Beef round steak is a lean and affordable cut of meat that can be delicious when prepared correctly. However, due to its lack of fat, round steak can easily become tough and chewy if not cooked properly. The good news is that with the right cooking techniques, you can transform this economical cut into a tender and flavorful dish. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I make my round steak less tough?”, this guide will answer all your questions.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore why round steak can be tough, share expert tips on how to tenderize it, and provide cooking methods such as braising, marinating, and slow cooking to help you achieve the best results. We’ll also dive into some delicious recipes that will help you enjoy round steak at its best.
Why Does Round Steak Turn Out Tough?
Understanding why round steak tends to be tough is the first step to improving its tenderness. Beef round steak comes from the hindquarters of the cow, specifically the round primal, which includes the top round, bottom round, and eye of round. These muscles are frequently used, which means they are naturally leaner and more developed than other cuts like ribeye or sirloin.
Why Round Steak is Tough
- Low Fat Content: One of the main reasons round steak can be tough is that it’s a lean cut of meat with very little fat marbling. Fat contributes to tenderness by melting and keeping the meat moist during cooking.
- Dense Muscle Fibers: The muscles in the round are well-exercised, resulting in tough and dense fibers that can be difficult to chew if not cooked properly.
- Incorrect Cooking Techniques: Due to its lean nature, round steak requires specific cooking methods that help break down the tough fibers and retain moisture. Quick, high-heat cooking methods often result in a tough steak if not done with care.
The Best Cooking Methods to Make Round Steak Less Tough
To make round steak less tough, you’ll need to use cooking techniques that help break down the muscle fibers and infuse moisture into the meat. Below are the best methods to achieve tender results.
1. Braising
Braising is one of the most effective ways to tenderize round steak. This method uses both dry and moist heat to break down the muscle fibers, making the meat tender and flavorful.
Steps for Braising Round Steak:
- Sear the steak: Season the round steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil over medium-high heat and sear the steak on both sides until browned.
- Add aromatics and liquid: Add onions, garlic, and herbs to the pot. Pour in beef broth, red wine, or another liquid to cover about half of the steak.
- Simmer low and slow: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the steak simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
Braising Tip: The key to braising is to cook the steak slowly at a low temperature. This allows the tough muscle fibers to break down, resulting in tender meat that absorbs the flavors of the liquid and aromatics.
Braising works well for recipes like round steak with mushroom gravy, which pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or rice.
For more tips on braising, visit this guide to braising beef.
2. Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is another great option for making round steak tender. The low and slow cooking process allows the meat to gradually soften and absorb the flavors of the broth or sauce.
How to Slow Cook Round Steak:
- Season and prepare: Rub the round steak with your favorite seasonings and place it in a slow cooker.
- Add vegetables and liquid: Add onions, carrots, and potatoes to the slow cooker, along with beef broth, wine, or tomato sauce to keep the meat moist.
- Cook on low: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the steak is tender and falls apart easily.
Slow Cooking Tip: The longer the steak cooks, the more tender it will become. However, be sure to keep the temperature on low to prevent the meat from drying out.
Slow cooking is perfect for dishes like pot roast or beef stew, where the meat becomes incredibly tender and flavorful after several hours of cooking.
Check out this slow cooking beef guide for more recipe ideas.
3. Marinating
Marinating is an excellent method for tenderizing round steak before cooking. The acid in the marinade (such as vinegar, lemon juice, or wine) helps break down the tough fibers in the meat, while the oil and seasonings infuse flavor.
How to Marinate Round Steak:
- Prepare the marinade: Combine olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic, and herbs in a bowl. You can also add soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
- Marinate the steak: Place the round steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the steak is fully submerged.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours: For best results, let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal for optimal tenderness.
- Cook the steak: After marinating, grill, broil, or pan-sear the steak for a delicious and tender result.
Marinating Tip: The longer you marinate the steak, the more tender it will become. Just be careful not to marinate for more than 24 hours, as the meat can become mushy.
Marinating is perfect for grilled or broiled round steak. Try using your marinated steak for fajitas, sandwiches, or salads.
For more marinade ideas, check out this marinade recipe collection.
