[Full Guide] How Long To Cook Round Steak In Instant Pot?

Round steak is a versatile and economical cut of beef that can be transformed into a delicious and tender dish when cooked in an Instant Pot. This article guides you through the selection, preparation, cooking times, and troubleshooting of cooking round steak in an Instant Pot, ensuring a successful and flavorful result.

Quick Answer: How Long To Cook Round Steak In Instant Pot

Cooking round steak in an Instant Pot typically takes about 20-25 minutes under high pressure. However, the exact cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the steak and desired level of doneness.

Selection

When it comes to selecting round steak for cooking in an Instant Pot, it’s important to choose a well-marbled and relatively thin cut. Look for round steak that is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, as thinner cuts are ideal for pressure cooking and will yield a tender result.

Preparation

Before cooking round steak in an Instant Pot, it’s essential to properly prepare the meat to enhance its flavor and tenderness. Begin by seasoning the steak with your desired herbs, spices, and marinades, giving it enough time to absorb the flavors. Additionally, you can tenderize the round steak by using a meat mallet to break down its muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender texture.

Instant Pot Cooking Times For Round Steak

The cooking time for round steak in an Instant Pot can vary depending on its thickness and the desired level of doneness. As a general guide, follow these cooking times:

• 1/2 inch thickness: 10-15 minutes
• 3/4 inch thickness: 15-20 minutes

Keep in mind that these times are for cooking under high pressure. Additionally, if you prefer the round steak to be more tender, you can increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes.

How To Cook Round Steak In Instant Pot

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of cooking round steak in an Instant Pot to ensure a delicious and tender result.

Ingredients

• 1-2 pounds of round steak, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick
• Seasonings and marinades of your choice
• 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
• 1 cup of beef broth or stock
• Optional: onions, garlic, and other vegetables for added flavor

Instructions

1. Season the Steak: Generously season the round steak with your desired herbs, spices, and marinades.

2. Preheat the Instant Pot: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Saute" function. Once the pot is hot, add the cooking oil and allow it to heat up.

3. Sear the Steak: Place the seasoned round steak in the Instant Pot and sear it for 2-3 minutes on each side until it develops a golden-brown crust. This step helps to lock in the steak’s juices and flavor.

4. Add Liquid and Flavorings: If desired, add onions, garlic, or any other vegetables to the Instant Pot for added flavor. Then, pour in the beef broth or stock to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

5. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" function and set the cooking time based on the thickness of the round steak.

6. Natural Release or Quick Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for a few minutes. If needed, perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.

7. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the round steak reaches the desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare result, aim for 130°F to 135°F, while medium doneness ranges from 140°F to 145°F.

8. Rest and Serve: After cooking, let the round steak rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice the steak against the grain to maximize tenderness and serve with your favorite side dishes.

By following these steps, you can achieve a perfectly cooked and flavorful round steak using an Instant Pot.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While cooking round steak in an Instant Pot is relatively straightforward, some common issues may arise. Here are some troubleshooting tips to address these concerns:

Tough Texture

If the round steak turns out tough, it may have been undercooked. In this case, return the steak to the Instant Pot, add a bit more liquid, and pressure cook it for an additional 5-10 minutes to tenderize it further.

Overcooked Or Dry Steak

If the round steak ends up overcooked or dry, consider reducing the cooking time by a few minutes in future attempts. Additionally, using a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature can prevent overcooking.

Lack Of Flavor

To enhance the flavor of the round steak, consider marinating the meat for a longer period before cooking. You can also experiment with different seasonings, herbs, and spices to suit your taste preferences.

By addressing these common issues, you can refine your Instant Pot round steak cooking technique and achieve a more consistent and flavorful outcome.

Cooking round steak in an Instant Pot offers a convenient and efficient way to create tender and flavorful beef dishes. By selecting the right cut, properly preparing the meat, following appropriate cooking times, and troubleshooting common issues, you can master the art of cooking round steak in an Instant Pot to achieve delicious and satisfying results. Whether you prefer your round steak rare, medium-rare, or well-done, the Instant Pot provides a versatile and foolproof method to cook this budget-friendly cut of beef to perfection.

Instant Pot Cook Times For Frozen Round Steak

Cooking round steak in an Instant Pot is a convenient and efficient way to prepare this flavorful and versatile cut of beef. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function helps to tenderize the round steak and infuse it with delicious flavors. Whether you are cooking the steak from frozen or want to achieve the perfect texture, the Instant Pot can be your go-to kitchen appliance for a delectable round steak meal.

One of the great advantages of the Instant Pot is its ability to cook meat from frozen. This is especially useful when you have forgotten to thaw the round steak in advance or if you’re short on time. The Instant Pot efficiently thaws and cooks frozen round steak, providing a quick and easy solution for dinner.

