Bottom round steak is a budget-friendly, lean cut of beef that often gets overlooked because it can be a bit tough if not cooked properly. But with the right techniques, you can transform this humble cut into a delicious, tender, and satisfying meal. If you’ve ever wondered how do you cook bottom round steak to perfection, this guide is for you!
Understanding Bottom Round Steak
Bottom round steak comes from the rear leg of the cow, making it a lean cut with less fat than more popular steaks like ribeye or sirloin. Because it’s lean and has tougher muscle fibers, it requires special care to avoid ending up chewy or dry. But the good news is, with some tenderizing and the right cooking methods, it can be wonderfully flavorful and tender.
Key Tips Before You Start
– Tenderize the meat: Use a meat mallet or marinate the steak in an acidic mixture (like vinegar, lemon juice, or buttermilk) to break down tough fibers.
– Cook low and slow or sear and finish: Slow cooking or braising with moisture works wonders, but you can also pan-sear and finish in the oven for a quicker meal.
– Slice against the grain: This makes the meat easier to chew and enhances tenderness.
– Don’t overcook: Aim for medium-rare to medium doneness to keep the steak juicy and tender.
Three Delicious Ways to Cook Bottom Round Steak
1. Pan-Searing and Oven Finishing
This method is great for a quick yet flavorful steak dinner.
– Step 1: Take the steak out of the fridge and let it reach room temperature (about 30 minutes).
– Step 2: Tenderize the steak with a meat mallet or marinate it for at least 30 minutes.
– Step 3: Season the steak with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
– Step 4: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil or butter.
– Step 5: Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side until you get a nice brown crust.
– Step 6: Transfer the skillet or steak to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-15 minutes until it reaches medium-rare (135°F / 57°C).
– Step 7: Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain before serving.
2. Slow Cooking or Braising
Perfect for tender, melt-in-your-mouth results, slow cooking is ideal if you have time.
– Step 1: Tenderize the steak and marinate it if you like.
– Step 2: Place the steak in a slow cooker with broth, onions, garlic, and your favorite vegetables.
– Step 3: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
– Step 4: Once done, let the steak rest before slicing thinly against the grain.
– This method breaks down the tough fibers and infuses the meat with rich flavors, making it ideal for stews or pot roasts.
3. Skillet with a Quick Braise
If you don’t have a slow cooker but want tender meat, try this hybrid method.
– Step 1: Season and tenderize the steak.
– Step 2: Sear the steak in an oven-safe skillet on the stovetop for 1-2 minutes per side.
– Step 3: Add about 2 cups of water or broth to the skillet and cover tightly with foil.
– Step 4: Transfer to a 400°F oven and cook for 10-12 minutes.
– Step 5: Rest the steak, then slice thinly.
– This technique uses moisture and heat to tenderize the steak quickly while locking in flavor.
Bonus: Flavor Boosting Tips
– Marinate well: Use acidic ingredients like balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or citrus juice to tenderize and add flavor.
– Use garlic and herbs: Basting with garlic butter or adding fresh rosemary or thyme can elevate the taste.
– Don’t skip resting: Resting the steak after cooking lets the juices redistribute, making every bite juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Bottom round steak pairs wonderfully with:
– Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables
– A fresh green salad or sautéed greens
– Rice or pasta dishes
– Hearty bread to soak up any juices or sauces
Summary
Bottom round steak may be lean and tough at first glance, but with proper tenderizing, seasoning, and cooking methods like slow cooking, pan-searing plus oven finishing, or skillet braising, you can enjoy a tender, juicy, and flavorful steak that won’t break the bank. Remember to slice against the grain and avoid overcooking for best results. Give these methods a try, and you’ll soon be a bottom round steak fan!
Enjoy your cooking adventure!