Perfectly Grilled Round Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide to Tender, Flavorful Results

Round steak, also known as rump steak, can be a budget-friendly and flavorful cut of beef. However, it’s also known for being quite tough if not prepared correctly. Grilling round steak requires a bit of know-how to transform it into a tender and delicious meal. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the best round steak to achieving that perfect sear and juicy interior.

## Understanding Round Steak

Before we dive into the grilling process, let’s understand what round steak is and why it requires special attention. Round steak comes from the rear leg of the cow, an area that gets a lot of exercise. This means the muscle fibers are dense and less tender than cuts like ribeye or tenderloin.

There are several types of round steak, including:

* **Bottom Round:** This is the most common type of round steak and is often sold as London Broil. It’s a relatively lean cut.
* **Top Round:** Slightly more tender than bottom round, top round is a good option for grilling if properly prepared.
* **Eye of Round:** This is the leanest and toughest of the round steaks. It’s best suited for slow cooking methods like braising or roasting. However, with proper marinating and slicing, it can be grilled.

For grilling, top round and bottom round are the most suitable choices. Eye of round can be grilled, but requires extra care to prevent it from becoming too dry.

## Key Factors for Grilling Round Steak Successfully

To achieve a tender and flavorful grilled round steak, you need to focus on these key factors:

1. **Choosing the Right Cut:** Select a top round or bottom round steak that is at least 1 inch thick. Thicker steaks are easier to cook to the desired doneness without drying out.
2. **Tenderizing:** Round steak needs to be tenderized before grilling. This can be achieved through marinating, mechanical tenderizing (using a meat mallet), or a combination of both.
3. **Marinating:** A good marinade not only adds flavor but also helps to break down the tough muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender steak. The marinade should contain acidic ingredients (like vinegar, lemon juice, or wine), oil, and seasonings.
4. **Grilling Temperature:** High heat is essential for searing the outside of the steak and locking in the juices. However, you’ll need to reduce the heat to medium to cook the steak through without burning the outside.
5. **Cooking Time:** Avoid overcooking round steak. It’s best served medium-rare to medium to prevent it from becoming too tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
6. **Resting:** Allowing the steak to rest after grilling is crucial. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
7. **Slicing Against the Grain:** Round steak has a distinct grain. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak easier to chew.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* 1-2 pounds round steak (top round or bottom round), about 1 inch thick
* **For the Marinade:**
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or soy sauce)
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning)
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
* Salt and pepper for seasoning before grilling (optional)
* Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, cilantro, etc.)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Grill (gas or charcoal)
* Meat thermometer
* Tongs
* Basting brush (optional)
* Cutting board
* Sharp knife
* Large resealable bag or container for marinating

## Step-by-Step Grilling Instructions

Follow these steps to grill a perfectly tender and flavorful round steak:

### Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, oregano, pepper, and salt. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or a touch of honey or brown sugar for sweetness.

### Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Place the round steak in a large resealable bag or container. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring that it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the steak marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become. However, don’t marinate for more than 24 hours, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the muscle fibers too much and make the steak mushy.

### Step 3: Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill to high heat (450-550°F or 232-288°C). If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals so that you have a hot zone for searing and a cooler zone for indirect cooking. Clean the grill grates thoroughly and lightly oil them to prevent the steak from sticking.

### Step 4: Remove the Steak from the Marinade

Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help it to sear properly and prevent steaming. Discard the marinade after use.

### Step 5: Season the Steak (Optional)

If desired, season the steak with additional salt and pepper before grilling. Keep in mind that the marinade already contains salt, so adjust accordingly.

### Step 6: Grill the Steak

Place the steak on the hot grill grates and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a dark, crusty sear forms. This will create a flavorful outer layer and help to lock in the juices.

After searing, move the steak to the cooler zone of the grill (if using a charcoal grill) or reduce the heat to medium (350-450°F or 177-232°C) on a gas grill. Continue grilling for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the steak reaches the desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

* **Medium-Rare:** 130-135°F (54-57°C)
* **Medium:** 135-145°F (57-63°C)
* **Medium-Well:** 145-155°F (63-68°C)
* **Well-Done:** 155°F+ (68°C+)

**Note:** Round steak is best served medium-rare to medium. Overcooking will result in a tough and dry steak.

### Step 7: Rest the Steak

Once the steak reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Do not skip this step!

### Step 8: Slice and Serve

After resting, use a sharp knife to slice the steak against the grain. This will shorten the muscle fibers and make the steak easier to chew. Serve immediately and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

## Tips for Achieving the Best Results

* **Don’t Skip the Marinade:** Marinating is essential for tenderizing round steak. The longer you marinate it, the better (up to 24 hours).
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure that your steak is cooked to the desired level of doneness. Don’t rely on guesswork.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill:** If you’re grilling multiple steaks, make sure to leave enough space between them to allow for proper airflow. Overcrowding the grill can lower the temperature and prevent the steaks from searing properly.
* **Adjust Cooking Time Based on Thickness:** The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak. Use a meat thermometer to guide you.
* **Use a Hot Grill:** High heat is essential for searing the outside of the steak and locking in the juices. Make sure your grill is properly preheated before adding the steak.
* **Clean the Grill Grates:** Clean grill grates prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
* **Consider Pounding the Steak:** Before marinating, you can use a meat mallet to pound the steak to further tenderize it. This is especially helpful for thicker cuts.
* **Experiment with Marinade Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different marinade ingredients. You can try adding soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, or different herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
* **Serve with Complementary Sides:** Round steak pairs well with a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, salad, or rice.

## Troubleshooting Common Issues

* **Steak is Tough:** This is usually due to overcooking or not marinating long enough. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and marinate the steak for at least 4 hours.
* **Steak is Dry:** This can also be due to overcooking. Avoid cooking the steak past medium. Another cause could be not resting the steak long enough. The resting period allows the juices to redistribute. Make sure to tent the steak loosely with foil while it rests.
* **Steak is Burning on the Outside but Raw on the Inside:** This is usually due to grilling over too high of heat for too long. Sear the steak over high heat to get a good crust, then reduce the heat to medium to cook it through.
* **Steak is Sticking to the Grill:** Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before adding the steak.

## Serving Suggestions

Grilled round steak is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Steak and Potatoes:** Serve the steak with roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or grilled potatoes. Add a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
* **Steak Salad:** Slice the steak and serve it over a bed of mixed greens with your favorite toppings and dressing.
* **Steak Sandwiches:** Slice the steak thinly and serve it on toasted bread with your favorite toppings, such as onions, peppers, cheese, and horseradish sauce.
* **Steak Fajitas:** Slice the steak into strips and use it to make fajitas with bell peppers, onions, and tortillas.
* **Steak Stir-Fry:** Slice the steak into thin strips and add it to a stir-fry with your favorite vegetables and sauce.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Nutritional information will vary depending on the size of the steak, the marinade ingredients, and the cooking method. However, a 4-ounce serving of grilled round steak typically contains:

* Calories: 200-250
* Protein: 30-35 grams
* Fat: 8-12 grams
* Carbohydrates: 0 grams

Round steak is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc.

## Conclusion

Grilling round steak doesn’t have to be intimidating. By following these steps and tips, you can transform this budget-friendly cut of beef into a tender, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Remember to choose the right cut, tenderize it properly, marinate it well, grill it to the correct doneness, and let it rest before slicing. With a little practice, you’ll be grilling perfect round steak every time. Enjoy!