Are you looking for a lean and versatile cut of beef to cook for your next meal?
Look no further than topside steak!
This cut, taken from the cow’s thigh, is known for its tenderness and can be prepared in a variety of ways.
Whether you prefer a quick stir-fry or a slow-cooked pot roast, topside steak is a great option.
In this article, we’ll explore different methods for cooking topside steak and provide some delicious recipe ideas.
So, let’s get started!
How To Cook Beef Topside Steak?
When it comes to cooking topside steak, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a lean cut of beef with very little marbling. This means that it can dry out quickly if overcooked, resulting in a tough and stringy piece of meat.
To avoid this, it’s best to cook topside steak quickly on high heat. One popular method is to slice the steak thinly and stir-fry it with vegetables and seasonings. Marinating the steak beforehand can also add flavor and help tenderize the meat.
Another option is to barbecue the steak after marinating it for a few hours. This can result in a deliciously charred and flavorful dish.
For those who prefer a slower cooking method, topside steak can also be braised or pot-roasted. These methods involve cooking the meat in liquid for an extended period of time, which helps to break down the tough fibers and create a tender and flavorful dish.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
Choosing And Preparing Your Beef Topside Steak
When choosing your topside steak, look for a cut that is lean and has minimal marbling. This will ensure that the meat is not too fatty and will cook evenly. It’s also important to bring the steak to room temperature before cooking, as this will help it cook more evenly.
To prepare your topside steak, season it with good quality sea salt just before cooking. You can also marinate the steak with your choice of seasonings, dry rubs, or sauces to add flavor and help tenderize the meat.
When cooking topside steak, it’s best to use a quick-cooking method such as stir-frying or barbecuing. If you prefer a slower cooking method, braising or pot-roasting can also be effective.
For stir-frying, slice the steak thinly and cook it on high heat with vegetables and seasonings. For barbecuing, marinate the steak for a few hours before grilling it on high heat.
For braising or pot-roasting, cut the beef into large chunks and cook it in liquid for an extended period of time. This will help break down the tough fibers and create a tender and flavorful dish.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
Pan-Frying Your Beef Topside Steak
Pan-frying your beef topside steak is a quick and easy method that can result in a delicious and flavorful dish. Before cooking, it’s important to let the meat come to room temperature for about half an hour. This helps to ensure that the meat cooks evenly.
To start, heat up a small amount of oil in a frying pan on high heat. The pan should be hot, but not smoking. You can also dry the beef steak with a kitchen paper before placing it in the pan.
Brown the meat for 2-3 minutes on each side until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For well-done topside steak, cook for about 3 minutes per side. For medium, cook for about 2.5 minutes per side. And for medium rare, cook for about 2 minutes per side.
Once cooked, remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5-10 minutes under foil. This allows the juices to settle and prevents them from pouring out while cutting.
Finally, slice the topside steak thinly across the fiber and serve hot. You can also add some salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of the dish. With this simple method, you can enjoy a delicious and tender beef topside steak in no time.
Grilling Your Beef Topside Steak
Grilling topside steak is another great option for cooking this lean cut of beef. To start, make sure to season the steak with salt and pepper before grilling. You can also add other seasonings or a marinade for extra flavor.
Heat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place the topside steak on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 50-57 degrees Celsius for medium-rare.
It’s important to turn the steak over every minute to ensure that each side is cooked evenly and develops a beautiful brown color. Once the steak is cooked, let it rest for about 7 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
Grilled topside steak can be served on its own or paired with a variety of sides such as grilled vegetables, potatoes, or a fresh salad. It’s a delicious and healthy option for any meal, whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests.
Slow-Cooking Your Beef Topside Steak
Slow-cooking your beef topside steak is a great option for those who want a hands-off approach to cooking. The slow cooker does all the work while you can focus on other tasks. However, it’s important to keep in mind that slow-cooking can result in a well-done steak, which may not be ideal for those who prefer a medium or medium-rare steak.
To slow-cook your beef topside steak, start by slicing onions and mushrooms and arranging them on the base of your slow cooker. Heat some oil in a frying pan and sear the meat on all sides until it’s starting to brown. While the meat is browning, dissolve a beef stock cube in 1 cup of boiling water and stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, salt, and pepper.
Place the browned meat on top of the mushrooms and onions in the slow cooker and pour over the stock mixture. If you end up with pieces of horseradish on top of the beef, brush most of it off so that it ends up in the stock at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Cook your beef topside steak on high for 4 to 5 hours, or on medium for 5 to 6 hours, or on low for 6 to 8 hours. Once the beef has cooked, transfer it to a plate and remove the net. Cover loosely with a sheet of tinfoil and let it rest for 20 minutes.
While the meat is resting, turn the slow cooker up to high and make a mixture of cornflour and water. Stir this into the mushrooms and onions in the slow cooker and leave on high, stirring occasionally until the gravy has thickened. Slice the meat to your desired thickness and arrange it on a serving plate. Pour some of the mushroom and onion gravy over the top and serve with fresh vegetables and mashed potatoes. Pour the remaining gravy into a gravy boat and serve on the side.
Slow-cooking your beef topside steak can result in a tender and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner. Just be sure to keep an eye on the cook time to ensure that your steak isn’t overcooked.
Serving Suggestions And Recipe Ideas For Beef Topside Steak
Beef topside steak is a versatile cut of meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions and recipe ideas to try:
1. Stir-fry: Thinly slice the topside steak and stir-fry with your favorite vegetables and seasonings for a quick and easy meal. Serve over rice or noodles.
2. Grilled or barbecued: Marinate the topside steak for a few hours and grill or barbecue to your desired level of doneness. Serve with grilled vegetables or a salad.
3. Beef and broccoli: Slice the topside steak thinly and stir-fry with broccoli, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a classic Chinese dish.
4. Beef stroganoff: Cut the topside steak into thin strips and cook in a creamy sauce with mushrooms and onions. Serve over egg noodles.
5. Slow-cooked beef: Braise or pot-roast the topside steak in a flavorful liquid with vegetables for a tender and delicious meal. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
No matter how you choose to prepare your topside steak, be sure to season it well with salt and pepper before cooking. And don’t forget to let it rest before slicing and serving for the best flavor and texture.