Perfect Eye of Round Steak Recipe: A Guide to Transforming an Economical Cut into a Steakhouse Delight

Posted by Recipecs on August 21st, 2024

If you’re in search of a steakhouse-quality meal without the hefty price tag, you’re in for a treat. Welcome to Recipecs, where we’re all about helping you create delicious, restaurant-worthy dishes at home. Today, we’re diving into the world of the eye of round steak – an often-overlooked cut of beef that, with the right techniques, can become the star of your dinner plate.

The eye of round steak, while economical, can be a bit intimidating due to its lean nature. However, with our Perfect Eye of Round Steak Recipe, you’ll learn how to transform this cut into a tender, flavourful dish that rivals those served in high-end steakhouses. This recipe involves pan-searing the steak to perfection and pairing it with a luscious garlic, butter, and herb sauce. Serve it alongside Mediterranean roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal. Let’s get started!

Understanding the Eye of Round Steak

Before we delve into the recipe, it’s important to understand the eye of round steak. This cut comes from the round primal of the cow, specifically the eye of round muscle, which is located in the hind leg. This muscle is used for walking, meaning it’s lean and contains less marbling compared to more premium cuts like rib-eye or sirloin. While this means it can be less tender, it also makes it a budget-friendly option.

The key to making the eye of round steak a standout meal lies in the cooking method and seasoning. This cut benefits from methods that enhance its flavour and tenderness, which is exactly what we’ll be achieving with our recipe.

Ingredients

For the Perfect Eye of Round Steak Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 eye of round steaks (approximately 200g each)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 50g unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Preparation

1. Season the Steaks: Start by seasoning your eye of round steaks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the steaks to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking and helps the steak develop a nice sear.

2. Prepare the Pan: Heat a heavy-based frying pan or skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat until shimmering. The high heat will help in developing a beautiful crust on the steak, which is essential for enhancing flavour.

3. Sear the Steaks: Once the pan is hot, place the steaks in the pan. Sear them without moving them around for about 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of around 57°C (135°F). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature to ensure perfect doneness.

4. Add Flavour: Just before the steaks are finished cooking, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the pan and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but not burnt. Add the butter, rosemary, and thyme, and let the butter melt and become foamy. Spoon the melted butter and herbs over the steaks as they finish cooking to infuse them with rich flavours.

5. Rest the Steaks: Once cooked to your liking, remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest on a plate, covered loosely with foil, for about 5 minutes. Resting is vital as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

6. Make the Sauce: While the steaks are resting, use the same pan to make a quick sauce. Add the Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar to the pan, stirring to combine with the leftover garlic and herb butter. Let it simmer for a minute to thicken slightly.

7. Serve: Slice the steaks against the grain and serve with the sauce drizzled over the top. For a complete meal, pair the steaks with Mediterranean roasted vegetables.

Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables

To complement your eye of round steak, Mediterranean roasted vegetables make a fantastic side dish. Here’s a simple recipe to round out your meal:

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

• 1 red onion, chopped

• 1 courgette, sliced

• 200g cherry tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.

2. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the chopped peppers, red onion, courgette, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast: Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly charred.

4. Serve: Serve the roasted vegetables alongside your perfectly cooked eye of round steak for a well-rounded and satisfying dinner.

Conclusion

With our Perfect Eye of Round Steak Recipe, you can turn an economical cut of beef into a succulent, steakhouse-worthy meal right in your own kitchen. By mastering the art of pan-searing and adding a garlic, butter, and herb sauce, you’ll elevate the eye of round steak from an ordinary cut to a delightful dining experience. Don’t forget to pair it with Mediterranean roasted vegetables for a complete, flavour-packed dinner.

At Recipecs, we believe that delicious meals don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With a little knowledge and the right techniques, you can enjoy high-quality dishes without breaking the bank. Give this recipe a try, and let us know how your perfect eye of round steak turns out!