The Ultimate Guide on How to Grill Top Round Steak
Top-round steak, often referred to as a budget-friendly yet flavorful cut of beef, is a popular choice for grilling enthusiasts. While it may lack the marbling of fattier cuts like ribeye or New York strip, its leanness makes it a healthy option for those looking to reduce fat intake. However, learning how to grill top round steak requires a bit of finesse to ensure it remains tender and juicy rather than tough and chewy. In this guide, you’ll learn how to properly prepare, marinate, and grill top round steak to perfection, along with serving suggestions, pairing ideas, and tips for achieving the best results.
What is Top Round Steak?
Definition and Characteristics
Top round steak comes from the round primal cut of the cow, located near the rear leg. This area of the cow is known for lean, muscular meat, which contributes to its firm texture. Top round steak is typically cut into thin slices and is known for its beefy flavor but also for being somewhat challenging to cook due to its lack of fat.
Key Features
- Lean and low-fat: Top round steak is significantly leaner than other cuts like ribeye or T-bone, making it a healthier option for those watching their fat intake.
- Firm texture: Due to the low-fat content, it tends to have a firmer texture, which can become tough if not cooked properly.
- Affordable: One of the most budget-friendly cuts of beef, making it accessible for everyday grilling.
Common Uses
Top-round steak is versatile and can be used in various dishes:
- Grilling: With the right technique, top-round steak is perfect for grilling and searing.
- Beef jerky: The leanness of top-round steak makes it ideal for dehydrating into jerky.
- Stir-fries: When sliced thin, it works well in high-heat, quick-cooking dishes like stir-fries.
- Roast beef: It can be used to make a leaner version of roast beef for sandwiches or other dishes.
If you’re new to grilling this cut of beef, mastering different beef round steak recipes can help expand your grilling repertoire and provide insights into other ways to cook top round steak.
Preparing Top Round Steak for Grilling
Selecting the Right Cut
When choosing top round steak for grilling, look for cuts that are at least 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thicker steaks tend to hold onto moisture better during cooking, which helps prevent them from drying out. You’ll also want to look for steaks that are a bright, rich red color and have minimal visible fat, though a small amount of marbling around the edges can enhance flavor.
The Importance of Marinating
Due to its lean nature, top round steak greatly benefits from marinating. Marinating helps to tenderize the meat by breaking down the muscle fibers and infusing it with moisture and flavor. Since top round steak is a firmer cut, the marinade can also help prevent the steak from drying out during grilling.
Best Marinade Ingredients for Top Round Steak
A successful marinade for top round steak typically includes:
- Acidic ingredients: Such as lemon juice, vinegar, or wine, which help to tenderize the meat.
- Oils: Olive oil or vegetable oil adds moisture and helps prevent the meat from becoming too dry.
- Herbs and spices: Garlic, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
- Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce: Both of these ingredients provide umami, which complements the beefy flavor of the steak.
Let the top round steak marinate for at least 4 hours, but for the best results, allow it to sit overnight in the refrigerator. When you learn how to marinate steak properly, the grilling process becomes much easier, and your top round steak will be more flavorful and tender.
Seasoning Before Grilling
Before placing the steak on the grill, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade, which will help the steak sear properly. After drying, season the top round steak generously with salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper for additional flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Top Round Steak
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
To start, preheat your grill to high heat. For gas grills, this means setting the temperature to about 450°F. If you’re using a charcoal grill, create a two-zone fire: one side for high, direct heat and the other for cooler, indirect cooking. A two-zone fire allows you to sear the top round steak quickly before moving it to a cooler spot to finish cooking without burning the outside.
Step 2: Oil the Grill Grates
To prevent the top-round steak from sticking, oil the grill grates just before cooking. The best way to do this is by dipping a paper towel in vegetable oil and using tongs to rub it along the grates. This will create a non-stick surface and help develop a nice crust on the steak.
Step 3: Searing the Steak
Place your marinated and seasoned top round steak on the hottest part of the grill to sear. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. The key to getting a perfect sear is leaving the steak undisturbed until a crust forms. This locks in the juices and gives the top-round steak that signature grilled flavor. Learning proper steak-searing techniques ensures that your steak is packed with flavor right from the start.
