Hello meat lovers! Are you tired of cooking the same old steak recipes? Do you want to impress your family and friends with a juicy and flavorful cut of meat? Look no further than top round steak. This underrated cut of beef is lean, affordable, and versatile, making it the perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you like it grilled, smoked, or pan-seared, there is no shortage of delicious top round steak recipes to choose from.
In this ultimate guide, we’ve gathered some of the best top round steak recipes from around the world to inspire your next culinary adventure. From classic American dishes to exotic, international flavors, there’s something here for everyone. We’ll share tips for selecting and cooking top round steak, as well as ideas for tasty sides and sauces to complement your meal. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Top Round Steak Recipes
Top round steak is a flavorful and affordable cut of beef that is perfect for a variety of recipes. Whether you’re in the mood for something grilled, slow-cooked, or stir-fried, there is a top round steak recipe out there for you. Here are three delicious ways to prepare top round steak:
Grilled Top Round Steak
Grilling a top round steak is a great way to bring out its natural flavors while adding a smoky and charred taste. Here’s how to do it:
First, you need to prepare your steak. You can season it with a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or you can marinate it for a few hours or overnight with your favorite mixture of spices and oils. Once your steak is prepped, heat up your grill and lightly oil the grates.
When your grill is hot, place your steak on it and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on how thick your steak is and how well done you like it. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the desired internal temperature.
Once your steak is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. You can enjoy your grilled top round steak with some roasted vegetables, a side salad, or your favorite starch.
Slow Cooker Top Round Steak
If you prefer a more tender and juicy top round steak, slow cooking is the way to go. Here’s a recipe for a savory and satisfying slow cooker top round steak:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds top round steak, trimmed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the steak in the slow cooker.
- Add the onions, peppers, garlic, tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high until the sauce thickens.
- Serve your slow cooker top round steak with some mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Top Round Steak Stir Fry
Stir-frying is a quick and easy way to turn your top round steak into a flavorful and nourishing meal. Here’s a recipe for a delicious top round steak stir fry:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound top round steak, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- Sesame seeds and scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the sliced steak and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and crispy. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add the sliced peppers and onion to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Add the sauce to the skillet and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Return the cooked steak to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Stir-fry for an additional minute until everything is hot and well combined.
- Top your top round steak stir fry with some sesame seeds and chopped scallions for extra flavor and texture.
These are just a few examples of how you can enjoy a delicious top round steak. Feel free to experiment with different marinades, cooking methods, and seasonings to find the one that best suits your taste buds. The key is to have fun in the kitchen and enjoy the process of creating something delicious!
Tips for Cooking with Top Round Steak
Top round steak is a budget-friendly cut of beef that is versatile and can be used in many dishes. It is lean and has a low-fat content, making it a healthy option and perfect for those who are conscious of their dietary intake. The following tips will help you to cook with top round steak to enhance its flavor and tenderness, making it one of your favorite cuts of beef.
Marinating Top Round Steak
Marinating can do wonders for top round steak, especially when it comes to adding flavor and tenderizing the meat. A good marinade for top round steak should be well balanced with sweet, sour, and salty flavors. You can use a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, honey, garlic, and herbs to make a simple yet delicious marinade for your top round steak.
When marinating top round steak, it is important to allow enough time for the flavors to penetrate the meat. A minimum of four hours is recommended, but you can leave it in the marinade overnight for best results. Before cooking, make sure to pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade and ensure proper browning.
Choosing the Right Cut of Top Round Steak
There are different types of top round steak, and each cut is best suited for different cooking methods. The top round steak can be divided into three parts: the top round roast, the top round steak, and the top round London broil.
The top round roast is a larger and thicker cut that is great for slow-roasting or braising. The top round steak is a thinner cut, often used for stir-frying and grilling. The top round London broil is also a thinner cut, but it is best marinated before cooking, and then broiled or grilled.
When choosing a top round steak, make sure to look for one with a deep color, firm texture, and minimal fat. Avoid cuts with excessive fat or that are discolored or malodorous, as these may indicate spoilage.
Slicing Top Round Steak
Slicing top round steak is an essential step to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor in your dishes. The key is to cut the steak against the grain, which means slicing perpendicular to the lines of muscle fibers. This breaks up the fibers and makes the steak tender.
