Bottom round steak is a flavorful and budget-friendly cut of beef that comes from the hindquarters of the cow. While it is a tougher cut, with the right cooking techniques, it can be transformed into a tender and delicious meal. In this article, I will instruct you on how to cook bottom round steak in 6 different ways.
1. How To Cook Bottom Round Steak in Oven
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bottom round steak, about 1-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
Pat the bottom round steak dry with paper towels. This step ensures a nice sear and helps the seasoning adhere better.
Rub the seasoned olive oil mixture all over the steak, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan.
Sear the bottom round steak for 2-3 minutes on each side until it develops a golden-brown crust.
Once seared, transfer the skillet or pan to the preheated oven.
Roast the steak in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Oven-baked bottom round steak is delectable when served with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. Drizzle any pan juices over the steak for added richness.
2. How To Cook Bottom Round Steak on Stove
Ingredients
- Thin-sliced bottom round steak
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or cooking oil of your choice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or your favorite steak seasoning
Instructions
Pat the thin-sliced bottom round steak dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the steak with salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings you prefer. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking.
Place a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil or cooking oil of your choice and let it heat up for a minute or two. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
Carefully place the seasoned bottom round steak in the hot skillet. Cook the steak for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook the steak in batches if needed.
Thin-sliced bottom round steak cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it. The total cooking time should be around 3-4 minutes for medium-rare doneness. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness.
To check the doneness of the steak, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the temperature should be around 135°F (57°C). Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the pan due to residual heat.
Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let the steak rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
After resting, slice the thin-sliced bottom round steak against the grain to ensure tenderness. The grain of the meat runs in long fibers, so cutting across these fibers will result in more tender slices.
Thin-sliced bottom round steak cooked on the stove is versatile and can be served in various ways. Enjoy it in a stir-fry with colorful vegetables, as part of a hearty sandwich, or as a main course alongside your favorite side dishes.
3. How To Cook Bottom Round Steak in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb bottom round steak, about 1-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Pat the bottom round steak dry with paper towels.
Rub the seasoned olive oil mixture all over the steak, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Place the steak in the air fryer basket.
Cook the steak in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping it halfway through for even cooking.
Once done, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Air-fried bottom round steak is delightful when served with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli. Drizzle the steak with a simple chimichurri sauce for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
4. How To Cook Bottom Round Steak on Grill
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bottom round steak, about 1-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
Pat the bottom round steak dry with paper towels.
Rub the seasoned olive oil mixture all over the steak, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Place the steak on the grill and cook it for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until it develops grill marks and reaches your desired doneness.
Once done, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Grilled bottom round steak is delightful when served with grilled vegetables or a corn salad. Drizzle the steak with a balsamic glaze for an extra layer of sweetness.
5. How To Cook Bottom Round Steak in Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bottom round steak, about 1-inch thick
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
In the bottom of the crock pot, layer the sliced onions, carrots, and celery.
Pat the bottom round steak dry with paper towels.
Season the steak with salt and black pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
Place the seasoned steak on top of the vegetables in the crock pot.
Pour the garlic and broth mixture over the steak.
Cover the crock pot and cook the steak on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Once done, remove the steak from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding or slicing.
Crock pot bottom round steak is perfect for making delicious sandwiches or serving over cooked egg noodles. Drizzle the steak with the flavorful cooking liquid as a tasty sauce.
6. How To Cook Bottom Round Steak in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb bottom round steak, about 1-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add the olive oil.
Sear the bottom round steak in the Instant Pot for 2-3 minutes on each side until it develops a golden-brown crust. Remove the steak and set it aside.
In the same Instant Pot, sauté the sliced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent.
Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
Return the seared steak to the Instant Pot and nestle it into the liquid.
Close the lid, ensuring the valve is set to “Sealing,” and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” mode on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Carefully open the lid, and remove the steak from the Instant Pot.
Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Instant Pot bottom round steak is ideal for serving over fluffy mashed potatoes or quinoa. Drizzle the steak with the savory cooking liquid as a delectable sauce.
Cooking bottom round steak may seem daunting due to its tougher nature, but with these six cooking methods, you can transform it into a tender and delicious meal. So, the next time you have bottom round steak in your kitchen, choose your preferred cooking method and enjoy the mouthwatering results that await you.
