Beef knuckle steak can be an incredibly delicious yet affordable cut of meat if cooked properly. Also known as round steak or top round steak, beef knuckle steak comes from the round primal cut and leg of the cow. This makes it a lean, tougher cut that needs special preparation to make it tender and flavorful.
With the right techniques, seasonings and cooking methods you can turn inexpensive beef knuckle steak into a melt-in-your-mouth meal your family and friends will love. Here is a complete guide on how to buy, prepare, season, and cook beef knuckle steak for perfect results every time.
Buying Beef Knuckle Steak
When purchasing beef knuckle steaks, you want to look for uniform thickness and decent marbling. The steaks should be at least 1-inch thick with some fine streaks of fat running through the meat. Thinner steaks will dry out and overcook too quickly. Well-marbled steaks will have better flavor and tenderness.
Choose steaks that are bright cherry red in color with little to no discoloration Avoid steaks with excessive moisture or dry, dull surfaces which indicate improper storage For maximum freshness and shelf life, use or freeze beef knuckle steaks within 4-5 days of purchasing.
Preparing Beef Knuckle Steak
The first step in cooking great beef knuckle steak is proper preparation
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Use a sharp knife to trim off any excess fat, silverskin, or sinew from the steaks. Leave a thin layer of fat for flavor and moisture.
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Lightly score both sides of the steaks in a diamond pattern. This helps the meat better absorb marinades and seasoning.
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Consider using a meat mallet or tenderizer to gently pound the steaks. This helps break down the tougher muscle fibers. Be careful not to overdo it.
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Allow the steaks to come up in temperature before cooking, about 30 minutes removed from the fridge.
Best Ways to Cook Beef Knuckle Steak
Cooking method is key to making round steaks juicy and tender. Here are some top cooking techniques:
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Pan Sear: Get a heavy skillet very hot. Add a touch of oil then sear the steaks hard on both sides to get a nice crust. Finish cooking in a 350°F oven.
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Grill: Quick grill over high heat for that perfect char while keeping the interior moist. Let steaks rest before slicing.
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Braise: Brown steaks then braise in flavorful liquid like beef broth until fall-apart tender, about 2 hours.
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Marinate: Soak steaks in an acidic marinade several hours or overnight before cooking. This tenderizes meat.
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Slow Cooker: Add steaks and sauce to a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours until super tender. Works great for roasts too.
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Sous Vide: Vacuum seal seasoned steaks and cook 1-2 hours in a precision water bath at 135°F for the most tender, juicy results.
No matter which cooking method you use, always let beef knuckle steaks rest at least 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Resist the urge to cut open the meat right away!
Best Seasonings for Beef Knuckle Steak
Seasoning is vital for boosting the flavor of lean round steak. Use these savory ingredients:
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Salt and Pepper: Generously season both sides of steaks with coarse salt and cracked peppercorns before and after cooking.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic, garlic powder, or garlic salt enhance beefy flavor.
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Onion: Onion powder, dried minced onion, or fresh onion slices.
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Worcestershire Sauce: Brush on steaks as a tasty umami marinade.
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Soy Sauce: A small amount adds a savory punch.
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Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, oregano all pair beautifully with beef.
Don’t be shy with seasonings – beef knuckle steak needs bold flavors. Create a rub, marinade, or sauce to really make the meat shine.
Serving Suggestions for Beef Knuckle Steak
Beyond seasoning, serve beef knuckle steak with complimentary sides and toppings:
- Mashed, baked, or roasted potatoes
- Sauteed mushrooms or onions
- Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts
- Fresh salad or slaw
- Rice, quinoa, or pasta
- Horseradish cream sauce or au jus
- Chimichurri or peppercorn sauce
- Melted cheese like provolone or bleu cheese
Pairing your perfectly cooked beef knuckle steaks with delicious accompaniments makes for a fabulous well-rounded meal. Use your favorite herb butter on top, or slice steaks for sandwiches and top with caramelized onions. The possibilities are endless!
With this complete guide, you are ready to seek out beef knuckle steak and transform it into remarkable dinners. Follow these tips for selecting, preparing, seasoning, and cooking round steak just right. Soon this economical cut will become a new family favorite.
Cutting and Preparing Beef Knuckle
FAQ
Is beef knuckle good for steak?
How to cook knuckle beef steak?
Is knuckle steak tender?
How long do you cook a beef knuckle?
Place the beef knuckle in a roasting pan with onions, carrots, and peppers. Add up to 1 cup of water (or broth) depending on the size of the roast. Cook for about 45 minutes (it will need 30 minutes per pound) at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. No need to cover the roast, as you want the meat to brown and crisp on top.
How do you cook a beef knuckle steak?
Slice beef knuckle into thick steaks, season them to your liking, and sear them in a hot skillet with butter or oil. The result is a delectable beef knuckle steak that’s tender and bursting with flavor. Pair it with classic steakhouse sides for a gourmet experience.
Can Beef knuckle be cooked like steak?
Beef knuckle can be cooked similarly to steak, as it is a versatile cut of meat that can be used in various dishes such as roasts, stews, kebabs, and grilled steaks. Additionally, it can be thinly sliced for use as cold cuts or in Philly cheesesteaks.
What is beef knuckle?
Beef knuckle is a cut of meat that comes from the Round, specifically between the Top Round and Bottom Round. It is a very lean and affordable cut that can be used for various purposes such as roasts, pot roasts, kebabs, stews, and even low-cost steaks. These steaks are typically cut thin and tenderized by cubing them.