Tenderized Round Steak Recipes: Achieve Restaurant-Quality Meals at Home
Round steak, known for its affordability and lean nature, often gets a bad rap for being tough. However, with a little preparation – namely, tenderizing – this cut transforms into a delicious and versatile ingredient for a variety of flavorful meals. This post explores simple yet effective methods to tenderize round steak and offers a collection of recipes that will impress your family and friends. We’ll cover everything from classic preparations to innovative twists, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
Why Tenderize Round Steak?
Round steak, specifically the top round and bottom round cuts, is a tougher muscle used extensively by the cow. This leads to its characteristic chewiness. Tenderizing techniques break down the muscle fibers, making the meat more palatable and easier to chew. The result? A juicy, flavorful steak that doesn't require hours of slow cooking.
Methods for Tenderizing Round Steak
Several methods effectively tenderize round steak:
- Meat Mallet: The classic approach! Place the steak between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound it to a uniform thickness, breaking down the tough fibers.
- Marinade Magic: Marinades, rich in acidic ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, or yogurt, work wonders. These ingredients help to break down the proteins, resulting in a more tender final product. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better (even overnight!).
- Commercial Tenderizers: These powdered blends contain enzymes that work similarly to marinades, softening the meat. Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully.
Delicious Tenderized Round Steak Recipes
Now, let's dive into some mouthwatering recipes showcasing the best of tenderized round steak:
1. Garlic Herb Round Steak with Roasted Vegetables
This recipe highlights the simplicity and flavor of well-tenderized round steak.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb tenderized round steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried herbs (Italian mix, oregano, or thyme work well)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Assorted vegetables (potatoes, carrots, broccoli)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Add chopped vegetables to the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness and the vegetables are tender.
2. Creamy Mushroom and Swiss Round Steak
This recipe adds a decadent touch to your tenderized round steak.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb tenderized round steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the steak with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir to combine.
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Return the steak to the skillet, top with Swiss cheese, and cover until melted.
3. Quick and Easy Pepper Steak
A fast and flavorful option perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb tenderized round steak, cut into strips
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
Instructions:
- Combine soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. Add steak strips and toss to coat.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or skillet. Add steak strips and stir-fry until cooked through.
- Add bell pepper and onion and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
Remember to adjust cooking times based on your preferred level of doneness. Enjoy experimenting with different seasonings and vegetables to create your signature tenderized round steak dish! Happy cooking!
