Cooking round steak in the oven is a simple and delicious way to prepare this cut of meat. Here's a basic recipe to help you get started:
Ingredients:
- Round steak
- Olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- Salt and pepper (or your favorite seasoning)
- Optional: onions, garlic, or other vegetables for added flavor
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prepare the steak.
Prepare the round steak: If the round steak is thick, you may want to pound it with a meat mallet to tenderize it a bit. Season the steak with salt, pepper, or your preferred seasoning on both sides. If you have time, you can let the steak marinate in the seasoning for a while to enhance the flavor.
Sear the steak (optional): While searing is not necessary, it can add extra flavor and texture to the steak. Heat a skillet or oven-safe pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add a little oil to the pan, then sear the steak for 1-2 minutes on each side until it develops a brown crust. This step is entirely optional; you can skip it if you prefer.
Add vegetables (optional): If you want to include onions, garlic, or other vegetables, you can place them in the bottom of a roasting pan or a casserole dish.
Bake the round steak: Place the round steak on top of the vegetables if you added them. Drizzle a bit of oil over the steak to keep it moist during cooking. Cover the roasting pan or casserole dish with foil to seal in the moisture and cook it in the preheated oven.
Cooking time: The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the round steak. As a general guideline, cook it for approximately 25-30 minutes for medium-rare, 30-35 minutes for medium, or longer for well-done. To be sure, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, it should be around 145°F (63°C), for medium around 160°F (71°C), and for well-done around 170°F (77°C).
Rest the steak: Once the steak is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat and keeps it juicy and tender.
Slice and serve: After resting, slice the round steak against the grain to maximize tenderness. Serve it with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Remember, cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your oven's accuracy, so it's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure your round steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Enjoy your deliciously cooked round steak!