What To Know
- While it’s known for being a tougher cut, with the right techniques and a few simple tricks, you can transform this humble steak into a juicy and flavorful masterpiece.
- Marinade your round steak for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to infuse it with flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Slice your grilled round steak and serve it over a bed of mixed greens with your favorite toppings, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.
Round steak, often overlooked in favor of its more expensive counterparts, can be a delicious and budget-friendly choice for your next grilling adventure. While it’s known for being a tougher cut, with the right techniques and a few simple tricks, you can transform this humble steak into a juicy and flavorful masterpiece. This guide will walk you through the process of how to grill round steak and elevate your grilling game to new heights.
Selecting the Right Cut
The first step to grilling a great round steak is choosing the right cut. Look for a piece that’s at least 1-inch thick, as this will help ensure it doesn’t dry out during grilling. You can choose from a variety of cuts, including:
- Top Round: This cut is leaner and tends to be more tender than bottom round.
- Bottom Round: This cut is more flavorful but can be tougher.
- Eye of Round: This cut is the most tender and flavorful of the round cuts.
Preparing the Steak for Grilling
Once you’ve chosen your steak, it’s time to prepare it for grilling. This involves:
1. Trimming the Fat: Trim any excess fat from the steak, leaving a thin layer behind to help keep it moist during grilling.
2. Tenderizing: Round steak can benefit from tenderizing, especially if you’re using a bottom round cut. You can use a meat mallet, a marinade, or a combination of both.
3. Seasoning: Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
Getting Your Grill Ready
Before you start grilling, make sure your grill is properly preheated. For gas grills, preheat to medium-high heat (about 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit). For charcoal grills, heat the coals until they are covered in white-hot ash.
Grilling the Round Steak
Now, it’s time to grill your round steak! Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Place the steak on the grill: Make sure the grill grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
2. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side: This will create a nice sear on the outside of the steak.
3. Reduce heat to medium: After searing, reduce the heat to medium and continue grilling for another 5-7 minutes per side, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
4. Use a meat thermometer: For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your liking. A round steak is typically considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Resting and Serving
Once the steak is cooked, it’s important to let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Enhancing Flavor: Marinade Magic
Marinade your round steak for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to infuse it with flavor and tenderize the meat. Some popular marinade options include:
- Citrus: A mix of lemon juice, orange juice, and olive oil.
- Soy Sauce: A combination of soy sauce, honey, and ginger.
- Herbs and Spices: A blend of your favorite herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, garlic, and black pepper.
Round Steak Recipes: Beyond the Basics
While grilling a simple seasoned round steak is delicious, you can also experiment with different recipes to elevate your culinary game. Some popular options include:
- Grilled Round Steak with Chimichurri Sauce: This recipe combines the smoky flavor of grilled steak with a vibrant and tangy chimichurri sauce.
- Round Steak Fajitas: Marinate your round steak in a flavorful fajita marinade and grill it alongside peppers and onions. Serve with tortillas, guacamole, and salsa.
- Grilled Round Steak Salad: Slice your grilled round steak and serve it over a bed of mixed greens with your favorite toppings, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.
Wrapping Up: Embracing the Art of Grilled Round Steak
Mastering the art of grilling round steak is about more than just cooking the meat. It’s about understanding the nuances of this cut, embracing its unique qualities, and using simple techniques to transform it into a culinary delight. With a little practice and the right approach, you can easily elevate round steak from an everyday meal to a star attraction on your grill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I grill round steak on a gas grill?
A: Absolutely! Gas grills are perfect for grilling round steak. Just make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat and follow the grilling instructions outlined in the blog post.
Q: How do I know if my round steak is cooked to the right temperature?
A: The best way to determine the doneness of your round steak is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit for a safe and delicious steak.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled round steak?
A: Grilled round steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and salads.
Q: Can I marinate round steak for longer than overnight?
A: While marinating for longer periods can enhance flavor, it’s not recommended to marinate round steak for more than 24 hours. This can lead to the meat becoming overly tender and losing its texture.
Q: What if my round steak is too tough?
A: If your round steak is too tough, you can try tenderizing it further with a meat mallet or by using a marinade that contains enzymes, such as pineapple juice or papaya. You can also cook it for a longer time at a lower temperature to help break down the tough muscle fibers.