Step 4: Move to Indirect Heat
Once the top round steak is seared, move it to the cooler part of the grill to finish cooking. This indirect heat method ensures that the top round steak cooks evenly without burning the outside. For medium-rare, cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 135-145°F
- Medium-well: 145-155°F
Step 5: Resting the Steak
After grilling, remove the top round steak from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite. If you skip this step, cutting into the steak too soon will cause the juices to escape, leaving the meat dry.
Slicing and Serving Grilled Top Round Steak
How to Slice Top Round Steak
Top-round steak should always be sliced thinly and against the grain. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the top round steak easier to chew and more tender. Use a sharp knife and slice the steak into thin strips.
Serving Ideas
Here are a few serving ideas to make the most of your grilled top round steak:
- Steak Sandwiches: Thinly sliced top round steak served on a toasted bun with sautéed onions and horseradish sauce.
- Steak Salad: Add slices of steak to a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a hearty yet healthy meal.
- Steak Tacos: Use the top round steak as a filling for tacos along with guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese.
Pairing the top round steak with classic sides like mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad can complete the meal. For other beef dishes, try exploring recipes like chuck roast that work equally well on the grill.
Tips for Perfectly Grilled Top Round Steak
Avoid Overcooking
Since top-round steak is lean, it’s easy to overcook it, which can make the meat tough and dry. Stick to medium-rare or medium doneness to ensure that the top round steak remains juicy and flavorful. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to avoid overcook.
Basting for Extra Flavor
For added moisture and flavor, consider basting the top round steak with a butter or oil mixture during the last few minutes of cooking. This not only adds richness but also enhances the overall flavor of the steak.
Use a Meat Tenderizer
If you’re worried about toughness, use a meat tenderizer before marinating. A meat mallet helps break down the muscle fibers, ensuring the top-round steak is more tender once it’s grilled.
Health Benefits of Grilled Top Round Steak
Lean Protein Source
Top-round steak is an excellent source of lean protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body functions. Since top-round steak is low in fat compared to other cuts, it’s a great choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet while keeping fat intake in check.
Nutrient-Rich
This steak is packed with important nutrients:
- Iron: Helps transport oxygen throughout the body, supporting energy levels and muscle function.
- Zinc: Plays a crucial role in immune function and wound healing.
- B Vitamins: Supports energy production and brain health.
Low in Calories
With only about 150 calories per 3-ounce serving, grilled top round steak is a great option for those monitoring their calorie intake. Despite its low-calorie count, it still provides plenty of protein and essential nutrients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Marinating Long Enough
Due to its lean nature, top round steak requires adequate marinating time to achieve tenderness. If you marinate the top round steak for less than 4 hours, it may not fully absorb the flavors or become tender enough.
Overcooking the Steak
Overcooking top round steak can result in a tough, dry texture. To avoid this, use a meat thermometer to ensure the top round steak doesn’t go beyond medium doneness. Cooking it to medium-rare or medium will provide the best results.
Skipping the Resting Period
Resting the top round steak is crucial to preserving its juices. If you cut into the steak too soon after grilling, the juices will run out, leaving the meat dry. Always allow at least 5 minutes for the steak to rest before slicing.
FAQs About Grilling Top Round Steak
Is top round steak good for grilling?
Yes, top round steak is excellent for grilling when properly prepared. Its lean nature requires careful marination and grilling techniques to avoid toughness, but with the right approach, it makes for a flavorful, healthy option.
How long should you grill top round steak?
For a 1-inch thick top round steak, sear it on high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, then move it to indirect heat and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes for medium-rare. Cooking times will vary based on the thickness of the top round steak and your desired doneness.
Can you cook top round steak to well-done?
While you can cook top round steak to well-done, it’s not recommended as the steak may become tough and dry. For the best texture and flavor, medium-rare or medium doneness is ideal.
Can I grill top-round steak without a marinade?
While it’s possible to grill top round steak without a marinade, doing so may result in a tougher texture. Marinating helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor, which is particularly important for lean cuts like top round steak.
By mastering the techniques outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to confidently grill top round steak that’s tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Whether you’re serving it as the star of a meal or incorporating it into other dishes like sandwiches or tacos, top round steak is a versatile and healthy option for your next grilling session. Don’t forget to check out more beef recipes like ground beef dishes to broaden your grilling horizons!