Mouthwatering Round Top Beef Steak Recipes

Steak is a classic dinner choice that never goes out of style. When prepared properly, a juicy, flavorful steak is hard to beat. While tenderloin and ribeye get a lot of attention, the underrated round top steak deserves more love. Though it's on the chewier side, round top makes up for it with its robust, beefy flavor. This budget-friendly cut shines when marinated and cooked just right. Read on for tips, tricks and 15 sensational round top steak recipes to add to your repertoire.

What is Round Top Steak?

The round top steak, sometimes labeled as just "round steak," comes from the rear or hindquarters of the cow. It's an economical cut that includes portions of the rump and sirloin. While not as tender as pricier steaks, it makes up for it with intense beefiness. When prepared carefully, round steak can be downright delicious!

Benefits of Cooking with Round Top Steak

Here are some of the best things about using round top steak in your recipes:

• Budget-friendly - It costs a fraction of the price of premium steaks like ribeye.
• Lean and protein-packed - A 4-oz serving provides over 25g of protein.
• Versatile - Slices nicely for fajitas, kabobs, stir fries and more.
• Flavorful - The abundant marbling provides a distinctly beefy, savory taste.
• Satisfying chew - The texture stands up well to sauces, rubs and marinades.

Choosing and Preparing Round Top Steak

For the best results, keep these tips in mind when selecting and prepping round steak:

• Choose steaks that are bright red with some marbling.
• Aim for 3/4 to 1-inch thickness for optimum cooking.
• Trim off any excess fat or sinew before marinating.
• Pound lightly with a meat mallet to help tenderize.
• Marinate for at least 2-4 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
• Pat dry thoroughly before seasoning and cooking.

15 Succulent Round Steak Recipes

From flavorful marinades toeasy weeknight meals to outdoor grill ideas, these recipes highlight the best ways to cook round top steak. Pick your favorites or try them all!

1. Garlic Butter Steak Bites

These appetizer-ready bites pack a one-two punch of garlic and butter. Quick to make but impressive to serve!

2. Korean BBQ Round Steak

The sweet and savory marinade makes this steak pop with flavor. Grilled or baked, it's a crowd-pleaser.

3. Steak Fajitas

Sizzling hot steak + peppers and onions + tortillas = an easy family favorite!

4. Slow Cooker Steak Diane

Let your slow cooker do the work for this elegant, mushroom steak dish.

5. Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

All the delicious flavors of a Philly cheesesteak creatively stuffed into bell peppers.

6. Teriyaki Stir Fry with Pineapple

Sweet pineapple balances the salty soy and garlic flavors in this quick stir fry.

7. Steak Salad with Blue Cheese

This satisfying salad is a steak lover's dream come true.

8. Tuscan Steak Rolls

Thinly sliced steak gets wrapped around roasted red peppers and cheese in this pretty pinwheel dish.

9. Steak & Potato Foil Packs

Make these no-fuss meals on the grill or in the oven. The potato slices cook right alongside the steak.

10. Thai Steak Skewers

Marinated steak meets peanut sauce in these restaurant-worthy skewers.

11. Steak Breakfast Burrito

Wake up to cheesy, meaty burrito goodness. These freeze well too.

12. Steak Sandwich with Chimichurri

Cooling chimichurri sauce pairs perfectly with hot steak in this hearty sandwich.

13. Steak & Mushroom Stroganoff

Cozy comfort food at its finest - steak strips smothered in a creamy, mushroomy sauce.

14. Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Lean steak makes a satisfying taco filling when topped with creamy avocado salsa.

15. Greek Grilled Steak Salad

Juicy steak goes Mediterranean with olives, feta and veggies in this salad straight from the grill.

Cooking Round Steak to Perfection

To turn round steak deliciously tender, keep these tips in mind:

• Bring meat to room temperature before cooking.
• Use a digital meat thermometer - cook to 145°F for medium rare.
• Let steak rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
• Slice across the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Avoid overcooking - round steak can get tough if cooked too long.

Conclusion

With its hearty beefy flavor and budget price tag, round top steak is an underappreciated gem. Marinating helps soften up the texture, while strategic slicing makes it even more tender. From kabobs to salads to sandwiches, the possibilities are endless. Just remember not to overcook. With the endless recipe ideas here, you're sure find new favorite ways to cook this economic cut to juicy perfection.

FAQs

Q: What's the best cut of round steak?

A: Look for round tip or top round steaks specifically. The round tip is one of the most flavorful parts of the round.

Q: Can you grill round steak?

A: Yes, grilling round steak over high heat helps develop the flavor. Just don't cook it past medium rare.

Q: Is round steak good for stew?

A: Absolutely! Slow cooking helps break down the tougher meat into tender, fall-apart pieces.

Q: What is the healthiest way to cook round steak?

A: Grilling, broiling or pan searing without much added fat are some of the leanest ways to cook round steak.

Q: What sides go well with round steak?

A: Baked or mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, salad, rice pilaf or pasta make great pairings.