Last Updated on 14th July 2023 by
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What makes eye of round steak stand out is how lean it is. In fact, it is one of the leanest steak cuts you can find, meaning it is healthier for you than most others. There is no need to trim the fat when the cut is already this lean.
The low fat and low calorie content make this a winning choice for healthy eating, and it can be made into some wonderful dishes that you’ll want to have over and over again.
The downside to eye of round steak is that it can be kind of tough. How to cook eye of round steak tender? The secret is to braise the meat. What this means is to first sear the meat using a dry heat, and then let it simmer on a lower heat.
Over a period of time, the wet heat during simmering will trap in the juices and make the entire steak cut juicy and tender. You can make this happen by covering the steak with a lid to keep the moisture from escaping.
As the meat is braised, the tough connective tissue or collagen will start to break up. This makes the tough eye of round into something a whole lot tenderer. It also makes the steak juicier, trapping moisture inside and helping to avoid drying out.
The final product is succulent and flavourful, packed with all sorts of goodness and just begging to be eaten. Shouldn’t every piece of steak be like that?
How to Cook Eye of Round Steak in Oven
I want to share with you a couple of ways you can cook this steak, and that gives you some options depending on your preference, what kind of dish you want to make, and how you want the steak to turn out.
Now, cooking the steak in the oven does run the risk of drying it out, and that’s something to keep in mind, but there are ways to make the steak come out juicy and succulent even with oven cooking. If you just throw the steak on a pan and roast it in the oven on high heat, of course it will dry out and become tough.
How to Cook Eye of Round Steak in Oven
Ingredients
- 1 Eye of Round steak
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 Large Onion
- Your choice of sauce (mushroom, horseradish, or steak sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While the oven is preheating, heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over high heat.
- Season the steak with salt and pepper, and sear it in the skillet until browned on both sides.
- Add sliced onions to the skillet and sauté until caramelized.
- Once the steak and onions are ready, transfer them to a roasting tray. Make sure to scrape any leftover oil into the tray as well.
- Roast the steak in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your steak.
- Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. During this time, you can spread your choice of sauce on the steak.
- After allowing the steak to rest, slice against the grain and serve with your preferred sides.
Notes
- The eye of round steak can be a bit tough due to its leanness. Be sure to slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- If you want to add more tenderness, consider marinating the steak overnight before cooking.
How to Cook Eye of Round Steak on Stove
The best method for cooking this cut of steak is on the stove. You definitely get the steak to be tender more easily, and it is easier to control how juicy or dry it turns out. You have been overall control of the steak, so I recommend that for the ideal cooking method.
How to Cook Eye of Round Steak on Stove
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp of sea salt
- 3 tbsp of chopped parsley
- 3 cloves of garlic crushed
- 6 tbsp of apple cider
- 3 tbsp of olive oil
- ½ cup of beef stock
- 2 tbsp of chopped thyme
- 2 tbsp of crush black peppercorns
- 2 ½ tbsp of butter
- 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
- 1 eye of Round Steak
- your choice of vegetables (onions, carrots, squash, etc)
Instructions
- Begin by creating a marinade with the sea salt, chopped parsley, crushed garlic, apple cider, olive oil, beef stock, chopped thyme, and crushed black peppercorns.
- Place the eye of round steak in a bag, pour in the marinade, and seal. Let the steak marinate for a few hours, or preferably overnight.
- Once the steak is well-marinated, heat butter and vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated steak to the skillet. Sear the steak on each side until browned.
- Once the steak is browned, add your choice of vegetables to the skillet. Saute the vegetables until they soften.
- After the vegetables have softened, pour the leftover marinade (or additional beef stock if needed) into the skillet. Bring this mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about two hours. This slow, wet heat will help break down the connective tissues in the steak, making it more tender.
- After the two hours of simmering, your steak should be tender and ready. Serve with the veggies and some of the pan juices for added flavor.
Notes
- The eye of round steak can be a bit tough due to its leanness. This method of slow simmering helps to tenderize the steak and lock in its flavors.
- Marinating the steak overnight before cooking can significantly improve its tenderness and flavor.
Remember, the success of your dish heavily depends on your understanding of the cooking process. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Is round Eye steak a good cut of meat?
Eye of round steak is a lean and relatively inexpensive cut of beef. While it can be tougher than other steaks, proper cooking methods such as braising can result in a tender, flavorful meal, making it a good choice for health-conscious consumers.
Is eye of round steak tough?
Yes, eye of round steak is typically tougher than other cuts due to its lean nature and lack of marbling. However, with proper cooking techniques like slow braising, it can be made tender and flavorful.
How do you cook eye of the round so it is not tough?
To avoid toughness, use a method like braising for eye of round steak. First, sear the steak on high heat to lock in juices, then let it simmer on lower heat in a liquid, such as a marinade or broth, for several hours. This slowly tenderizes the meat.
What is the best way to cook round steak so it is tender?
The best way to tenderize round steak is through slow cooking methods like braising. Sear the steak first to seal in juices, then simmer it in a liquid over low heat for several hours. This breaks down tough connective tissues, making the steak tender.
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I'm Pauline, a mother of four grown children, my passion for cooking stemmed from the joy i get cooking for my family. I love to try new dishes, especially when dining out but creating and sharing my own recipes is my favourite thing to do!
J
Sunday 19th of December 2021
Have not yet tried but seems like a routine braising recipe. For those that may have not braised before, maybe include cooking instructions on the recipe 'print'.