4. Tenderizing with a Meat Mallet
If you’re short on time and need a quick solution to tenderize round steak, using a meat mallet is an effective option. The mallet physically breaks down the tough muscle fibers, making the steak easier to chew.
How to Use a Meat Mallet:
- Prepare the steak: Place the round steak between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent splattering.
- Pound the steak: Use the flat side of the meat mallet to gently pound the steak. This helps to break down the fibers and make the meat more tender.
- Cook as desired: After tenderizing, grill, broil, or pan-fry the steak for a quick and delicious meal.
Tenderizing Tip: If you don’t have a meat mallet, you can use the back of a heavy skillet to achieve similar results.
Using a meat mallet is ideal for quick-cooking methods like grilling or pan-searing, as it reduces the cooking time and ensures tender results.
5. Grilling with a Tenderizing Marinade
Grilling round steak can be tricky due to its lean nature, but with the help of a tenderizing marinade, you can grill the steak to perfection. The key is to cook the steak quickly over high heat and slice it thinly against the grain to minimize toughness.
How to Grill Round Steak:
- Marinate the steak: Use a marinade with acidic ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, or wine to help tenderize the steak.
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill quickly: Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the steak tough.
- Rest and slice: Let the steak rest for 5 minutes after grilling, then slice it thinly against the grain.
Grilling Tip: If you prefer your steak well-done, cook it over indirect heat to avoid drying it out. Grilling round steak with a marinade helps lock in moisture and ensures a flavorful, tender result.
Delicious Round Steak Recipes to Try
Now that you know the best methods for tenderizing round steak, here are some delicious recipes that highlight the flavors of this cut.
1. Braised Round Steak with Mushroom Gravy
This comforting dish features tender, slow-cooked round steak in a rich mushroom gravy. It’s perfect for serving with mashed potatoes or rice.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds round steak
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Sear the steak: In a Dutch oven, heat oil and sear the round steak on both sides until browned.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the onions, mushrooms, and garlic to the pot, and sauté until softened.
- Braise: Pour in the beef broth, red wine, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover the pot and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the steak is tender.
- Serve: Slice the steak and serve with the mushroom gravy.
2. Slow-Cooked Round Steak Pot Roast
This classic pot roast recipe uses the slow cooker to create a tender, flavorful meal that’s perfect for Sunday dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds round steak
- 4 potatoes, cubed
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Prepare the steak: Season the round steak with salt and pepper.
- Add to slow cooker: Place the steak, potatoes, carrots, and onion in the slow cooker.
- Cook low and slow: Stir the tomato paste into the beef broth and pour it over the steak. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the steak is tender.
- Serve: Slice the steak and serve with the vegetables and broth.
3. Grilled Marinated Round Steak Fajitas
Marinating the steak before grilling ensures that it stays tender and juicy. These fajitas are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy round steak.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds round steak, thinly sliced
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- Flour tortillas
- Toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole
Instructions:
- Marinate the steak: Combine the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, and cumin in a bowl. Marinate the steak for at least 2 hours.
- Cook the vegetables: In a hot skillet, sauté the bell pepper and onion until tender.
- Grill the steak: Grill the steak slices for 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness.
- Assemble the fajitas: Serve the steak and vegetables in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
FAQs About Tenderizing Round Steak
How Long Should I Marinate Round Steak?
For the best results, marinate round steak for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal. The longer the steak marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become.
Can You Grill Round Steak Without Marinating?
While you can grill round steak without marinating, it’s likely to turn out tougher. Marinating helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with flavor, making it much more enjoyable when grilled.
What’s the Best Way to Tenderize Round Steak Quickly?
If you’re short on time, the quickest way to tenderize round steak is to use a meat mallet. Pounding the steak helps break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender steak in less time.
Conclusion: How to Make Round Steak Less Tough
In conclusion, there are several ways to make your round steak tender and less tough. By using cooking methods like braising, slow cooking, marinating, and tenderizing with a meat mallet, you can break down the muscle fibers and retain moisture, resulting in a flavorful and juicy steak. Whether you’re cooking a pot roast, a stir-fry, or a quick grilled steak, these techniques will ensure your round steak is always tender and enjoyable.
With the right approach, round steak can become a regular favorite in your meal rotation. Experiment with these methods and recipes to find your perfect way to prepare this lean and affordable cut of beef.