What is Beef Round Steak?
Beef round steak is one of the most versatile cuts of beef. Whether you're grilling, pan-frying, or braising, round steak can be prepared in countless delicious ways. It’s affordable, flavorful, and perfect for creating a variety of dishes. If you’re looking to experiment with new recipes or want to discover some cooking tips for this fantastic cut of beef, look no further. In this article, we’ll explore the best beef round steak recipes that will make your next meal memorable.
Top Beef Round Steak Recipes to Try
1. Classic Beef Round Steak Stir-Fry
This stir-fry recipe is packed with flavor and makes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. You can use your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and broccoli, to add extra texture and nutrition to your dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 beef round steaks, sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef slices and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and broccoli. Stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, and cook for 2 more minutes until everything is well coated.
- Serve over rice and enjoy!
2. Beef Round Steak with Mushroom Gravy
For a rich and comforting dish, try making beef round steak with mushroom gravy. The gravy adds a creamy texture that complements the beef beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 2 beef round steaks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
- Season the steaks with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the steaks on both sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add the butter and mushrooms. Sauté until the mushrooms are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and cook until the gravy thickens.
- Return the steaks to the pan and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb the gravy’s flavors.
- Serve the steak with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious mushroom gravy.
3. Grilled Beef Round Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
For a bright and tangy twist on traditional steak, try grilling your beef round steak and serving it with a flavorful chimichurri sauce. This Argentinean-inspired sauce is made with fresh herbs, garlic, and vinegar, adding a fresh contrast to the beef’s richness.
Ingredients for Chimichurri:
- 1 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the beef round steaks with salt and pepper. Grill for about 5-6 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred level of doneness.
- While the steak is grilling, prepare the chimichurri sauce by mixing all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve the steak with the chimichurri sauce drizzled on top. This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables or a simple salad.
4. Slow Cooker Beef Round Steak
If you prefer hands-off cooking, a slow cooker is your best friend for preparing beef round steak. The long cooking time ensures the meat becomes tender and juicy.
Ingredients:
- 2 beef round steaks
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the beef round steaks with salt and pepper and place them in the slow cooker.
- Add the onions, garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and thyme to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Remove the steaks and serve them with the cooking juices over mashed potatoes or rice.
5. Beef Round Steak Fajitas
Spicy, savory, and satisfying, beef fajitas are a crowd-pleaser and make for a great family dinner. The key to flavorful fajitas is marinating the beef in a zesty mixture before cooking.
Ingredients:
- 2 beef round steaks
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- Tortillas for serving
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika to make the marinade. Coat the beef round steaks with the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef steaks and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Remove the steaks from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Slice the beef into thin strips and toss it with the vegetables. Serve in warm tortillas.
FAQs about Beef Round Steak
1. How do I make beef round steak tender?
Beef round steak can be tough if not cooked properly. To tenderize it, try marinating the steak for several hours or overnight. Slow cooking methods like braising or using a slow cooker can also help make the meat tender.
2. Can I grill beef round steak?
Yes, you can grill beef round steak. However, because it’s a lean cut, it’s best to marinate it first and grill it over medium-high heat to avoid overcooking and drying it out.
3. What can I serve with beef round steak?
Beef round steak pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. For a more hearty meal, consider serving it with pasta or a baked potato.
Conclusion
Beef round steak is a wonderfully versatile cut of beef that can be used in a variety of delicious recipes. From stir-fries to slow cooker meals, there’s a recipe here for every taste and occasion. By following these easy-to-make beef round steak recipes, you can create flavorful, tender dishes that are sure to impress. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes are a great way to enjoy this affordable and tasty cut of beef.