Bottom Round Steak
This is a lean, tough cut from the animal's rump. Because it lacks tenderness, it should be marinated, cooked over high heat, and sliced thin.
Other Common Names
- Bottom Round London Broil
- Western Griller
Primal Cut
- Round Primal
Bottom Round Steak Cooking Methods and Tips
Typical Cooking Methods
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Grilling
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Broiling
General Cooking Recommendations
Bottom round steak is one of the toughest steak cuts you'll find in stores. For this reason, you should marinate it before cooking to try to generate additional tenderness and flavor.
Cook the steak over high heat, then slice it very thin. The thinner slices will make the tough meat easier to chew.
Bottom round is a good choice for tacos, stir-fry, or any other preparation that calls for thin slices of beef.
How to Cook Bottom Round Steak on Your Traeger
Preheat your Traeger to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the marinated steak directly on the grill, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees for medium-rare. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice thin and serve.
Bottom Round Steak Internal Temperatures
- For rare, aim for 120-130 °F internally.
- For medium-rare, aim for 130-135 °F internally.
- For medium, aim for 135-145 °F internally.
- For medium-well, aim for 145-155 °F internally.
- For well-done, aim for 155-165 °F internally.
Bottom Round Steak FAQs
Is Bottom Round Steak a Good Cut?
No, it's not a very good cut. The meat is quite lean and tough.
How Much Does Bottom Round Steak Cost?
Expect to pay $5 to $10 per pound for bottom round steak.
How Do You Know When Bottom Round Steak Is Done?
The steak is done when the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare.
What Is a Bottom Round Steak Best For?
This cut is best for use in tacos or stir-fry.
Is Bottom Round Steak Tough?
Yes, this is one of the toughest steaks.
How Does Round Steak and Cube Steak Differ?
Cube steak is sometimes made from round steak. The steak is pounded to make it more tender. Think of round steak as “un-tenderized” cube steak.
Can Bottom Round Steak Be Cooked From Frozen?
Yes, you can cook bottom round steak from frozen, as long as it isn't too thick.
Interesting Facts About Bottom Round Steak
Food scientists who graded the tenderness of various cuts of meat rated bottom round as "tough.”
It is among the toughest cuts that are still sold as steak.
Bottom round steak is essentially slices from a bottom round roast. If you buy a bottom round roast, you can slice it yourself into steaks — but you're probably better off braising the roast.
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association identifies the bottom round steak with UPC number 1466. You may see this number in the UPC code on the beef package label at the supermarket.
Bottom Round Steak Nutritional Facts
According to the USDA, a grilled bottom round steak contains 860 calories, 122.4 grams of protein, and 37.4 grams of fat.