How To Cook Round Steak In Electric Skillet

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

When it comes to cooking round steak, an electric skillet can be a game-changer. The even heat distribution and precise temperature control make it an ideal tool for achieving tender and flavorful results. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, cooking round steak in an electric skillet is a simple and efficient way to create a delicious meal.

In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of cooking round steak in an electric skillet. From selecting the right cut of meat to seasoning and marinating, preheating the skillet, and achieving the perfect doneness, we will cover all the essential techniques and tips you need to know.

So, if you’re ready to elevate your steak-cooking game and impress your friends and family with a juicy and succulent round steak, let’s dive in and explore the wonderful world of cooking round steak in an electric skillet!

Choosing the Right Cut of Round Steak

Choosing the right cut of round steak is crucial for a successful cooking experience. Round steak comes from the beef round, which is located in the hindquarter of the cow. This area is lean and less tender compared to other cuts, making it perfect for slow cooking or tenderizing methods.

When selecting round steak, you have a few options to consider:

• Top Round Steak: This cut comes from the top portion of the round and is relatively lean and flavorful. It is a popular choice for cooking in an electric skillet as it can be cooked to medium or medium-rare for optimal tenderness.
• Bottom Round Steak: Taken from the bottom portion of the round, this cut is leaner and less tender. It is best suited for slow cooking methods such as braising or stewing to tenderize the meat.
• Eye of Round Steak: This cut is the most tender out of the round steaks but can still benefit from marinating or tenderizing techniques. It is a versatile cut that can be used for various recipes.

When purchasing round steak, look for cuts that are evenly marbled with thin streaks of fat running through the meat. This marbling adds flavor and helps keep the steak juicy during cooking. Additionally, choose steaks that are of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.

Remember, if you’re unsure about which cut of round steak to choose, don’t hesitate to ask your local butcher for advice. They will be more than happy to help you select the perfect cut for your cooking needs.

Preparing the Round Steak

Before cooking round steak in an electric skillet, it’s essential to properly prepare the meat to enhance its flavor and tenderness. Follow these steps to prepare your round steak:

1. Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the meat to evenly cook.
2. Trim any excess fat from the steak using a sharp knife. Leaving a thin layer of fat can add flavor, but too much can result in a greasy finished dish.
3. Tenderize the round steak by using a meat tenderizer tool or by gently pounding it with a mallet. This helps break down the tough fibers, resulting in a more tender steak.
4. Optional: Score the surface of the round steak by making shallow cuts diagonally across the grain. This helps the marinade or seasonings penetrate the meat more effectively.

By properly preparing your round steak, you are ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed and that the meat will be tender and juicy when cooked. Don’t rush this step, as the preparation process contributes to a successful final outcome.

Seasoning and Marinating the Round Steak

Seasoning and marinating the round steak is a crucial step in enhancing its flavor and creating a delicious and juicy end result. Here are some tips for seasoning and marinating:

1. Seasoning: Liberally season both sides of the round steak with salt and pepper. This simple combination enhances the natural flavors of the meat. You can also experiment with other dry spices and herbs according to your taste preferences.
2. Marinating: Marinating the round steak can add an extra layer of flavor and help to tenderize the meat. Prepare a marinade by combining your choice of ingredients such as olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, herbs, and spices. Place the seasoned round steak in a dish or zip-top bag, pour the marinade over it, and make sure it is well-coated. Allow the steak to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but ideally, marinate it for a few hours or overnight to maximize the flavor infusion.

When marinating, remember to discard any leftover marinade that came into contact with raw meat to avoid cross-contamination. If you wish to use the marinade for basting or as a sauce, set aside a separate portion before adding it to the raw meat.

Experiment with different flavors and marinades to suit your taste preferences. The marinating process not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the round steak, resulting in a more tender and succulent final dish.

Once the round steak has been seasoned and marinated, it’s time to move on to the next step: preheating the electric skillet.

