How to Grill Top Round Steak: A Flavorful Guide for Juicy Perfection
When it comes to grilling beef, top round steak is an underrated hero. It’s lean, affordable, and when prepared right, incredibly flavorful. Learning how to grill top round steak to tender, juicy perfection can elevate your backyard BBQ game without breaking the bank. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a weekend cookout, this guide will help you nail it every time.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
- What top round steak?
- Why it’s great for grilling
- The best marinades
- Grilling tips and techniques
- A step-by-step recipe
- Serving suggestions
- Common mistakes to avoid
What is Top Round Steak?
Top round steak comes from the rear leg of the cow—specifically the round primal cut. It’s a lean cut with minimal marbling, which makes it a healthier option but also one that needs a bit of TLC to avoid toughness.
Because it doesn’t have the same fat content as ribeye or strip steak, grilling it requires proper marinating and cooking methods to retain tenderness and moisture.
Why Grill Top Round Steak?
You might be wondering—why choose top round steak for grilling? Here’s why:
- Affordable: It’s one of the most budget-friendly cuts of beef.
- Lean and Protein-Packed: Ideal for high-protein diets and low-fat meals.
- Great for Marinades: The meat soaks up flavor beautifully.
- Perfect for Grilled Dishes: Think fajitas, steak salads, and sandwiches.
Marinade: The Key to Tender Top Round Steak
Since top round steak is naturally lean, a good marinade is essential. Marinades help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Best Marinade for Top Round Steak (Simple & Flavorful):
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or balsamic)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Optional: 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar for a touch of sweetness
Instructions:
- Whisk all ingredients together.
- Place steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
- Pour marinade over the steak, seal, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
How to Grill Top Round Steak (Step-by-Step Recipe)
Ingredients:
- 1 to 1.5 lb top round steak
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Marinade (from above)
- Olive oil (for grill grates)
Equipment:
- Gas or charcoal grill
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Cutting board and knife
Instructions:
1. Prep the Steak
- Remove steak from the marinade and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Pat it dry with paper towels to promote a good sear.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat the Grill
- Heat your grill to high heat (450°F to 500°F).
- Brush grates with oil to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Steak
- Place steak on the grill over direct heat.
- Grill for about 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temp 130–135°F).
- Use a meat thermometer for precision.
Grill Time Guidelines (Per Side):
| Doneness | Grill Time | Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 2–3 minutes | 120–125°F |
| Medium-rare | 3–4 minutes | 130–135°F |
| Medium | 4–5 minutes | 140–145°F |
🔥 Tip: Don’t press the steak with a spatula—it squeezes out juices.
4. Rest the Meat
- Transfer steak to a plate and tent with foil.
- Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
5. Slice Against the Grain
- Top round is best served thinly sliced against the grain to ensure tenderness.
How to Serve Grilled Top Round Steak
Here are some delicious ideas to serve your grilled top round steak:
🥩 Classic Steak Dinner
Pair with grilled asparagus, mashed potatoes, or roasted sweet potatoes.
🥗 Steak Salad
Thin slices over mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
🌮 Steak Tacos
Use warm corn tortillas, avocado, salsa, and crumbled queso fresco.
🥪 Steak Sandwich
Layer slices on a toasted hoagie roll with horseradish mayo and caramelized onions.
Pro Tips for Grilling Top Round Steak
- Marinate generously: Lean cuts need moisture and flavor.
- Don’t overcook: This cut becomes chewy if cooked past medium.
- Use a thermometer: The most accurate way to avoid under or overcooking.
- Always rest your steak: Skipping this step can lead to dry meat.
- Slice thinly and against the grain: This breaks up muscle fibers for tenderness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Skipping the marinade: Leads to tough, flavorless steak.
- ❌ Grilling straight from the fridge: Causes uneven cooking.
- ❌ Using low heat: Won’t sear the outside properly.
- ❌ Not letting the steak rest: Results in juice loss and dry texture.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Spicy Marinade: Add chili flakes or sriracha.
- Herb Marinade: Add rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
- Citrus Twist: Add lemon or lime juice for tang.
- Asian-Inspired: Swap vinegar for rice vinegar and add ginger and sesame oil.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a flavorful, affordable cut that shines on the grill, top round steak is a great choice. With the right marinade, high-heat grilling, and a few expert tips, you can turn this lean cut into a tender, juicy masterpiece.
Now that you know exactly how to grill top round steak, fire up your grill and impress your family and friends with your new go-to steak recipe. Happy grilling! 🔥🥩
