Cooking a bottom round steak in the oven can result in a tender and flavorful dish if done correctly. Since bottom round steak comes from a tougher cut of meat, it benefits from low and slow cooking to achieve tenderness. Here's a simple recipe to cook bottom round steak in the oven:
Oven-Baked Bottom Round Steak:
Ingredients:
- Bottom round steak
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite steak seasoning
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
Prepare the steak: Take the bottom round steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the meat to cook more evenly. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Season the steak: Rub the bottom round steak with olive oil to help the seasoning stick. Season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings, such as garlic powder or onion powder. You can use your favorite steak seasoning blend for added flavor.
Sear the steak (optional): While not necessary, searing the steak in a hot skillet before baking can add extra flavor. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a bit of oil, and sear the steak for about 1-2 minutes per side until it develops a nice crust. This step is optional, so you can skip it if you prefer.
Bake the steak: Place the seasoned bottom round steak on a roasting pan or a baking dish. If you seared the steak, use the same skillet to deglaze with a little broth, wine, or water, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Pour the deglazing liquid over the steak to add moisture and flavor.
Cover and cook: Cover the roasting pan or baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the moisture. Bake the bottom round steak in the preheated oven for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak, so use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium-rare or 145-150°F (63-66°C) for medium.
Rest and serve: Once the steak reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
Slice and enjoy: After resting, slice the bottom round steak against the grain to ensure tenderness. Serve it with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
This slow-cooking method helps break down the tough fibers in the bottom round steak, resulting in a delicious and tender dish.