Top round steak is a lean and flavorful cut from the cow’s rear leg. It’s affordable and can be made delicious with the right steps. This guide will show you how to cook top round steak perfectly. You’ll learn about seasoning, searing, and basting for a tender and juicy steak.
What is Top Round Steak?
The top round steak comes from the cow’s rear leg. It’s lean and less tender than premium steaks but full of beefy flavor. With the right cooking, it can become a juicy and tasty main dish.
Understanding the Cut
The top round steak is from the cow’s rear leg. This area is well-exercised, making the steak lean and tougher. But, it’s more tender than other cuts from the same area.
Benefits of Top Round Steak
- Affordability: Top-round steak is cheaper than pricier steak cuts.
- Versatility: It can be grilled, broiled, pan-seared, or slow-roasted.
- Flavor Absorption: It takes on flavors well, making it perfect for bold tastes.
- Nutritional Value: It’s lean, high in protein, and low in fat, great for health-conscious eaters.
Top round steak may not be as tender as some, but it’s affordable and versatile. It absorbs flavors well, making it a favorite for many. With proper cooking, it turns into a satisfying dish.
Ingredients for Perfectly Cooked Top Round Steak
To cook a top round steak perfectly, you need a few key ingredients. First, you’ll need a 1-inch thick top round steak. Seasoning is important, so have kosher salt and black pepper ready. Use olive oil for searing and butter, garlic, and herbs for flavor.
Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients you’ll need:
- Top round steak, 1-inch thick
- Kosher salt
- Coarsely ground black pepper
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh rosemary or other herbs
With these ingredients, you’re ready to cook a top round steak that’s perfectly seared and juicy. Now, let’s follow the step-by-step instructions to enhance this flavorful beef cut.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Top Round Steak | 1-inch thick |
| Kosher Salt | To taste |
| Coarsely Ground Black Pepper | To taste |
| Olive Oil | As needed for searing |
| Unsalted Butter | For basting |
| Garlic Cloves, minced | As desired |
| Fresh Rosemary or other Herbs | As desired |
How to Pan-Seared Top-Round Steak: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting that perfect top-round steak pan-seared is easier than you actually imagine it will be. Just follow these easy steps for a juicy, flavorful steak with a golden crust.
Preparation and Seasoning
Pound the top round steak with the meat mallet or the back side of a heavy skillet to start with. That way, it turns tender and cooks well. Sprinkle liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
Searing Techniques
Set a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add a light drizzle of olive oil. Place the steak seasoned in the pan and sear for 5 minutes on each side to develop a nice golden-brown crust.
Basting with Garlic Butter
Reduce the heat to medium, then add butter, minced garlic, and fresh rosemary into the skillet. Baste the steak with a garlic butter mixture for 2-3 minutes. That would give extra flavor to the steak.
Take out the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Its resting time makes it juicy and full of flavor. Now, pan-searing top-round steak is easy.
“The key to perfectly cooked top round steak searing is patience and attention to detail. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasoning blends and basting techniques to find your personal favorite.”
Other Methods of Cooking
Top round steak can be cooked in a gazillion ways other than pan-searing it. You could try doing it in the air fryer, on the grill, or oven-roasting. Each method will make your steak delicious in its own way.
Air Fryer Method
The air fryer works wonders for air fryer top round steak. You will achieve a nice, crispy outside and a juicy inside. Simply season your steak, lay it in the air fryer, and cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Flip halfway through until it is cooked to desired doneness.
Grill Method
For one of those smoky tastes, grilling is great for grilled top round steak. Heat your grill to medium-high. Cook the steak 4-5 minutes per side. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to maintain its juiciness.
Oven-Roasting Method
Oven-roasting is easy and hands-off for oven-roasted top round steak. Season the steak and place it in a greased dish. Roast at 350°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway. That way, you will have perfectly cooked steak.
Let your steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Letting it rest allows the juices to distribute evenly; hence, a tender and flavorful steak.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Top Round Steak
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your top round steak, you need to start off with the right preparation. One of the most key steps toward having a tender cut of meat is marinating. For tenderizing, a mixture of balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and black pepper would do nicely for this steak.
Marinating for Tenderization
It’s best to marinate top round steak 2-3 hours prior to cooking. The acidic elements within the marinade actually break down some tough fibers, turning the steak tender and full of flavor. Make sure to turn the steak over a few times to marinate it equally.
Seasoning Variations
- Try different seasoning blends to add unique flavors to your top-round steak. Montreal steak seasoning, with its mix of salt, black pepper, garlic, and herbs, is a great choice.
- Cajun seasoning adds a bold, spicy kick. It’s a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and spices that brings heat to your dish.
Marinating and seasoning your top-round steak unlocks its full flavor. Enjoy a tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked meal every time.
Serving Suggestions for Top Round Steak
Top round steak is a versatile cut of meat. It pairs well with many side dishes and preparations. You can serve it as the main course or in a tasty sandwich.