Before slicing, allow the meat to rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more flavorful. Use a sharp knife to make even slices, and take your time to make sure you are cutting against the grain. Thin slices are best for stir-fries, while thicker slices are perfect for grilled or roasted dishes.
In conclusion, top round steak is a versatile cut of beef that can be used in many dishes. Using the above tips, you can enhance its flavor and tenderness to make it a delicious addition to your meals. Whether you’re grilling, broiling, stir-frying, or roasting, top round steak is a great choice for a healthy, budget-friendly dinner.
Top Round Steak Side Dishes
For a complete and satisfying meal, a great side dish is essential. When it comes to simple and delicious side dishes to match with your top round steak, roasted vegetables, crispy potatoes, and coleslaw are crowd favorites.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables is an easy and healthy way to elevate your meal. You can prepare any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. Choose the vegetables according to your taste preference and the availability of the produce in your area. Before roasting, toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper to enhance their flavors. You can add garlic, herbs, or balsamic vinegar to the marinade for extra flavor. Arrange the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for about 20 minutes or until tender and golden brown. Roasted vegetables are not only delicious but are also packed with nutrients that support your health.
Crispy Potatoes
Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with top round steak. Whether you prefer mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or french fries, potatoes offer different textures and flavors. For roasted potatoes, cut them into wedges or cubes, and toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add your preferred herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and garlic to the marinade for a more robust flavor. Roast the potatoes in the oven at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until they are crispy and golden brown. You can serve the roasted potatoes as is, or sprinkle some Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley for extra yumminess.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is an easy-to-make side dish that is both tangy and refreshing. The crunchy texture of coleslaw balances well with the tender and juicy top round steak. You only need a few simple ingredients to make coleslaw, such as cabbage, carrots, red onion, and mayonnaise. Shred the cabbage and carrots into small pieces, slice the onion thinly, and mix them in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss them until coated evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Coleslaw can be a healthy alternative to traditional side dishes, especially when made with fresh and crunchy vegetables.
In conclusion, side dishes can make or break your meal experience. The three side dish recipes mentioned above are easy to prepare and go well with top round steak. Roasting vegetables, making crispy potatoes, and whipping up some coleslaw are great ideas to add some variety to your meals while keeping them nutritious and delicious. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your perfect pairings.
Time to Savor the Delicious Top Round Steak Recipes!
We hope this ultimate guide to top round steak recipes has inspired you to get cooking and trying out new recipes. Remember, cooking is an art and you should experiment with different flavors and techniques to create your own signature dishes. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them.
Thank you for reading, and we hope you found this article enjoyable and informative. Make sure to bookmark our website and come back for more culinary inspiration. We are always updating our content, so be sure to check back for more guides and recipes. Happy cooking!
FAQ
1. What is top round steak?
Top round steak is a cut of beef that comes from the lean muscle on the topside of the cow’s rear leg.
2. How do I cook top round steak?
Top round steak is best cooked using high-heat cooking techniques, such as grilling, broiling, or searing.
3. How do I tenderize top round steak?
Top round steak can be tenderized by marinating it in an acidic marinade, or by pounding it with a meat mallet before cooking.
4. What are some popular seasonings for top round steak?
Some popular seasonings for top round steak include salt, pepper, garlic, onion, paprika, and cumin.
5. Can I cook top round steak in a slow cooker?
Yes, top round steak can be cooked in a slow cooker, but it may not turn out as tender as other cuts of beef that are more suited for slow cooking.
6. How long should I let top round steak rest before slicing?
It is best to let top round steak rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and keep it moist.
7. Can I freeze top round steak?
Yes, top round steak can be frozen for up to 6 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and label it with the date.
8. Are there any health benefits to eating top round steak?
Top round steak is a good source of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which can all contribute to a healthy diet.
9. What are some side dishes that go well with top round steak?
Some side dishes that pair well with top round steak include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, salad, rice pilaf, and grilled corn on the cob.
10. Can I use top round steak in stir-fry?
Yes, top round steak can be sliced thinly and used in stir-fry recipes, just be sure to cook it quickly over high heat to prevent it from becoming tough.
