Beef eye round steak is a versatile and affordable cut of beef that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One of the most popular methods is to cook it in a skillet. This cooking technique is quick, easy, and produces a flavorful and tender steak.
To cook beef eye round steak in a skillet, start by seasoning the steak with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the steak in the skillet and sear it for a few minutes on each side until it develops a brown crust.
Next, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking the steak for a few more minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook it for about 3-4 minutes per side. If you prefer a more well-done steak, cook it for a few minutes longer.
Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and tender steak. Serve the beef eye round steak with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!
Preparation
Before you start cooking your beef eye round steak, it’s important to properly prepare it to ensure a delicious and tender result.
1. Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the meat to cook evenly.
2. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the steak to brown better when cooked.
3. Season the steak with salt and pepper. Sprinkle both sides of the steak with a generous amount of salt and pepper. You can also add any other dry seasonings or spices that you prefer.
4. Optional marinating. If you have some extra time, you can marinate the steak for added flavor. You can use your favorite marinade or simply combine some olive oil, garlic, and herbs in a ziplock bag and let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the skillet and let it melt.
With these simple steps, your beef eye round steak will be ready to cook and will turn out tender and flavorful.
Seasoning the Steak
Seasoning the beef eye round steak is an important step to enhance its flavor and add a kick to your dish. Here are a few simple seasoning options:
Salt and Pepper: Sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper on both sides of the steak. The combination of these two classic seasonings brings out the natural flavors of the meat.
Garlic and Herb: Crush a few cloves of garlic and finely chop your favorite fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley. Rub the mixture onto the steak, covering both sides. The aromatic garlic and herbs will infuse the meat with delicious flavors.
Marinade: If you have more time, consider marinating the steak in a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, and your choice of herbs and spices. Let the steak sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes to overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Note: Whichever seasoning option you choose, make sure to rub it on the steak and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to absorb before cooking.
Cooking the Steak
Now that your beef eye round steak is marinated, it’s time to cook it to perfection. Follow these simple steps to cook your steak in a skillet:
Step 1: Preheat the Skillet
Place a skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Allow the skillet to preheat for a few minutes until it is hot.
Step 2: Add Oil to the Skillet
Once the skillet is hot, add a tablespoon of oil. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other high-heat oil of your choice.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Place the marinated beef eye round steak in the hot skillet. Allow it to sear for 3-4 minutes on each side. This will give the steak a nice brown crust.
Step 4: Reduce the Heat
After searing the steak, reduce the heat to medium-low. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly without burning.
Step 5: Cook to Desired Doneness
Cook the steak for about 6-8 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time based on your preference for doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the steak reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
Step 6: Rest the Steak
Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.
Now that your beef eye round steak is cooked to perfection, you can slice it and serve with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your delicious homemade steak!
Serving and Enjoying
Once your beef eye round steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are a few suggestions for serving and enjoying your delicious steak:
1. Sliced Steak
One popular way to serve beef eye round steak is by slicing it into thin strips. This is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or fajitas. To slice the steak, allow it to rest for a few minutes after cooking, then use a sharp knife to cut it against the grain. This will result in tender and juicy slices.
2. Steak With Sides
Another option is to serve your beef eye round steak alongside some tasty sides. This could include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The steak can be the centerpiece of a balanced and satisfying meal.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can slice the steak and serve it over a bed of mixed greens. Drizzle some olive oil and balsamic vinegar on top for a simple and flavourful salad.
To add some extra flavour to your steak, you can also make a delicious sauce to accompany it. Consider a peppercorn sauce, a mushroom sauce, or a classic bearnaise sauce. These sauces can enhance the taste of the beef and take your meal to the next level.
3. Leftovers
If you have any leftover beef eye round steak, you can keep it in the refrigerator for a few days. It can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, salads, or even added to a cheesy pasta dish.
Leftover Recipe Ideas: |
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– Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables |
– Steak Salad with Roasted Potatoes |
– Beef and Mushroom Pasta |
By getting creative with your leftovers, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of beef eye round steak in new and exciting ways.
Remember to always store leftover steak in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. When reheating, be careful not to overcook the steak, as it can become tough and dry.
Now that you know how to cook beef eye round steak in a skillet and have some serving and leftover ideas, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy a delicious meal!
FAQ
What is an eye round steak?
An eye round steak is a cut of beef that comes from the round, or hind leg, of the cow. It is a lean and inexpensive cut of meat that is best cooked using moist heat methods.
How should I season my beef eye round steak?
You can season your beef eye round steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other seasonings you prefer. It’s important to season the steak generously to enhance its flavor.
What is the best way to cook beef eye round steak in a skillet?
The best way to cook beef eye round steak in a skillet is to first sear the steak on high heat for a few minutes on each side to brown the outside. Then, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
How long does it take to cook beef eye round steak in a skillet?
The cooking time for beef eye round steak in a skillet depends on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. On average, it takes about 6-8 minutes per side for a 1-inch thick steak to reach medium-rare doneness.
Can I use a marinade for beef eye round steak?
Yes, you can marinate beef eye round steak to add flavor and tenderness. Just make sure to marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator before cooking. You can use a simple marinade of oil, vinegar, and herbs or try out different marinade recipes.