Stir fry is a quick easy and healthy way to put a flavorful dinner on the table fast. And using thinly sliced beef bottom round steak takes this classic dish to the next level. While bottom round is an affordable, lean cut, it can be tricky to cook. With the right techniques, you can transform it into tender, juicy steak perfect for stir frying.
Follow this simple guide to learn how to prepare beef bottom round steak and make a sensational steak stir fry any night of the week, We’ll cover everything from choosing the right cut of meat to slicing and marinating to getting the perfect sear in the wok or skillet, Let’s get cooking!
Why Use Bottom Round for Stir Fry?
Bottom round comes from the rear leg of the cow. It’s a very lean, inexpensive cut that’s readily available at most grocery stores. Here’s why it works so well for stir frying:
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Budget-friendly – Less expensive than other steak cuts like sirloin or flank.
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Versatile – Slices thinly and cooks quickly, ideal for stir fries.
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Lean – Little marbling means you can load up on veggies for a healthier meal.
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Flavorful – Sturdy texture takes well to quick, high-heat cooking.
While more tender cuts like filet can be easier to chew, bottom round holds up nicely in a stir fry when sliced properly and cooked to just the right doneness.
Tips for Prepping Bottom Round for Stir Fry
Proper prep is key to end up with tender, juicy steak pieces in your finished stir fry. Here are some tips:
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Pick the right size steak – Aim for a 1-1.5 lb steak; larger cuts won’t slice as evenly.
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Slice against the grain – This breaks up tough muscle fibers for tenderness.
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Cut into thin, uniform strips – 1⁄4 inch thick x 2 inches long works perfectly.
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Use a sharp knife – A dull blade will mash, not slice cleanly.
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Let steak sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing for more even cooking later.
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Trim any excess fat or sinew – It won’t render well in the quick cooking time.
Easy Marinade for Extra Flavor
A fast marinade adds a flavor boost to bottom round and helps keep it moist while stir frying.
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Soy sauce – For salty, umami richness.
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Rice vinegar – Mellow acidity brightens flavor.
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Toasted sesame oil – Nutty depth pairs well with beef.
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Garlic and ginger – Classic stir fry aromatics.
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Cornstarch – Light coating helps browning during stir frying.
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30 minutes – Quick marinade time is sufficient.
How to Cook Bottom Round Steak for Stir Fry
With your steak prepped and marinated, it’s time for the fun part – cooking! Follow these tips for perfect results:
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Use a wok or large nonstick skillet – Allows tossing and constant motion.
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Get pan very hot before adding oil – Allows for quick, sear-like results.
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Add oil then steak – Coats meat so it browns instead of steaming.
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Cook in batches – Avoid crowding so strips brown properly.
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Stir fry just 1-2 minutes per batch – Cooks fast so don’t overdo it.
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Let steak rest briefly – Allows juices to redistribute after cooking.
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Add veggies toward end – Quick cooking keeps them crisp-tender.
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Toss everything with sauce – evenly coats for great flavor.
Full Beef & Veggie Stir Fry Recipe
This easy skillet stir fry recipe puts all the techniques together for an amazing weeknight meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb bottom round steak
- 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
- 1⁄4 cup plum sauce
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp minced ginger
- 1 1⁄2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp canola oil
- Assorted vegetables (carrots, bell pepper, snap peas, etc)
- Prepared rice or chow mein noodles
Instructions:
- Slice steak thinly across the grain into 1⁄4 inch x 2 inch strips.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, plum sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Reserve 1⁄4 cup.
- Marinate steak strips for 30 minutes. Drain, reserving marinade. Pat steak dry.
- Mix cornstarch into reserved 1⁄4 cup sauce.
- Heat wok or skillet over high heat. Add canola oil and stir fry marinated steak in batches 1-2 minutes each. Set aside.
- Stir fry vegetables until crisp-tender, 3-4 minutes.
- Return steak to pan. Add cornstarch sauce mixture and toss 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles. Enjoy!
With a flavorful marinade, quick cooking, and fresh vegetables, this easy beef stir fry is a new family favorite. The bottom round steak comes out perfectly tender and full of flavor. Give this simple skillet recipe a try tonight!
Thin Sliced Beef Round Steak with Creamy Sauce
How do you cook thin sliced beef in a stir fry?
The best vegetables for stir fry cook fast when thinly sliced. You can substitute with any of these: 1. Stir together 3 Tbsp BBQ sauce, 3 Tbsp real maple syrup and 2 Tbsp soy sauce. Set aside. 1. Heat a large heavy pan or wok over high heat with 1 Tbsp oil. Add thinly sliced beef to the hot pan in a single layer and sauté undisturbed 2-3 mins.
How do you cook steak in a wok?
Slice the onion into half rings and chop the green onion Slicing against the grain, cut the Steak into thin strips. Preheat a wok or deep-frying pan with oil. Add veggies (except green onion) and cook on medium-high until golden brown. Remove and set aside. In the same wok or pan, add Beef strips over high-heat until the Beef turns golden brown.
How do you cook a bottom round steak?
Start by seasoning your bottom round steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. These spices will add depth to the dish while complementing the natural flavors of the meat. Next, heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the seasoned steak on both sides until browned.
How do you cook beef in a wok?
Preheat a wok or deep-frying pan with oil. Add veggies (except green onion) and cook on medium-high until golden brown. Remove and set aside. In the same wok or pan, add Beef strips over high-heat until the Beef turns golden brown. Add cooked veggies and green onions back into the wok with Beef.