Elevate Humble Top Round Steak with These Easy, Flavorful Recipes

While top round steak has a reputation for being inexpensive yet chewy, with the right cooking methods, marinades and recipes, it can become super tender and delicious. By thinly slicing, pounding, or marinating the steaks, then quickly pan searing, grilling or braising, you can enjoy top round steak with big savory flavor. These easy recipes transform humble top round steak into successful meals through spice rubs, sauces, and smart techniques. Let’s explore!

Choose the Right Cut of Top Round Steak

Look for steaks that are 1-1 1⁄2 inches thick to allow ample time for breaking down connective tissue. Plan on approximately 1 lb to serve 4 people. Inspect for good marbling.

Even Thickness

Aim for steaks of an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking results.

Tenderize with Acidic Marinade

Soaking the steaks in an acidic marinade of wine, vinegar, yogurt, citrus etc for 2-8 hours helps break down tough muscle fibers.

Let it Soak

Give the marinade ample time to work its magic for super tender results.

Pound for Tenderness

Using a meat mallet, cover steaks with plastic wrap and gently pound to an even 1⁄2 inch thickness. This helps break down tough connective tissues.

Be Gentle!

Avoid pounding too hard or the steak will shred. Just some light taps to thin it.

Pan Sear or Grill Quickly

Cooking top round steak over very high heat, whether pan searing or grilling, develops a nice crust while preventing overcooking. Just 3-5 minutes per side.

Hot and Fast

The high temperature gives great flavor and texture without drying out the lean meat.

Slice Across the Grain

After cooking, always cut top round steak very thin across the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers for a tender bite.

Go Thin

Aim for steak slices around 1⁄4 inch thick. Thinner slices mean more tender meat.

Sauce it Up!

Serve steaks with bold sauces and toppings like chimichurri, peppercorn sauce, salsa verde, compound butter. This adds lots of moisture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should I cook top round steak to?

130-135°F for medium rare to prevent overcooking into dry, tough meat.

What other cuts work with these methods?

Flank steak, skirt steak, eye of round all benefit from quick high heat cooking.

Can top round steak be grilled?

Yes, grilling over very high heat also cooks it quickly with great flavor.

What are good marinade ingredients?

Yogurt, wine, vinegar, soy sauce, citrus juice all help tenderize.

Should I cut steak after cooking?

Always slice against the grain after cooking for tenderness.

In Summary

While often overlooked, inexpensive top round steak can make for a delicious, budget-friendly meal by using smart cooking techniques. Pound or marinate the steak, then quickly cook over high heat and add moisture with sauces. With a little effort, humble top round steak shines!