Are you craving a delicious steak but don’t have a grill? No problem! Cooking steak in the oven is the best way to enjoy a tender and juicy piece of meat without the need for a grill. Today, we’ll be discussing how to cook thin bottom round steak in the oven. Bottom round steak is a popular choice for budget-friendly meals, but it can be tough if not cooked properly. However, with a few simple steps, you can transform this cut of beef into a delicious steak that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Preparing the Meat
Before you start cooking your bottom round steak, it’s essential to prepare the meat properly. First, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This will ensure that the meat cooks evenly. Next, preheat your oven to 425°F. While the oven is heating up, season the steak with salt, black pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder. You can also use a meat tenderizer to help break down the fibers and make the meat more tender.
Choosing the Right Cooking Method
There are different ways to cook a bottom round steak in the oven, each with its own unique cooking process. You can use a roasting pan, a dutch oven, or even a crock pot. However, for the best results, we recommend using a roasting pan or a dutch oven. These two options allow for high heat cooking, which will help to caramelize the outside of the meat while keeping the inside juicy.
Cooking the Steak in the Oven
Now that your oven is preheated, it’s time to cook your steak. If you’re using a roasting pan, lightly coat the bottom of the pan with vegetable oil. Place the steak in the pan and cook it in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare. If you’re using a dutch oven, heat the dutch oven over medium heat, add some vegetable oil, and sear the steak on both sides until it’s browned. Then, cover the dutch oven and place it in the oven for 30-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F.
Using a Meat Thermometer
The key to a delicious steak is cooking it to the right internal temperature. A meat thermometer is an essential tool to ensure that your steak is cooked to perfection. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130°F, for medium, it should be 140°F, and for well-done, it should be 160°F. You can use an instant-read thermometer or a meat thermometer that you leave in the meat while it cooks.
Trying Different Cooking Methods
If you don’t have a roasting pan or a Dutch oven, don’t worry! There are still different ways to cook a bottom round steak in the oven. For instance, you can use an air fryer, an instant pot, or even sous vide. Using an air fryer will give you a crispy outside and a tender inside, while using an instant pot or sous vide will result in a very tender steak. The cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the method you choose, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Adding Flavor to Your Steak
If you want to take your steak to the next level, you can use a steak marinade. A simple marinade can be made with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and some spices. Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking in the oven. Another way to add flavor is to make a flour mixture with some salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, and coat the steak before cooking it. This will give your steak a delicious crust and add some extra flavor.
Serving Your Delicious Steak
Once your steak is cooked to your desired internal temperature, it’s time to serve it! Let the steak rest for a few minutes before cutting into it to allow the juices to redistribute. You can serve it with some roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even turn it into a beef stew. Bottom round steak is also great for making swiss steak or beef eye of round steak, which are both delicious recipes that you can easily make in the oven.
The Good News About Tougher Cuts of Beef
Bottom round steak is considered a tougher cut of beef, but that doesn’t mean it’s not delicious. In fact, tougher cuts of beef like bottom round steak are perfect for slow cooking methods like braising, roasting, or using a slow cooker. These methods break down the fibers in the meat, making it tender and juicy. Plus, tougher cuts of beef are usually more affordable than other cuts, making them a great choice for budget-friendly meals.
Conclusion
Cooking steak in the oven is an easy way to enjoy a delicious steak without the need for a grill. Bottom round steak is a great cut of beef to use for this cooking method, and by following the steps outlined above, you can transform it into a delicious steak that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re using a roasting pan, Dutch oven, or trying a different cooking method like sous vide or air fryer, remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to perfection. So next time you’re craving a delicious steak, give this recipe a try and enjoy a mouthwatering meal!