How To Make Round Steak Tender: Easy And Delicious Recipes

Round steak is an affordable cut of beef that can sometimes be tough due to its lean nature. But don’t worry! With the right techniques and recipes, you can transform round steak into a tender, flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from how to tenderize round steak to cooking methods that make it melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

What Is Round Steak?

Round steak comes from the hindquarters of the cow, specifically the top or bottom round. It’s a lean, budget-friendly cut that’s perfect for slow cooking, braising, or marinating. While it lacks the marbling of pricier cuts, it makes up for it with versatility and flavor when prepared correctly.

Why Does Round Steak Need Tenderizing?

Because round steak is lean and comes from a heavily worked muscle, it tends to be:

• Tough: It doesn’t have much fat to keep it tender.
• Chewy: Without proper preparation, the muscle fibers can feel stringy.

Tenderizing methods like marinating, pounding, and slow cooking break down these fibers, resulting in tender, juicy meat.

The Best Ways to Tenderize Round Steak

Here are proven techniques to tenderize round steak before cooking:

1. Use a Meat Mallet

• Lay the steak flat on a cutting board.
• Cover it with plastic wrap.
• Pound the steak gently with a meat mallet to break up the tough fibers.

Tip: If you don’t have a meat mallet, use the bottom of a heavy skillet or rolling pin.

2. Marinate the Steak

A good marinade can work wonders to tenderize round steak and add flavor. Use acidic ingredients like:

• Lemon juice
• Vinegar
• Buttermilk
• Wine

How to Marinate:

1. Combine the acid with oil, herbs, and spices.
2. Place the steak in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it.
3. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum tenderness.

3. Salt the Meat

Sprinkling coarse salt over round steak and letting it rest for about 30 minutes helps to:

• Break down muscle fibers.
• Enhance the natural flavor.

Rinse the salt off before cooking to avoid excessive saltiness.

4. Use a Tenderizing Marinade or Commercial Tenderizer

Commercial tenderizers contain enzymes like papain (from papaya) or bromelain (from pineapple), which break down proteins. Alternatively, use natural tenderizers like:

• Pineapple juice
• Kiwi puree
• Papaya puree

5. Slow Cook the Steak

Low and slow cooking helps break down tough fibers, making the meat tender and flavorful. Use a slow cooker, braising method, or pressure cooker for the best results.

Easy and Delicious Round Steak Recipes

Now that you know how to tenderize round steak, let’s explore some mouthwatering recipes you can try at home!

1. Classic Braised Round Steak

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs round steak (cut into portions)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Tenderize the steak using a mallet or marinade.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, then remove it.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until soft.
4. Add beef broth, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Return the steak to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low heat for 1.5-2 hours until tender.
6. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal.

“Braised round steak is the ultimate comfort food—tender, savory, and full of flavor.”

2. Slow Cooker Round Steak with Gravy

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs round steak (sliced into portions)
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10 oz)
• 1 cup water or beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place tenderized round steak slices into the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the steak.
3. Pour the cream of mushroom soup and water over everything. Mix gently.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours until the steak is fork-tender.
5. Serve with steamed vegetables or over egg noodles for a comforting dish.

3. Pan-Seared Round Steak with Garlic Butter

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs round steak (cut into portions and tenderized)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the steak with salt and pepper. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add butter and garlic to the skillet.
4. Spoon the melted garlic butter over the steak as it finishes cooking.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with roasted potatoes or a side salad.

Tips for Cooking Round Steak Perfectly

To get the most out of this lean cut, keep these tips in mind:

1. Don’t Overcook: Round steak can become chewy if overcooked. Use a thermometer to check doneness. Aim for medium-rare to medium for best results.
2. Let It Rest: Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute.
3. Slice Against the Grain: Always cut the steak against the grain to shorten the muscle fibers and make it more tender.
4. Add Moisture: Cooking with liquids like broth, wine, or sauces helps tenderize and flavor the meat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Round Steak

1. Skipping Tenderizing: Always tenderize to ensure the steak doesn’t turn out tough.
2. High Heat for Too Long: Searing is great, but prolonged high heat dries the meat. Opt for slow cooking or gentle heat methods.
3. Not Adding Enough Flavor: Round steak benefits greatly from marinades, spices, and sauces. Don’t skimp on seasoning!

Final Thoughts: Making Round Steak Tender and Delicious

With the right preparation and cooking methods, round steak can become a tender, juicy, and budget-friendly dish for any occasion. Whether you’re braising it low and slow, cooking it in a savory gravy, or pan-searing it with garlic butter, this versatile cut can be transformed into a family favorite.

So, grab your round steak, tenderize it, and try one of these easy and delicious recipes today! Your taste buds—and your wallet—will thank you. 🥩✨

“Great cooking doesn’t require the most expensive cuts—just the right techniques and a little love.”

Serve this tender steak with a side of Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad for a fresh and flavorful pairing.

