Round steak is an affordable cut of beef that often gets overlooked because it can be tough and chewy if not cooked properly. But with the right techniques, you can transform this lean, flavorful cut into a tender, mouthwatering meal. If you’ve ever wondered how do you fix round steak to make it tender and tasty, this guide is for you!
Why Is Round Steak Tough?
Round steak comes from the rear leg of the cow, a muscle area that gets a lot of exercise. This makes the meat lean with little fat marbling and a dense texture. It also contains more connective tissue, which contributes to its toughness. The muscle fibers run tightly in one direction, so if you cut it the wrong way, the steak can feel stringy and hard to chew.
How to Fix Round Steak: Key Strategies
1. Use Moist Cooking Methods
The best way to tenderize round steak is with slow, moist cooking methods like braising or slow cooking. These techniques break down tough fibers and connective tissues, turning the meat tender and juicy.
– Braising: Brown the steak first to develop flavor, then cook it slowly in a flavorful liquid like beef broth, wine, or tomato sauce for 1.5 to 2 hours or until fork-tender.
– Slow Cooking: Place the steak in a slow cooker with broth, onions, garlic, and herbs. Cook on low for several hours to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Marinate the Meat
Marinating round steak in acidic ingredients such as vinegar, wine, or citrus juice helps break down tough muscle fibers before cooking. Aim to marinate for 2 to 4 hours or overnight for best results.
3. Tenderize Physically
Use a meat mallet to pound the steak before cooking. This breaks down the muscle fibers and makes the meat more tender.
4. Slice Against the Grain
After cooking, slice the steak thinly against the grain (perpendicular to the muscle fibers). This shortens the fibers and makes each bite easier to chew.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Tender Round Steak
Ingredients
– 1-2 pounds round steak (about 1 inch thick)
– ½ cup flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1½ cups beef broth or stock
– ¼ cup balsamic or red wine vinegar
– 1 bay leaf
– Fresh thyme and rosemary (optional)
Directions
- Tenderize: Pound the steak lightly with a meat mallet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Coat: Lightly dredge the steak in flour, shaking off excess.
- Sear: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the steak 3 minutes per side, then set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add onions and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
- Deglaze: Pour in broth and vinegar, scraping up browned bits.
- Simmer: Add bay leaf and herbs. Return steak and juices to the pan. Cover partially and simmer on low for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.
- Rest & Slice: Remove bay leaf, let steak rest 5-10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Additional Tips for Perfect Round Steak
– Let steak come to room temperature before cooking for even heat distribution.
– Preheat your pan or grill well to get a good sear that locks in juices.
– Rest the steak after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
– Add collagen-rich ingredients like mushrooms or gelatin to the braising liquid to enhance tenderness.
– Use a pressure cooker to speed up cooking while still tenderizing the meat.
Different Cuts of Round Steak and Their Uses
| Cut | Description | Best Cooking Method |
|---|---|---|
| Top Round | Most tender of the round cuts | Braising, slow cooking |
| Bottom Round | Tougher, leaner cut | Slow cooking, roasting |
| Eye of Round | Small, cylindrical muscle, very lean | Quick roasting, slicing thin |
| Sirloin Tip | More tender than other round cuts | Grilling, pan-frying |
Knowing your cut helps you pick the best cooking method to fix round steak perfectly.
Summary
Fixing round steak means using the right techniques to overcome its natural toughness. Slow cooking, marinating, pounding, and slicing against the grain are your best friends. With these tips, you can enjoy a tender, flavorful steak without breaking the bank.
Enjoy your next round steak meal with confidence-it’s easier than you think to turn this humble cut into a delicious dish!