Preheating the Electric Skillet

Preheating the electric skillet is a crucial step to ensure even cooking of the round steak. Follow these steps to properly preheat your electric skillet:

1. Place the electric skillet on a flat and stable surface, away from any flammable materials or other heat-sensitive items.
2. Make sure the skillet is clean and dry.
3. Adjust the temperature control dial to the desired cooking temperature. For searing the round steak, a high heat setting between 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 205°C) is recommended.
4. Allow the electric skillet to preheat for a few minutes, usually about 5 minutes, to reach the desired temperature.

While the electric skillet is preheating, you can take this time to remove the round steak from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. This helps prevent excessive smoking or splattering when the steak is placed on the hot skillet.

Preheating the electric skillet ensures that the steak cooks evenly and develops a delicious sear on the outside while retaining its juices on the inside. The hot skillet creates the perfect cooking environment to achieve a perfectly cooked round steak.

Once the electric skillet is properly preheated, it’s time to move on to the next step: cooking the round steak.

For a tender round steak in an electric skillet, sear the steak on high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until desired doneness. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Cooking the Round Steak in an Electric Skillet

Now that your electric skillet is preheated and ready, it’s time to start cooking the round steak. Follow these steps for a deliciously cooked round steak:

1. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the preheated electric skillet and allow it to melt and coat the bottom evenly.
2. Gently place the round steak onto the hot skillet, ensuring it makes contact with the surface. You might hear a sizzling sound as the steak hits the hot surface, which is a good indication that you’ve achieved a proper sear.
3. Let the steak cook undisturbed for a few minutes. The cooking time per side will depend on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, cook the round steak for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, 6-8 minutes per side for medium, and 8-10 minutes per side for well-done.
4. After the initial cooking time, use tongs to flip the steak to the other side and continue cooking for the remaining time.
5. If desired, you can baste the steak with any leftover marinade or melted butter for additional flavor during the cooking process.

Remember that these cooking times are approximate and vary depending on the thickness of the round steak and personal preference. Feel free to adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired level of doneness.

While cooking, be cautious not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook the steak in batches if needed to avoid steaming the meat and preventing it from developing a good sear.

As the round steak cooks, you’ll notice the exterior developing a delicious golden-brown crust while the inside remains juicy and tender. This combination of textures and flavors makes for a mouthwatering final result.

Once the steak is cooked to your liking, it’s time to test for doneness.

Testing for Doneness

Testing the doneness of your round steak is crucial to ensure it is cooked to your desired level. Here are a few methods to determine the doneness of your steak:

1. Visual Inspection: Make a small incision or cut into the center of the steak. The color of the meat will give you an indication of its doneness. For medium-rare, the inside should be pink with a slightly warm red center. Medium will have a pink center with less redness, and well-done will have little to no pink and appear grayish.
2. Touch Test: Use the touch test to gauge the doneness of the steak. Gently press the center of the steak with your finger. For medium-rare, it should feel slightly springy with a good amount of give. Medium will feel firmer with some resistance, and well-done will feel very firm and fully cooked.
3. Internal Temperature: For a more accurate measure of doneness, use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the round steak. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach around 135°F to 140°F (57°C to 60°C), medium should be around 145°F to 150°F (63°C to 66°C), and well-done should be around 160°F to 165°F (71°C to 74°C).

Remember that the round steak will continue to cook a bit more after being removed from the heat, so it’s a good idea to take it off the skillet when it’s slightly below your desired doneness level. Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. During this resting period, the juices will redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy final dish.

By using these methods, you can ensure that your round steak is cooked exactly to your liking, whether you prefer it medium-rare, medium, or well-done.

Now that your round steak is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy it!

