Cooking round steak on the stove can result in a fork-tender and flavorful dish that is satisfying and nourishing. By sautéing this typically tough cut of meat with a combination of wine or broth and seasonings, you’ll be able to enjoy a tasty and tender meal that’s rich in protein, iron, and other nutritional benefits.
Not only is round steak a versatile option for various stews and dishes, but it can also be cooked whole in liquid to achieve its maximum tenderness. With proper technique and care in selecting the right quality of meat, such as choosing organic or grass-fed beef, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal while avoiding excessive saturated fat and calories.
Key Takeaways
Sautéeing round steak with wine or broth yields a tender and flavorful result
Round steak is a versatile beef cut, suitable for stews and other dishes
Choosing quality, organic or grass-fed beef can contribute to a more nutritious meal
Round Steak on the Stove
To cook round steak on the stove, follow these simple steps. First, ensure your steak is fresh or thawed. Local meat markets often provide great deals on organic, grass-fed meat, making it more affordable than grocery stores. You can also slice a top round roast into smaller pieces for faster cooking.
Round steaks are leaner than traditional cuts like T-bone or NY Strip, so they require careful preparation to avoid becoming chewy and tough. If needed, defrost your steak properly before cooking. Ideal methods for stovetop cooking include braising, pan-frying, or pan-searing.
To begin, preheat your stove to medium heat and use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution. Cooking the round steak in butter adds flavor and keeps the meat moist. Remember to enjoy the process and savor the taste of your perfectly cooked stove-top round steak.
Quick Defrosting Steak Techniques
To defrost steak rapidly, keep your steak in a sealed bag and immerse it in a cold water bowl. Ensure you change the water every 30 minutes until the steak becomes soft and tender inside. By using this method, you maintain the quality and taste of the meat. Marinating the steak after defrosting can further enhance the flavors when you’re ready to cook it in the oven.
How to Cook Frozen Round Steak
To cook a frozen round steak properly, begin by heating a pan for an initial sear. Then, transfer the steak to a cooling rack placed on top of a baking sheet. This setup allows the steak to heat slowly until it reaches a fork-tender consistency.
Make sure to let the steak rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to retain its juiciness. Slice the steak against the grain on a cutting board for easier chewing. The entire cooking process should take approximately 60 minutes, giving you ample time to prepare side dishes like mashed potatoes.
Round steak is a leaner and tougher cut, making it suitable for cooking in liquid or stew to achieve tenderness. While pan-searing is an option, the best results come from incorporating round steak into dishes like chili or carnitas.
If you’ve decided to use round steak for a slow cooker Puerto Rican stew, go ahead and follow your chosen recipe. However, if you want to try pan-searing first to make a decision, follow the instructions above for a tasty and enjoyable meal.
Frozen Round Steak in a Pan
To cook your frozen round steak in a pan, it’s important to season the meat first. If you have a cast iron skillet, it’s perfect for this recipe. Simply use a mixture of garlic powder, salt, and pepper, allowing the wine or broth to contribute additional flavor.
Preheat your skillet on medium-high heat. Dry the outside of your room temperature top round steaks, and coat them with pot roast seasoning, steak dry rub, or salt and pepper mixture. This works well for various cuts of meats, such as London Broil and steaks.
Once the pan is hot, add olive oil and place the steaks in the pan. Sear them for 2 minutes on each side to lock in moisture and the seasoning.
Use a thermometer to measure the internal temperature, aiming for 145 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results. Remove the meat from the pan and place it on a plate. You may add a pat of garlic butter on top of each steak. Then, cover them with foil and let them rest for 10 minutes.
After the steaks have rested, season them with salt and pepper to taste, and slice against the grain for tender bites.
Remember, if you plan to prepare side dishes such as potatoes, carrots, or celery, you should start cooking them first since the steak-cooking process doesn’t take long. Enjoy your delicious pan-seared frozen round steak with your choice of vegetables and a drizzle of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness!
How to Cook Round Steak
To cook a tasty round steak, try cutting it into large cubes and using it like normal stew meat. Some delicious options include:
Preparing Crock Pot beef tips with rich gravy – this is a crowd-pleaser even for the kids.
Keeping the steak whole with potatoes for a low-prep slow cooker steak recipe.
Slicing the steak into thinner strips, pounding them with a meat mallet to tenderize, then making air fryer chicken fried steak.
Opting for a classic Swiss steak, which allows for a more medium-rare cook if desired.
