Eye of round steak is easy to find at most grocery stores and butcher shops, but many people avoid it because it’s very tough. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about the eye of round steak- where it comes from on the cow, why it’s considered one of the worst cuts, and the best ways to cook it.
What is Eye of Round Steak?
Eye of round steak is a cut of beef from the round primal. It looks like filet mignon, but don’t let that fool you – they’re different cuts of meat. The eye of round steak is very lean and tough, but it has a decent, beefy flavor and is inexpensive. That’s why a lot of people like to experiment with different ways to cook it. It won’t turn out great if you throw it on the grill or into a hot pan like a regular steak, but with the right cooking method, you can turn it into something tender and flavorful. It takes a little effort, but it’s worth it.
What Are the Other Names for Eye of Round Steak?
Here are some of the most popular other names for eye of round steak in the United States:
- Breakfast Steak,
- Sandwich Steak,
- Wafer Steak,
- Round Steak,
- Beef Round Steak Boneless,
- Beef Round Eye Steak.
Where Does Eye of Round Steak Come From on a Cow?
The eye of round steak comes from the cow’s round primal section, specifically from the eye of round roast. Because this part of the cow gets plenty of use, the meat is lean and tough.
Eye of Round Steak Nutrition Facts
Eye of Round Steak Nutrition facts per 100g (About 3,5 oz)
| Nutrition facts | Portion size: 3.5 oz = 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 127 |
| Total Fat | 3.83 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.34 g |
| Cholesterol | 58 mg |
| Protein | 23.2 g |
What Does Eye of Round Steak Taste Like?
When cooked properly, the eye of round steak has a decent, beefy flavor but lacks richness because it’s a very lean cut of beef. It’s also a little dry, so you must be careful not to overcook it.
Is Eye of Round Steak Tender?
No, eye of round steak isn’t tender. It’s one of the toughest cuts of beef because it comes from the rear part of the cow, where muscles get a lot of use. Because these muscles work so hard, the meat is leaner and tougher than other cuts. It’s so tough that you must tenderize it properly to make an enjoyable meal.
Is Eye of Round Steak Expensive?
No, eye of round steak is one of the cheaper cuts of steak you can buy. That’s good news if you enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and don’t mind spending a little extra time preparing your meal beyond just seasoning it and quickly searing it. It’s cheaper because it’s leaner and tougher, but if you use the right cooking methods and tenderize it properly, you can still end up with a relatively tender, delicious steak.
What Are the Best Methods for Cooking Eye of Round Steak?
You can’t cook an eye of round steak the same way you’d cook a regular steak. This cut is lean and tough, with almost no marbling. Unlike more tender steaks, such as ribeye or strip steak, you can’t just throw it on the grill or pan and expect it to turn out tender. Without tenderizing, eye of round steak works best in slow-cooked meals or braised dishes like stews, where it turns tender and flavorful. If you’d rather grill or pan-sear it, you’ll need to tenderize the steak beforehand; otherwise, it will come out tough and chewy. With the right preparation, though, eye of round steak can still be a tasty option for your meal.