Serving and Enjoying the Round Steak

Now that your round steak is cooked to perfection, it’s time to plate it up and savor every delicious bite. Here are some tips for serving and enjoying your round steak:

1. Let it Rest: Before serving, allow the round steak to rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and flavorful steak.
2. Slice Against the Grain: To enhance tenderness, always slice the round steak against the grain. Look for the direction of the muscle fibers and cut perpendicular to them. This helps to break up the fibers and results in a more tender texture.
3. Garnish and Sauce: Consider garnishing your round steak with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness and a pop of color. Additionally, you can serve it with a sauce like mushroom sauce, peppercorn sauce, or chimichurri. These sauces complement the flavors of the steak and add extra richness.
4. Accompaniments: Round steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or a warm garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
5. Enjoy Mindfully: Take the time to savor each bite of your round steak. Notice the tenderness, flavors, and juiciness of the meat. Enjoy the company of those you are dining with and appreciate the effort that went into creating such a delicious dish.

Whether you’re enjoying a special dinner with loved ones or treating yourself to a mouthwatering solo meal, serving and enjoying your round steak is a true delight. The combination of tender meat, flavorful seasonings, and perfectly cooked steak will make every bite a memorable experience.

By following these serving tips and relishing in the enjoyment of your round steak, you’re guaranteed to have a satisfying and delicious meal.

Now that you’ve learned the steps to cook and enjoy round steak in an electric skillet, let’s explore some additional tips and tricks to make your cooking experience even better!

Tips and Tricks for Cooking Round Steak in an Electric Skillet

Cooking round steak in an electric skillet can yield amazing results with a few additional tips and tricks. Here are some suggestions to enhance your cooking experience:

1. Allow the steak to come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures more even cooking and helps to preserve the juiciness of the meat.
2. Make sure your electric skillet is properly preheated. A hot skillet creates a beautiful sear and locks in the juices of the steak.
3. Do not overcrowd the skillet. Cook the steak in batches if needed to avoid steaming the meat.
4. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness. This helps you achieve the perfect level of doneness without overcooking the steak.
5. Consider using a meat tenderizer or marinating the steak to enhance its tenderness. This can help break down the tough fibers and result in a more succulent steak.
6. Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to add variety to your round steak. Try using different herbs, spices, and flavored oils for a unique flavor profile.
7. Let the round steak rest before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
8. When slicing, remember to cut against the grain. This helps break up the muscle fibers and ensures a more tender eating experience.
9. Use high-quality cuts of round steak for best results. Look for steaks with even marbling and thickness.
10. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your side dishes. Round steak pairs well with a variety of accompaniments, such as roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a tangy salad.

By incorporating these tips and tricks into your cooking routine, you can take your round steak in an electric skillet to the next level. Experiment with different methods and flavors to find your favorite way to enjoy this delectable cut of beef.

Remember, practice makes perfect, and with each cooking experience, you will learn and refine your own techniques to create a truly memorable round steak dish.

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of cooking round steak in an electric skillet, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a flavorful culinary journey!

Conclusion

Cooking round steak in an electric skillet is a fantastic way to create tender, juicy, and flavorful steak right in your own kitchen. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can achieve perfectly cooked round steak every time, whether you prefer it medium-rare, medium, or well-done.

From choosing the right cut of round steak to properly preparing, seasoning, and marinating the meat, each step contributes to the overall success of the dish. Preheating the electric skillet and cooking the steak to perfection create a caramelized crust and a moist, tender interior.

Remember to test for doneness using visual inspection, touch, or an instant-read thermometer to ensure that your round steak is cooked to your desired level. Let the steak rest before slicing, and when serving, garnish with fresh herbs and pair it with delicious side dishes for a complete meal.

Throughout the cooking process, don’t forget to have fun and experiment with different flavors and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Cooking is an art, and each round steak you create in your electric skillet is an opportunity to showcase your culinary skills.

With the tips and tricks provided in this article, you are well-equipped to create a memorable dining experience with round steak in an electric skillet. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a tender and delectable round steak that will impress your family and friends.

Now, it’s time to embark on a culinary adventure and savor the rich flavors of perfectly cooked round steak in an electric skillet. Happy cooking!