Need a cozy meal? Try this Crock-Pot Potato Soup Recipe as a perfect starter.

For more beef ideas, check out the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe for a savory twist.

Pair your steak with some hearty Herb-Infused Stuffing Balls for a filling, family-friendly side dish.

If you’re looking for chicken alternatives, try the Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe for another easy and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Making Round Steak Tender

Here are the most common questions about preparing, tenderizing, and cooking round steak.

1. Why is my round steak tough?

Round steak is naturally tough because it comes from the hindquarters of the cow, an area with well-used muscles and low fat content. To make it tender, you need to:

• Tenderize it with a mallet or marinade.
• Use slow, moist cooking methods like braising or slow cooking.
• Avoid overcooking, as that can make it chewy.

2. How long should I marinate round steak?

For the best results, marinate round steak for at least 2 hours. If time allows, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will be.

3. Can I use frozen round steak?

Yes, you can use frozen round steak, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking and tenderizing. Thaw the steak in the refrigerator overnight or use a cold water bath for a quicker method.

4. What’s the best way to cook round steak?

The best methods for cooking round steak include:

• Slow cooking: Use a slow cooker or braise the steak with liquids for 6-8 hours.
• Grilling (after marinating): Grill over medium heat for a quick sear, but don’t overcook.
• Pan-searing: Cook with garlic butter or a sauce to add moisture.
• Oven-baking: Bake at a low temperature with broth and vegetables.

5. Do I need to tenderize round steak before cooking?

Yes, tenderizing is highly recommended for round steak. Since it’s a lean cut, tenderizing helps break down the tough fibers and improves the texture. You can tenderize it by:

• Pounding with a meat mallet.
• Marinating with acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice.
• Cooking it low and slow.

6. Can I cook round steak quickly?

Round steak can be cooked quickly, such as by grilling or pan-searing, but it must be tenderized first and cooked to medium-rare. Cooking it beyond medium will make the steak chewy and tough.

7. How do I prevent round steak from drying out?

To keep round steak moist:

• Cook it low and slow in liquid (braising, slow cooker).
• Use a marinade to add moisture and flavor.
• Avoid overcooking—stick to medium-rare or medium doneness.
• Let it rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

8. Can I use round steak for stir-fry or fajitas?

Yes! Round steak works well for stir-fry or fajitas when sliced thinly against the grain. To make it tender:

1. Tenderize the steak with a mallet or marinade.
2. Slice it thinly after cooking or before adding it to your dish.
3. Cook it quickly over high heat to prevent toughness.

9. How do I slice round steak to make it tender?

Always slice against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak easier to chew and more tender. To find the grain, look for the lines running through the meat and cut perpendicular to them.

10. What marinades work best for round steak?

Marinades with acidic ingredients and flavor boosters are best for tenderizing and enhancing the steak. Try these combinations:

• Classic Marinade: Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and garlic.
• Citrus Marinade: Orange or lime juice, olive oil, and cumin.
• Herb Marinade: Balsamic vinegar, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil.
• Tropical Marinade: Pineapple or kiwi puree mixed with soy sauce and honey.

11. Can I use round steak for soups and stews?

Absolutely! Round steak works wonderfully in soups and stews when cooked low and slow. Its lean nature absorbs the flavors of the broth, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. Just be sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the soup or stew.

12. What’s the difference between round steak and chuck steak?

• Round Steak: Comes from the hindquarters, is leaner, and requires tenderizing for the best texture.
• Chuck Steak: Comes from the shoulder, has more marbling, and is naturally more tender when cooked low and slow.

Both cuts benefit from slow cooking methods like braising.

13. How can I make round steak taste better?

To enhance the flavor of round steak:

• Use bold seasonings like garlic, onions, smoked paprika, and herbs.
• Marinate the steak overnight to add moisture and flavor.
• Cook it with a sauce, such as mushroom gravy or a red wine reduction.
• Serve it with flavorful sides like roasted garlic mashed potatoes or sautéed greens.

14. How do I know when round steak is done?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the perfect doneness:

• Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
• Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
• Well Done: 155-160°F (68-71°C)

For tender results, avoid overcooking and aim for medium-rare to medium doneness.

15. Can I freeze round steak?

Yes, round steak freezes well. To freeze it properly:

1. Wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a resealable freezer bag.
2. Label with the date.
3. Store in the freezer for up to 6-12 months.

To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight or use a cold water bath for quicker thawing.

Final Thoughts on Cooking Round Steak

Round steak is an affordable and versatile cut that, with a little care, can become tender, juicy, and full of flavor. By tenderizing the steak, marinating it, and cooking it with low, slow heat, you can turn this tough cut into a delicious meal perfect for any occasion.

Now that you have all the tools, tips, and answers to your questions, it’s time to try one of these amazing recipes and enjoy round steak like never before. Happy cooking! 🥩🍽️