Side Dish Pairings
- Baked Potatoes: Top round steak goes great with a classic baked potato. It lets the meat’s natural flavors stand out.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve your top round steak with roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus. It’s a nutritious and balanced meal.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp, green salad is a perfect match for top round steak. It offers a refreshing contrast to the savory meat.
Sandwich Slicing
For a tasty top round steak for sandwiches option, slice the cooked meat thinly. Serve it on your favorite bread or rolls. It’s a satisfying and easy meal, great for lunch or dinner.
| Serving Suggestion | Preparation Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| Top Round Steak with Baked Potatoes | 40 minutes | 6 |
| Top Round Steak Sandwiches | 30 minutes | 8 |
| Top Round Steak with Roasted Vegetables | 60 minutes | 6 |
The secret to how to serve top round steak is to highlight its natural flavors. Pair it with side dishes or preparations that complement it. Try different ways to find your family’s favorite way to enjoy this delicious beef.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing and reheating leftover top round steak right is crucial. It keeps the flavor and texture great. Follow these easy steps to keep your steak tasty for days.
Storing Leftover Top Round Steak
Let your top round steak cool down to room temperature. Then, put it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for 2-3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Leftover Top Round Steak
There are a few good ways to reheat your leftover top round steak:
- Skillet Reheating: Slice the steak and heat it in a skillet over medium heat. Turn it often until it’s warm.
- Oven Reheating: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Put the steak on a baking sheet and warm it for 5-10 minutes.
- Air Fryer Reheating: Cut the steak into small pieces. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, shaking halfway.
Don’t reheat top round steak in the microwave. It can make the steak dry and tough.
By using these tips, you can enjoy your leftover top round steak for days. It will stay juicy and full of flavor.
Nutritional Information for Top Round Steak
Top round steak is a lean cut of beef that’s packed with nutrients. It’s a great source of protein and has fewer calories and fats.
A 4-ounce serving of cooked top round steak has about 190 calories. It also has 24 grams of protein and only 10 grams of fat. Plus, it’s rich in iron, zinc, and phosphorus.
| Nutrient | Amount per 4 oz (112g) Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 190 | – |
| Total Fat | 10g | 13% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 80mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 60mg | 3% |
| Protein | 24g | – |
The calorie breakdown for top round steak is mostly fat, with a small amount of carbs and a lot of protein. This makes it perfect for low-carb or high-protein diets.
Top round steak is also very versatile. You can pan-sear, grill, or roast it. It’s a delicious and nutritious choice for any meal.
Conclusion
Top round steak is an inexpensive cut of beef and lends itself to so many uses. This is a cut of beef that takes readily to become a sumptuous and satisfying meal. You can have the perfect top round steak by following some tips and methods from this guide.
Whether pan-seared, thrown on the grill, or finished in an air fryer/oven, tender and flavorful top round steak can be a lovely treat any night of the week. It is all about the right seasoning, method of cooking, and serving suggestions that will make it work.
The key to cooking top round steak lies in how one understands the cut and its peculiarities. Being a leaner cut, with larger fibers of muscle, there is all the more reason to pay utmost attention to cooking temperature and technique while cooking it to retain its tenderness and juiciness.
It’s only through proper marination, seasoning, and using the right cooking method that you can unlock the real potential behind this cut of beef – one that is really affordable yet so versatile. Whether you want a classically pan-seared steak, a masterpiece on the grill, or the ease of an air fryer, this article has got you covered.
Experiment with different seasoning blends, cooking methods, and serving suggestions to find your personal favorite way of enjoying this deliciously nutritious cut of beef.
FAQ
What is top round steak?
Top round steak is a lean and flavorful cut from the cow’s rear leg. It’s known as the “round” area. This budget-friendly option can be made delicious with the right cooking methods.
What are the benefits of top round steak?
Top round steak is lean and less tender than other cuts. Yet, it’s full of beefy flavor. It’s affordable, versatile, and great at soaking up marinades and seasonings.
What ingredients are needed to cook top round steak perfectly?
To cook top round steak perfectly, you need a few ingredients. You’ll need top round steak, kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil, butter, garlic, and fresh rosemary or herbs.
How do you pan-sear top round steak?
Start by pounding the steak lightly to tenderize it. Season it well with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high and add olive oil.
Place the steak in the skillet and sear for 5 minutes on each side. Then, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, and rosemary to the pan. Baste the steak until it’s cooked to your liking.
What are some alternative cooking methods for top round steak?
You can also cook top round steak in an air fryer, on the grill, or in the oven. For the air fryer, season the steak and air fry for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
For grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side. To oven-roast, season the steak, place it in a greased dish, and bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.
How can you make top round steak more tender?
To make top round steak tender, marinate it for 2-3 hours before cooking. Use a marinade of balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and black pepper.
What are some good serving suggestions for top round steak?
Top round steak goes well with baked potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also slice it thinly for sandwiches or salads.
How do you store and reheat leftover top round steak?
Cool leftover steak to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat it in a skillet or oven at 350°F until warm.
What is the nutritional information for top round steak?
Top round steak is lean, offering protein while being low in fat and calories. A 4-ounce serving has about 236 calories, 26 grams of protein, and 14 grams of fat.