Eye of round steak is a type of beef cut from the rear of the cattle. It is a very lean cut that lacks fat marbling but is low in calories. Due to its leanness, eye of round steak can easily become tough and dry if overcooked.
However, when cooked properly using the right cooking method, eye of round steak can be tender and delicious. Here are two methods for cooking eye of round steak – on the stove and in an Instant Pot with gravy.
1. How to Cook Eye of Round Steak on Stove
Ingredients
- 2 eye of round steaks, about 1 inch thick
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Optional: additional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs
Instructions
Begin by seasoning both sides of the eye of round steak with salt, black pepper, and any additional seasonings of your choice.
Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt, swirling it around to coat the bottom of the pan.
Once the butter is melted and sizzling, carefully place the seasoned eye of round steak into the hot skillet. It should sizzle upon contact. Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving it, allowing a nice sear to develop.
Flip the steak using tongs or a spatula and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the second side. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook to an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
As the steak cooks, tilt the skillet slightly and use a spoon to baste the steak with the melted butter. This helps infuse the meat with additional flavor and keeps it moist.
Once the steak reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute and ensures a tender steak.
After resting, slice the eye of round steak against the grain into thin slices. This step is essential to enhance tenderness.
Serve the pan-seared eye of round steak hot, alongside your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
2. How to Cook Eye of Round Steak in Oven
Ingredients
- 1 eye of round steak, about 1 inch thick
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (for coating)
- Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs (rosemary, thyme), butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it fully preheat.
Prepare the steak
Pat the steak dry with paper towels.
Rub a thin layer of olive oil over both sides of the steak to help with seasoning and ensure even cooking.
Season generously with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs of your choice. You can use garlic powder, onion powder, or dried rosemary and thyme for extra flavor.
Place the steak on a rack
Place the steak on a roasting rack inside a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. This will allow the heat to circulate around the steak, ensuring even cooking. If you don’t have a rack, just place the steak directly on the baking sheet.
Roast in the oven
Roast the steak in the oven for about 15-18 minutes for medium-rare, 18-20 minutes for medium, and 20-22 minutes for medium-well.
You should use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for your preferred level of doneness:
- Medium-rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
- Medium-well: 150°F (66°C)
Rest the steak
Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Slice & serve
Slice the steak against the grain to maximize tenderness and serve with your favorite sides.
3. How To Cook Eye of Round Steak in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 eye of round steaks, about 1 inch thick
- 1 tsp Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (for coating)
- Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs (rosemary, thyme)
Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Prepare the Steaks
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any moisture.
Lightly rub each steak with a thin layer of olive oil to help the seasoning stick and ensure a crispy exterior.
Season both sides of each steak generously with salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
Air Fry the Steaks
Place the two steak into your air fryer basket
Air fry the steaks at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
If you want them more done, cook them for an additional 2-4 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your steak. Use a meat thermometer to check:
- Medium-rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
- Medium-well: 150°F (66°C)
Rest the Steaks
Once the steaks are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 10 minutes.
Slice and Serve
After resting, slice the steaks against the grain to maximize tenderness. Serve with your favorite sides.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked Eye of Round Steaks in the air fryer! It’s a simple and efficient way to enjoy a tasty meal with minimal cleanup.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can create tender and flavorful steak dishes that will leave your taste buds satisfied. For a comforting weeknight meal or easy company special, eye of round steak is a great choice.
Read More: How to Cook Perfect Eye of Round Roast