Transform your dinner routine with this mouthwatering Garlic Butter Round Steak recipe that proves affordable cuts can taste like luxury. This foolproof method turns a simple round steak into a restaurant-worthy meal that your family will request again and again.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Round Steak
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and rich flavor. Our technique ensures your round steak comes out perfectly tender every time, while the garlic butter adds a luxurious finish that elevates this affordable cut to steakhouse status.
Preparation Time of Round Steak
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Round Steak Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 2 pounds round steak, 1-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Round Steak Instructions
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper
- Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated
- Place mixture on plastic wrap, roll into a log shape
- Refrigerate until firm (at least 30 minutes)
Cook the Steak:
- Remove steak from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels
- Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides
Cooking Method:
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until smoking
- Add the steak to the hot pan
- For medium-rare, cook for:
- 6-7 minutes on the first side
- 5-6 minutes on the second side
- Adjust time based on thickness and desired doneness
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5-10 minutes
- Top with slices of the prepared garlic butter while the steak rests
Pro Tips for Success
- Always bring your steak to room temperature before cooking
- Pat the meat dry to ensure proper searing
- Don’t move the steak while it’s cooking
- Use a meat thermometer to achieve perfect doneness:
- Rare: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C)
- Medium: 145°F (63°C)
- Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness
Storage Tips
- Store leftover steak in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Garlic butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- Freeze extra garlic butter for up to 6 months
Perfect Pairings
Serve your Garlic Butter Round Steak with:
- Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Fresh garden salad
- A bold red wine
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is my round steak tough and how can I prevent it?
Round steak can become tough if overcooked or not prepared properly. To ensure tenderness:
- Always slice against the grain
- Don’t cook beyond medium doneness
- Let the meat come to room temperature before cooking
- Use the resting period to allow juices to redistribute
Can I cook round steak in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can cook round steak in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container and reheat gently to prevent overcooking. For best results, slice only what you plan to eat immediately.
Can I freeze the garlic butter?
Yes! The garlic compound butter freezes beautifully for up to 6 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Slice while frozen or thaw in the refrigerator before using.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover steak?
To reheat without overcooking:
- Let steak come to room temperature
- Heat in a 250°F oven until internal temperature reaches 110°F (about 15-20 minutes)
- Sear quickly in a hot pan to crisp the exterior
- Top with fresh garlic butter
Can I use this recipe with other cuts of beef?
While this recipe is optimized for round steak, the garlic butter and cooking method work well with other cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak. Adjust cooking times based on the cut and thickness.
What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?
Any heavy-bottomed pan will work, though cast-iron provides the best sear. You can also use:
- Stainless steel pan
- Heavy-duty non-stick skillet
- Grill pan
How do I know when my steak is done?
The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer:
- Rare: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C)
- Medium: 145°F (63°C)
- Medium-well: 150°F (66°C) Remember that temperature will rise 5-10 degrees during resting.
Can I make this recipe without dairy?
Yes! Replace the butter with:
- Olive oil-based compound
- Dairy-free butter substitute
- Herb-infused olive oil Note that the texture and richness will be slightly different.
How long should I let the steak rest?
For optimal juiciness, rest your steak for:
- 5-7 minutes for a 1-inch thick steak
- 10 minutes for thicker cuts This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Can I marinade the round steak?
Yes! While our recipe doesn’t require marinating, you can tenderize the meat further by marinating for 4-8 hours in:
- Acidic marinades (wine, vinegar, citrus)
- Enzyme-based marinades (pineapple, papaya)
- Oil-based herb marinades
If you like this recipe, you’ll enjoy similar dishes on this page: Classic Round Steak and Gravy.
