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Introduction: Making Dinner Easy and Delicious
Imagine the scene: after a long, busy day, you’re looking for a satisfying and delicious homemade dinner that won’t require hours of effort. If you’re searching for a budget-friendly, quick, and versatile solution, then look no further than top round steak. This affordable cut of meat is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a beginner, these seven top round steak recipes will guide you in creating mouthwatering meals in no time. Let’s dive into these tried-and-true recipes and elevate your weeknight dinners!
Why Choose Top Round Steak?
The Benefits of Cooking with Top Round Steak
Top round steak offers a variety of benefits, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Here’s why you should consider it for your next meal:
Affordable and Accessible: Top round steak is one of the most budget-friendly cuts of beef, making it a perfect choice for families or anyone on a tight budget. It’s available in most supermarkets, meaning you won’t have trouble finding it.
Lean and Healthy: With its low fat content, top round steak is an excellent choice for those who are conscious of their calorie intake or prefer leaner cuts of meat.
Versatile: Whether grilled, seared, baked, or even slow-cooked, top round steak adapts wonderfully to various cooking methods. It absorbs flavors beautifully, making it perfect for marinating or pairing with different seasonings.
Tips for Selecting and Preparing Top Round Steak
To get the best results when cooking with top round steak, here are a few expert tips for selecting and preparing it:
Select Fresh Cuts: Always choose steaks that are bright red with minimal marbling. Fresh top round steak should have a firm texture and no discoloration.
Tenderize for Success: While this cut is lean, it can benefit from a bit of extra tenderness. Consider using a meat mallet or marinating the steak for a few hours to break down the muscle fibers, making it more tender.
Slice Smart: When it’s time to slice your cooked steak, always cut against the grain. This simple technique will ensure that your steak is easier to chew and packed with flavor.
7 Quick Weeknight Top Round Steak Recipes
Let’s jump into the recipes! These seven dishes are perfect for busy weeknights, giving you plenty of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Each recipe is designed to be simple yet packed with delicious flavors, making top round steak the star of your meal.
1. Classic Pan-Seared Top Round Steak
Ingredients:
- 1 lb top round steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Take some olive oil into the skillet. Now heat this at medium to high flame.
- Season the top round steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the steak in the skillet and sear each side for 3-4 minutes, or until a golden crust forms.
- Stir in and fry the minced garlic for one more minute while turning to avoid burning.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
This simple pan-seared steak is packed with flavor and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
2. Quick Beef Stir-Fry with Top Round Steak
Ingredients:
- 1 lb top round steak
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (sliced)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions:
- Slice the top round steak into thin strips and marinate it in soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger for about 15 minutes.
- Heat the sesame oil over high heat in a wok or large skillet.
- Stir the steak for about 2 -3 minutes; rest it when browned, and cooked properly from both ends.
- Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
- Now this stir-fry can even be in the rice or noodles for a fulfilling meal.
This quick stir-fry is a great way to get a flavorful meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
3. Garlic Butter Oven-Baked Steak
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs top round steak
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub the steak with melted butter, minced garlic, and rosemary.
- Place the steak in a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the steak reaches your preferred level of doneness.
- Pull off the steak from the oven and let it rest for five minutes before cutting it.
- Drizzle fresh squeezed lemon juice on the steak, and serve it.
Baking your steak with garlic butter creates a tender, juicy meal that’s full of flavor.
4. Top Round Steak Tacos
Ingredients:
- 1 lb top round steak
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Grill or pan-sear the steak for 3-4 minutes each side after seasoning with taco seasoning.
- Slice the steak into thin strips.
- Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
- Assemble the tacos by placing the steak, salsa, shredded cheese, and cilantro in each tortilla.
- Serve with lime wedges for extra flavoring.
These tasty tacos are perfect for a quick dinner and will become a family favorite in no time.
5. Simple Steak Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 lb top round steak
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ¼ cup red onion (sliced)
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Grill or sear the top round steak to your desired doneness. Let it rest before slicing thinly.
- Mix the salad greens with cherry tomatoes and red onions in a large bowl.
- Arrange the steak slices over the salad and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Serve immediately for a light, fresh meal.
This healthy steak salad is perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious and satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
6. Steak and Mushroom Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb top round steak
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
- Thinly slice the steak into strips and sear/saute into a skillet for 2-3.
- Add mushrooms and onions to the skillet, which you have used for cooking the meat. At this point, they should be soft and even.
- After veggies are stirred, you add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce in the pan; and you let it stew for 2 minutes.
- Return to skillet, and heat.
- Serve over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty, flavorful meal.
This steak and mushroom skillet is rich in flavors and easy to make for a filling dinner.
7. Easy Crockpot Steak
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs top round steak
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 2 cups cubed potatoes
Instructions:
- Place the steak in a slow cooker and sprinkle with onion soup mix.
- Add the beef broth, carrots, and potatoes.
- Cook for 6-8 hours on low, until the steak is fork tender.
- Serve as a one-pot meal for a cozy, comforting dinner.
Using a slow cooker for this recipe ensures the steak becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, making it the perfect dinner for busy nights.
Essential Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving the Right Doneness
To cook your top round steak to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
- Rare: 125°F
- Medium-rare: 135°F
- Medium: 145°F
This will help ensure you get the steak exactly how you like it.
Resting and Slicing Techniques
Rest for Juiciness: After cooking your steak, allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes so the juices can redistribute.
Slice Against the Grain: Always slice your steak against the grain for the maximum tenderness. This simple trick makes your steak easier to chew and enhances the flavor.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinners
Top round steak is an incredibly versatile and affordable cut of meat that can help you create quick, flavorful meals for busy weeknights. Whether you’re pan-searing, grilling, baking, or slow-cooking, these seven top round steak recipes are sure to bring joy to your dinner table. With a little know-how and the right recipe, you can transform this simple cut into a delicious, satisfying meal. Try one of these recipes tonight and enjoy a stress-free, flavorful dinner. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and let us know your favorite top round steak recipe in the comments below!
