Top Round Steak

Bos taurus (Beef) Meat, Beef

Top Round Steak Meat, Beef

At a Glance

  • Category Meat, Beef

The Forktionary Angle

"Providing expert guidance on transforming this lean, economical cut into tender, flavorful meals through proper preparation and cooking techniques."

Definition

A lean, flavorful cut of beef from the inner muscle of the hind leg, best suited for slow cooking, marinades, or thinly slicing for stir-fries.

Cooking Recommendation Ideal for slow cooking (stews, roasts), marinating and grilling (sliced), or thinly slicing against the grain for stir-fries.
Muscle Activity As a heavily used muscle, it's lean but can be tough if not cooked properly or thinly sliced.
Protein Content Excellent source of lean protein, providing approximately 25-30g per 4 oz serving.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Top Round Steak are:

Beefy savory slightly gamey (if grass-fed) lean

Chef’s Secret

To ensure tenderness, always slice top round steak very thinly AGAINST the grain after cooking, regardless of the method, to shorten muscle fibers.

Best Substitutes

Bottom round steak

similar leaness, often tougher
Ratio 1:1

Flank steak

marinating, grilling, thin slicing
Ratio 1:1

Sirloin steak

more tender, higher fat
Ratio 1:1

Eye of round

leaner, less flavorful
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for bright red meat with minimal marbling. Consider buying a whole roast and slicing it yourself for specific uses.

Recipes Using Top Round Steak

Beef Dietary Steaks Grilling

Balsamic And Garlic Marinated Steak

Elevate your grilling game with this mouthwatering Balsamic Garlic Marinated Steak recipe! A perfectly seared exterior gives way to a juicy, tender interior, bursting with flavor. Marinate your steak overnight for maximum taste, then grill to perfection. Save time by grilling potatoes or vegetables alongside your steak for a complete meal. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend feast.

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30 Minutes Or Less Vegetables Main Dish Equipment

Beef Szechuan

Experience the fiery delight of authentic Beef Szechuan! This 27-minute recipe delivers tender beef strips stir-fried with crisp-tender vegetables in a rich, savory, and spicy Szechuan sauce. A perfect weeknight meal that's bursting with flavor.

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Easy Main Ingredient Beef 15 Minutes Or Less

Big Steak Marinade

Elevate your summer BBQ with this incredible steak marinade! Bursting with bold flavors of sweet brown sugar, tangy mustard, and rich soy sauce, this recipe will transform even the toughest cut into a juicy, tender masterpiece. Perfect for grilling, this marinade delivers an unforgettable taste experience. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Stove Top Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Equipment

Beef Stew Cooked In A Steamer

Unlock the secret to incredibly tender beef stew with this unique steamer method! No need for hours of simmering – this recipe uses your steamer to create melt-in-your-mouth beef in just 84 minutes. Optional browning adds depth of flavor, but isn't required. Inspired by *The Steamer Cookbook*, this recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional stew.

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Stir Fry Technique Stove Top Beef

Beef Stir Fry

This incredibly easy beef stir-fry recipe delivers an explosion of Asian flavors in just 45 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is adaptable to your preferences. Use frozen veggies for ultimate speed, or showcase your favorite fresh produce. Swap beef for pork, chicken, tofu, or even mushrooms – the possibilities are endless! Add your favorite nuts, seafood, lamb, water chestnuts, or even clean out your vegetable drawer! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Meat Easy 60 Minutes Or Less 5 Ingredients Or Less

Beef Negamaki

Experience a flavor explosion with these savory Beef Negamaki! Thinly pounded steak is rolled with scallions, grilled to perfection, and drizzled with a sweet and tangy glaze. This recipe, inspired by Woman's Day (June 20, 2006), is a delicious and surprisingly easy weeknight meal, perfect served with rice and your favorite Asian-inspired vegetables. Prepare to impress!

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Easy 3 Steps Or Less Preparation 4 Hours Or Less

Baked Swiss Steak

Transform a tough round steak into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece with this classic Baked Swiss Steak recipe! Smothered in a rich and savory blend of celery, carrots, onions, green peppers, and tomatoes, then baked to tender perfection, this dish is pure comfort food. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite noodles for a truly satisfying meal. Adapted from the Junior League of Charleston Cookbook (Charleston, West Virginia).

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Easy Main Ingredient Meat Time To Make

Albert's Soy Sauce Steak

This Albert's Soy Sauce Steak recipe delivers juicy, flavorful beef with a delicious teriyaki-inspired glaze, ready in under 2 hours! Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Skip the takeout and enjoy restaurant-quality steak at home.

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Preparation Main Dish Dietary Main Ingredient

Basic Smothered Steak And Onions

This classic smothered steak recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich, savory flavor. Perfectly seared steaks are simmered in a rich onion gravy, creating a comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Cuisine Preparation Main Dish Beef

Beef Stew With Tomatoes And Rice

Indulge in this hearty Beef Stew with Tomatoes and Rice, a comforting classic from the sun-drenched western Mediterranean coast of France! This rustic one-pot wonder, somewhere between a rich stew and a flavorful casserole, boasts tender beef, fluffy rice, and a vibrant tomato sauce. A touch of crushed red pepper adds a delightful kick. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

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Preparation Main Dish Preparation A1 Sauce

A1 Marinated Top Round With Bacon Parmesan Polenta A1

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this flavorful A1 steak recipe! Tender top round steak, marinated in a zesty A1 Original sauce blend, is perfectly complemented by creamy parmesan polenta and crispy bacon. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a romantic dinner or a family gathering. Impress your loved ones with this restaurant-quality meal, easily made at home!

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