out tender and flavorful:

• Tenderizing: Pounding the meat with a meat mallet or using a tenderizing tool helps break down fibers.
• Marinating: Marinating with ingredients like vinegar, citrus, or wine for several hours can enhance flavor and tenderness.
• Slow Cooking: Cooking low and slow is ideal for tougher cuts to ensure they become fork-tender.

Top Round Steak With Mushroom Gravy

This classic dish uses the top round steak to create a comforting, rich meal:

- 1.5 lbs top round steak
- 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1. Pound the steak to a 1/4-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sear steaks for 3-4 minutes per side until browned, then set aside.
3. Add mushrooms to the skillet, cook until they release their moisture, then add garlic.
4. Pour in beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, return steaks to the skillet, reduce heat, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes or until steaks are tender.

💡 Note: For an extra tender result, let the steak rest in the pan juices for 5 minutes before serving.

Braised Round Steak with Vegetables

This slow-cooked dish uses the braising technique to soften round steak to perfection:

- 2 lbs round steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cups beef stock
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves

1. Season the steak with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a Dutch oven, brown the steak on both sides, and remove.
2. Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add tomato paste, cook for a minute, then add stock, thyme, and bay leaves.
3. Return steak to the pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 2 hours or until the meat is very tender.
4. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Round Steak Stir-Fry

For a quicker preparation, stir-frying can also yield delicious results:

- 1 lb round steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- Bell peppers, onions, and broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup stir-fry sauce (like teriyaki or hoisin)

1. Marinate steak slices in soy sauce and cornstarch for 10 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large pan, add steak, and stir-fry until just cooked. Remove from pan.
3. Stir-fry garlic and ginger, then add vegetables, cooking until crisp-tender. Add back the steak and stir-fry sauce, toss to combine, and heat through.

Easy Round Steak Fajitas

A fun and flavorful option for casual dining:

- 1 lb round steak, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- Juice from 1 lime
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- Tortillas, cheese, salsa, sour cream

1. Marinate steak slices with taco seasoning and lime juice for 30 minutes.
2. Cook in a skillet with vegetables over high heat until the steak is cooked and veggies are tender-crisp.
3. Serve with warm tortillas and fixings.

💡 Note: For added zest, include a splash of beer in the marinade.

Summing up, round steak might not be the first choice for many cooks, but with these recipes, it can turn into a delight for the palate. By understanding the cut and employing the right cooking methods, you can achieve a tender, flavorful dish that rivals those made with more premium cuts. Experiment with different flavors and cooking techniques to find your favorite way to enjoy this economical yet versatile cut of meat.

Can I use frozen round steak for these recipes?

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Yes, you can, but always thaw the steak properly in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and better texture.

How can I make my round steak more tender?

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Marinating, braising, and tenderizing with a meat mallet are key methods to soften the fibers in round steak for maximum tenderness.

Are there vegetarian alternatives to round steak?

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Portobello mushrooms or seitan can be used as a vegetarian substitute, offering a similar texture when prepared properly.