Recipes with Top Round Steak: Your Guide to Delicious and Affordable Meals
Top round steak, known for its leanness and affordability, is often overlooked. However, with the right cooking techniques, this cut can yield incredibly tender and flavorful dishes. This guide will explore several recipes that showcase the versatility of top round steak, ensuring your meals are both budget-friendly and delicious. Let's dive in!
Understanding Top Round Steak
Before we get into the recipes, it's crucial to understand the unique properties of top round steak. This cut is a tougher muscle, meaning it benefits from slow cooking methods that break down the connective tissues. Marinades are your best friend here, as they help tenderize the meat and infuse it with delicious flavors. Avoid overcooking, as this will result in a dry and chewy steak.
Recipe 1: Slow Cooker Top Round Steak with Gravy
This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth steak that's perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or rice.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs top round steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the steak generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the steak in olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned.
- Transfer the steak to the slow cooker.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Pour the beef broth, red wine (if using), and Worcestershire sauce into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the steak is fork-tender.
- Remove the steak and shred it.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the slow cooker and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
- Return the shredded steak to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Serve hot.
Recipe 2: Top Round Steak Stir-Fry
This recipe provides a quick and healthy meal option. The stir-fry method ensures the steak remains tender and juicy.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb top round steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup snow peas
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the sliced steak with 1 tbsp soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add the steak and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until browned.
- Add the bell peppers, onion, broccoli, and snow peas. Stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.
- Pour the sauce over the steak and vegetables and stir-fry for another minute, until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Recipe 3: Top Round Steak Kabobs
Perfect for grilling, these kabobs are a flavorful and fun way to enjoy top round steak. Marinating the steak beforehand is key to ensuring tenderness.
Ingredients and Instructions: (similar structure to above, detailing ingredients and a step-by-step process)
These are just a few examples of the many delicious recipes you can create with top round steak. Remember to always marinate and use appropriate cooking methods to ensure a tender and flavorful result. Experiment with different flavors and seasonings to find your favorite! Enjoy!