This recipe is a clever method for transforming inexpensive cuts of beef into tender, flavorful steak. It relies on a marinade made with aromatic herbs, orange rind, garlic, and vegetable oil, which both tenderizes the meat and infuses it with savory, citrus notes. Unlike traditional steak seasoning that relies solely on salt and pepper, this marinade uses warmth from thyme and brightness from citrus to elevate the dish. Perfect for broiling or grilling, it’s designed to coax the best flavor from round steak, ensuring succulence and depth even from tougher cuts. It’s a practical, thrifty, and delicious way to prepare steak for family dinners or outdoor cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs beef round steak (about 1 ½ inches thick)
- 1 bay leaf (crumbled)
- 1 tsp thyme
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 slices orange rind (cut into strips about 2 inches long and ½ inch wide)
- 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
- Trim excess fat from steak. Score deeply in several places with a heavy fork. Place in a shallow dish.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
- In a small heavy saucepan, combine bay leaf, thyme, oil, orange rind, and garlic. Heat until sizzling hot.
Step 3: Marinate the Steak
- Pour marinade over steak.
- Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour, turning occasionally.
- Alternatively, marinate loosely covered in refrigerator overnight.
Step 4: Prepare to Cook
- Remove meat from marinade. If refrigerated, let come to room temperature before cooking.
Step 5: Cook the Steak
- Place steak on a rack in broiler pan or grill about 5 inches from heat.
- Broil for about 4 minutes on each side for "rare" or until desired doneness.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
- Remove steak to carving board. Let stand a few minutes.
- With a sharp knife, cut thin slices diagonally across the grain.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Use sirloin or flank steak for more tenderness if preferred over round steak
- Add soy sauce or Worcestershire to increase savory depth
- Substitute olive oil for vegetable oil for richer flavor
- Add fresh herbs such as rosemary or parsley after cooking
- For extra tenderness, marinate overnight as the card suggests
- Excellent for charcoal grilling as handwritten note mentions
- Slice thinly across the grain as directed for tenderness
- Add a touch of honey or brown sugar for caramelization when grilling
- Turn halfway through broiling as instructed to cook evenly
- Serve with baked potatoes or grilled vegetables
Nutrition
Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 36gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 7.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1.2gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 70mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 80IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 3.5mg
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