If you have a thin sliced bottom round steak and are wondering how to cook it on the stove, you’ve come to the right place. Bottom round steak is a lean and flavorful cut of meat that can be a bit tough if not cooked properly. However, with the right technique, you can transform this cut into a tender and delicious dish.
One popular method for cooking bottom round steak on the stove is to pan fry it. To do this, start by seasoning your steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the steak in the pan. Cook the steak for a few minutes on each side, until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of around 130°F (54°C).
Another technique you can use is braising. This involves searing the steak on the stove and then simmering it in a liquid to make it tender. To braise thin sliced bottom round steak, start by searing it in a hot pan with some oil. Once the steak is browned on both sides, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add onions, garlic, and other vegetables of your choice. Cook them until they are soft and fragrant, then add a liquid such as beef broth or red wine. Return the steak to the pan and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until it becomes tender.
Tips:
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when cooking bottom round steak on the stove:
- Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking it. This will help it cook more evenly.
- Use a meat tenderizer or marinade to help break down the tough fibers in the steak.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful steak.
By following these tips and using the right cooking techniques, you can turn your thin sliced bottom round steak into a delicious and tender meal.
Preparing Bottom Round Steak
Before cooking your bottom round steak, it is important to properly prepare it to ensure a delicious and tender result. Follow these steps to prepare your steak:
1. Trim the Fat
Start by trimming any excess fat from the edges of the steak. This will help prevent flare-ups and reduce the risk of it becoming tough while cooking.
2. Season the Steak
Next, season the steak with your desired spices and seasonings. Common options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the seasonings into the meat to ensure they penetrate the steak.
3. Tenderize the Steak
The bottom round steak is less tender compared to other cuts, so tenderizing it can help break down the muscle fibers and make it more tender. You can use a meat mallet or a fork to tenderize the steak. Gently pound or pierce the steak on both sides, being careful not to tear the meat.
4. Let It Rest
After tenderizing the steak, let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat and helps the steak cook more evenly.
5. Preheat the Stove
While the steak is resting, preheat your stove to medium-high heat. This will ensure the pan is hot enough to sear the steak and create a nice crust.
6. Cook the Steak
Place the bottom round steak in a preheated skillet or frying pan. Cook the steak for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
7. Rest and Serve
Remove the cooked steak from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and flavorful steak. Slice the bottom round steak against the grain and serve it as desired.
Following these steps will help you prepare a delicious and tender bottom round steak right on your stove.
Choosing the Right Cut
When it comes to cooking bottom round steak, choosing the right cut is essential. The bottom round steak is known for being a tougher cut of meat, as it comes from a well-used muscle in the cow’s hindquarters. However, with the right cooking techniques, it can be delicious and tender.
Here are some tips for choosing the right cut of bottom round steak:
Look for Thin Slices
When cooking bottom round steak on the stove, it’s best to look for thin slices. Thinly sliced bottom round steak will cook more quickly and evenly, making it easier to achieve a tender result. You can ask your butcher to slice the steak thinly for you, or you can purchase pre-sliced steak from the grocery store.
Choose Quality Meat
Choosing quality meat is always important when cooking any dish. Look for bottom round steak that is fresh and has good marbling. Marbling refers to the small streaks of fat throughout the steak, which help to add flavor and tenderness. Avoid steaks that have excessive fat or are discolored.
Tip | Description |
---|---|
Trim Excess Fat | Before cooking the bottom round steak, trim any excess fat. This will prevent the steak from becoming too greasy and will make it easier to cook evenly. |
Consider Marinating | Marinating the bottom round steak can help to tenderize it and add flavor. You can use a simple marinade with ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and olive oil. |
Use a Meat Tenderizer | If you prefer an even more tender result, you can use a meat tenderizer to break down the muscle fibers in the bottom round steak. Just be sure to follow the instructions and use the tenderizer properly. |
By choosing the right cut of bottom round steak and following these tips, you can cook a delicious and tender meal on the stove.
Gathering Ingredients
Before you start cooking your bottom round steak, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Bottom round steak, thinly sliced
2. Olive oil
3. Salt
4. Pepper
5. Garlic powder
6. Onion powder
7. Worcestershire sauce
8. Butter (optional)
Gather these ingredients and have them ready for when you start cooking your steak.
Marinating the Steak
Marinating the bottom round steak before cooking can help to tenderize the meat and add flavor. Here’s how to do it:
1. In a bowl, combine your choice of marinade ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, or herbs and spices.
2. Place the thin-sliced bottom round steak in a ziplock bag or a shallow dish.
3. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Massage the marinade into the meat to help it penetrate.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but preferably 2-4 hours. You can also marinate it overnight for more intense flavor.
5. Turn the steak occasionally to ensure that all sides are evenly marinated.
6. When you’re ready to cook the steak, remove it from the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to take the chill off.
Now that your bottom round steak is marinated and ready to go, you can move on to cooking it on the stove.
Cooking on the Stove
Cooking bottom round steak thin slices on the stove is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious meal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch option, stove cooking is a versatile method that can be used to create a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
- Bottom round steak, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
Instructions
- Season the bottom round steak slices with salt and pepper, and any optional seasonings you prefer. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned steak slices to the heated pan in a single layer, without overcrowding them. You may need to cook them in batches if your pan is not large enough.
- Cook the steak slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are browned to your liking. Adjust the cooking time depending on how well done you prefer your steak.
- Remove the cooked steak slices from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and helps to retain its tenderness.
Stove-cooked bottom round steak can be enjoyed as a main dish on its own, or served in a variety of ways – sliced and added to sandwiches or wraps, chopped and used as a topping for salads, or even as a filling for tacos or burritos. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy your flavorful stove-cooked steak!
Serving and Enjoying
Once your bottom round steak is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious meal. Follow these steps to fully savor your cooking:
1. Rest the Steak
Before serving, it is important to let the steak rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Place the cooked steak on a cutting board and loosely cover it with foil while it rests.
2. Slice and Serve
Using a sharp knife, slice the bottom round steak against the grain into thin strips. This will help to further enhance the tenderness of the meat. Arrange the slices on a serving plate or individual plates.
You can serve the bottom round steak as is or pair it with your favorite side dishes. Some popular accompaniments include roasted vegetables, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
3. Enjoy!
Once the steak is sliced and plated, it’s time to dig in and enjoy your delicious creation. Take a moment to appreciate the flavors and textures of the steak you cooked on the stove.
Whether you’re enjoying it by yourself or with family and friends, the bottom round steak is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Bon appétit!
Q&A
What is bottom round steak?
Bottom round steak is a cut of beef that comes from the round primal cut, which is located in the hindquarter of the cow. It is a lean and tough cut of meat that is usually best suited for slow cooking methods.
How do you cook bottom round steak on the stove?
To cook bottom round steak on the stove, start by seasoning the steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add some oil to the pan. Place the steak in the hot pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Can you cook thin sliced bottom round steak on the stove?
Yes, you can cook thin sliced bottom round steak on the stove. The cooking time will be shorter for thin slices compared to thicker cuts of meat. Simply follow the same steps as cooking a regular bottom round steak on the stove, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Thin slices may only need about 1-2 minutes per side to cook through.