Summer is here, which means it’s time to fire up the grill! If you’re looking for a lean, flavorful cut of meat to BBQ, then you should consider topside beef. This nutritious cut can be a bit tricky to grill properly, but have no fear – I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know to make mouthwatering grilled topside beef.
What Exactly is Topside Beef?
First things first – what is topside beef? It comes from the round primal cut near the hindquarters of the cow. More specifically it is the inner thigh muscle. Topside is a lean cut with little marbling that is ideal for oven roasting. However with the right techniques, you can also achieve delicious grilled topside beef.
Benefits of Choosing Topside Beef for BBQ
Compared to fattier cuts like ribs or brisket topside offers a few advantages
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It’s very lean and low in fat. A 3 oz serving contains only 2 g of fat and 120 calories.
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High in protein – the same serving size provides over 20 g of protein.
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Versatile – it can be grilled, roasted, or sliced for sandwiches.
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Budget-friendly – costs less per pound than pricier cuts like tenderloin.
So if you’re looking for a healthy, protein-packed meat for the grill that won’t break the bank, topside beef ticks all the boxes.
Choosing the Right Cut
When selecting your topside beef for grilling, you have a couple of options:
Topside Roast – This is the most common cut for roasting. Get a 2-3 lb roast and slice into 1-inch steaks.
Topside Steaks – You can also purchase pre-cut topside steaks. Look for 1-1.5 inch thick steaks.
Topside Kebabs – Cut topside into 1-2 inch cubes for flavorful kebabs.
No matter which option you choose, look for beef that is bright red and well-marbled for the best results. Well-marbled topside will remain juicier when grilled.
Best Ways to Prepare Topside for the Grill
Prepping your topside beef properly before it hits the grill is crucial for optimum flavor and texture. Here are 3 great ways to prepare it:
1. Marinate – Soaking the meat in a marinade for 2-4 hours adds a ton of flavor. Try marinades with balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices.
2. Season – Before grilling, coat both sides with olive oil and generously season with salt, pepper, herbs like rosemary or thyme, and spices like paprika or cumin.
3. Use a Meat Tenderizer – Topside can sometimes be a little tough. Break down those tough muscle fibers by pounding the steaks with a meat mallet or tenderizer.
How to Grill Topside Beef Perfectly
Grilling topside beef properly requires a bit of technique. Follow these pro tips:
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Use indirect heat – Cooking over direct heat will cause topside to seize up and dry out. Grill over indirect heat at a lower temp (around 350°F).
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Don’t pierce the meat – Resist poking or prodding the beef as it cooks. This causes the juices to escape.
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Close the lid – Cooking with the lid closed traps heat and moisture. Only flip once halfway through cooking.
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Let it rest – Once cooked, allow the beef to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute.
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Watch the temp – Use a meat thermometer to test doneness. Medium rare topside should reach 130-135°F internally.
Estimated Grill Times
To ensure perfect doneness, here are some estimated grill times for various cuts and thicknesses of topside beef:
- 1-inch steaks – 6 to 8 minutes per side
- 1.5-inch steaks – 10 to 14 minutes per side
- Kabobs – 8 to 12 minutes total
- 2-3 lb roast – 60 to 75 minutes total
Always use a thermometer for best results. Grill times will also vary based on your grill temperature.
Serving Suggestions
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving your grilled topside beef masterpiece. Here are some mouthwatering ideas:
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Slice thinly and serve on rolls for hearty steak sandwiches. Add cheese, sautéed peppers and onions for a Philly twist!
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Slice into lean strips and toss with a garden salad or serve over fresh greens.
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Pair with grilled seasonal veggies like zucchini, eggplant, corn on the cob, etc.
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Serve kabobs over rice pilaf or a bed of sautéed peppers and onions.
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Can’t beat a classic steak dinner with roasted potatoes or chips and your favorite sauces on the side.
Grilled topside beef is incredibly versatile. Get creative with your servings!
Topside Beef BBQ Recipes to Try
If you need a bit of inspiration for your next topside BBQ session, here are 3 delicious recipe ideas to try:
1. Chipotle Topside Beef Kabobs
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Marinate cubed topside in a chipotle chili sauce mixture.
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Thread onto skewers with peppers and onions.
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Grill 8-10 minutes until done.
2. Mediterranean Grilled Topside Steak
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Season topside steaks with lemon, garlic, oregano, olive oil, S&P.
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Grill to desired doneness.
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Serve topped with grilled tomatoes and feta cheese.
3. Coffee-Crusted Topside Roast
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Coat roast with a rub of coffee grounds, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder.
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Grill indirect 60-70 minutes until done.
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Slice thinly and serve drizzled with balsamic glaze.
FAQs about Grilling Topside Beef
If you’re new to cooking topside on the BBQ, chances are you still have some questions. Here I’ll address some of the most common grilling FAQs:
What is the best way to check for doneness?
Use an instant-read digital meat thermometer. This prevents overcooking. Medium-rare topside should reach 130-135°F.
Can I grill a large 3+ lb topside roast?
Yes! Cook over indirect heat for 75-90 minutes. Monitor the temp and allow to rest before carving.
Should I marinate tougher cuts like round steak?
Definitely! Marinating for several hours helps tenderize and infuse flavor.
What if my topside beef comes out dry?
Try slicing it thinly across the grain. You can also drizzle with a sauce like chimichurri or baste it while cooking to keep it moist.
Can I grill topside that’s still partially frozen?
No, always completely thaw beef in the fridge before grilling. Partially frozen beef will cook unevenly.
What flavor wood chips work best?
Hickory and mesquite wood chips go nicely with beef. Soak chips for 30 minutes before grilling.
Time to Fire up the Grill!
Now you have all the know-how you need for grilling juicy, flavorful topside beef that’s sure to impress your family or guests. Being a lean cut, topside requires a bit more TLC than fattier meats. With the proper preparation, seasoning, and cooking technique, you can enjoy a nutritious grilled meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
So what are you waiting for? The