When cooking round steak, don’t forget to season the meat with your choice of spices and herbs. Since round steak is a lean and somewhat tough cut, it’s important to tenderize it properly. Using a meat mallet or a meat tenderizer will make the steak more enjoyable and less chewy. Remember to pay attention to the marbling of your specific cut, as this can affect factors like cooking time, fat content, and overall tenderness. Keep in mind that nutritional information such as saturated fat and calories will vary depending on the size and weight of your meat, so it’s a good idea to check the packaging for accurate measurements. Enjoy experimenting with these cooking methods and savoring the flavorful results!
The Optimal Approach to Reheating Steak
When you have leftover steak, it’s essential to reheat it properly to maintain its delicious taste and texture. Follow these steps to ensure the best results:
Let it rest: Remove the steak from the fridge and let it sit on the countertop for about 20 minutes, allowing it to reach room temperature.
Prepare the steak: Place the steak on a microwave-safe dish. To keep the steak moist, coat the top with some gravy, a pat of garlic butter, or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Choose your reheating method: You have a few options for reheating your steak:
Microwave: Heat the steak for 1 minute.
Skillet: Place the steak in a skillet with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes on medium heat.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F and bake the steak for 20-30 minutes.
Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the desired level of doneness, whether rare, medium-rare, or well-done. Here are the internal temperatures for each level:
Rare: 125°F
Medium-rare: 135°F
Medium: 145°F
Well-done: 160°F
Enjoy: Once your steak has been reheated to the desired temperature, allow it to rest for a few minutes before digging in. Enjoy your perfectly reheated steak!
How to Cook Round Steak on the Stove
Instructions
Preheat your skillet to medium-high heat on the stove. Pat the meat dry and coat it with a steak rub. Once the skillet is hot, add olive oil and place the steaks in the skillet. Sear each side for 2 minutes, only flipping once to lock in moisture and keep the seasonings intact.
Check the temperature of the steak using a thermometer – it should reach 145°F for the optimal cooking temperature. Remove the meat from the skillet, place it on a plate (you can add a dab of garlic butter on top), and cover them with foil for 10 minutes.
After resting, season the steak with salt and black pepper to taste, and slice it against the grain.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ideal Stovetop Cooking Method for Round Steak
To achieve a nicely cooked round steak on the stovetop, start by seasoning it with your preferred spices. Heat oil or butter in a skillet on medium-high heat. Once hot, place the steak in the skillet and let it cook for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness. Adjust cooking time as needed for desired doneness.
Searing Round Steak in a Skillet Perfectly
Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat.
Add oil or butter to coat the surface.
Place the seasoned steak in the hot skillet.
Sear each side for 2-3 minutes to develop a crust.
Lower the heat and continue cooking to your desired doneness.
Ideal Temperatures for Tender Round Steak on Stovetop
To achieve a tender stovetop-cooked round steak, maintain a consistent temperature. Medium-high heat is perfect for searing, then reduce the heat to medium or medium-low for even cooking throughout.
Doneness
Internal Temperature
Rare
125°F (51°C)
Medium-Rare
135°F (57°C)
Medium
145°F (63°C)
Well-Done
160°F (71°C)
Ensuring Even Cooking of Round Steak on the Stove
Use a meat mallet to pound the steak to an even thickness.
Rotate the steak occasionally to ensure even heat distribution.
Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.
Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices.
Enhancing Flavor of Stove-Cooked Round Steak
Try these techniques for a flavorful round steak:
Use a dry rub or marinade to season the steak before cooking.
Baste the steak with butter, herbs, and garlic during the cooking process.
Deglaze the pan with wine or broth, and use it as a sauce for the steak.
Stovetop Cooking Times for Round Steak Doneness
The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness and desired doneness of your steak. Here is a rough guideline for cooking times:
For a 1-inch thick steak:
Rare: 4-6 minutes
Medium-Rare: 6-8 minutes
Medium: 8-10 minutes
Well-Done: 12-15 minutes
How to Cook Round Steak on the Stove
Cooking round steak on the stove is a great way to prepare a delicious and hearty meal. Here are the steps to follow:
Cut the round steak into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
Add the round steak to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned.
Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet and let the steak simmer for 30-40 minutes, until it is tender.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together to create a slurry.
Remove the lid from the skillet and add the slurry to the sauce. Stir well and let the sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes.
Serve the round steak with the sauce and enjoy!
Notes
You can also add your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes or bell peppers, to the skillet to make a complete meal.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