To cook frozen round steak in the Instant Pot, you will need to adjust the cook time to account for the frozen state of the meat. As a general guideline, for a one-inch-thick frozen round steak, you can cook it on high pressure for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the steak.

It is important to note that the cook time mentioned here is for medium-rare to medium doneness. If you prefer your round steak cooked to a different level of doneness, you can adjust the cook time accordingly. To ensure that the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, you can use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Achieving Perfect Texture

When it comes to round steak, achieving the perfect texture is essential for a mouthwatering meal. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function helps to break down the tough fibers in the round steak, resulting in a tender and juicy piece of meat.

To ensure that your round steak is cooked to perfection, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Sear the steak: Before cooking the round steak in the Instant Pot, consider searing it first. Searing helps to develop a flavorful crust on the steak and adds depth to the overall taste. Heat some oil or butter in the Instant Pot on the sauté function and sear the round steak on all sides for a couple of minutes before proceeding with the pressure cooking.

2. Use the correct liquid: Adding liquid to the Instant Pot is crucial for the cooking process. The liquid helps to build pressure and create steam, which cooks the round steak. For optimal results, use a flavorful liquid such as beef broth, red wine, or a combination of both. The liquid will not only enhance the taste of the steak but will also aid in tenderizing the meat.

3. Natural release vs. quick release: After the round steak has finished cooking in the Instant Pot, you have two options for releasing the pressure. Natural release involves letting the pressure release on its own, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. This method allows the juices to be reabsorbed by the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and moist end product. Quick release, on the other hand, involves manually releasing the pressure by turning the release valve. This method is faster but may result in slightly drier meat.

4. Rest the steak: Once the round steak is cooked, it is essential to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Allowing the steak to rest helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and moist final product.

By following these tips, you can achieve a perfectly cooked round steak with a tender and juicy texture that will impress your dinner guests.

Flavor Infusion

The Instant Pot not only cooks round steak to perfection, but it also helps to infuse it with delicious flavors. By using various ingredients and seasonings, you can elevate the taste of the round steak and create a memorable dining experience.

Here are some flavorful ingredients and seasonings that go well with round steak in the Instant Pot:

1. Garlic: Adding fresh or minced garlic to the Instant Pot enhances the taste of the round steak. The garlic infuses into the meat during the cooking process, resulting in a rich and aromatic flavor.

2. Onions: Sautéed onions can add depth and sweetness to the round steak. Consider adding sliced or diced onions to the Instant Pot before cooking the steak. They will soften and caramelize during the cooking process, adding a savory element to the dish.

3. Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano can be added to the Instant Pot to enhance the flavor profile of the round steak. These herbs provide a fragrant and earthy taste that complements the beef.

4. Worcestershire sauce: Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the Instant Pot can contribute to the umami flavor of the round steak. The sauce adds a rich and tangy taste that pairs well with beef.

5. Soy sauce: For a more savory and slightly salty flavor, consider adding soy sauce to the Instant Pot. Soy sauce adds depth to the taste of the round steak and can create a delicious umami-infused dish.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations and quantities of these flavor-enhancing ingredients to discover your favorite way to season round steak in the Instant Pot.

Other Instant Pot Cooking Methods For Round Steak

In addition to pressure cooking, the Instant Pot offers several other cooking methods that can be used to prepare round steak. These methods provide versatility and allow you to explore different culinary techniques to create unique and delicious dishes.

1. Sauté: The sauté function on the Instant Pot can be used to sear the round steak before pressure cooking. This helps to develop a flavorful crust and adds complexity to the taste. Simply heat some oil or butter in the Instant Pot, add the round steak, and sear it on all sides for a couple of minutes before switching to the pressure cooking function.

2. Slow cook: If you prefer a slow-cooked round steak, the Instant Pot’s slow cook function can be utilized. This method allows the round steak to simmer in its juices for an extended period, resulting in a tender and flavorful end product. Simply season the round steak, add any desired ingredients or liquids, and set the Instant Pot to the slow cook function for the desired cooking time.

3. Broil or grill: Once the round steak is cooked in the Instant Pot, you can finish it off by broiling or grilling it for a few minutes to give it a charred and smoky flavor. This method adds an extra layer of depth to the taste of the round steak and provides a pleasant contrast to the tender meat.

By utilizing these different cooking methods in the Instant Pot, you can experiment with various techniques and create a diverse range of round steak dishes that will satisfy your taste buds.

Instant Pot Tips For Round Steak

To ensure successful cooking results and a delightful dining experience, here are some helpful tips for cooking round steak in the Instant Pot:

1. Choose the right cut: When selecting the round steak for your Instant Pot recipe, consider using top round or bottom round. These cuts are relatively lean and work well in the pressure cooking process. They also offer excellent flavor when properly cooked.

2. Trim excess fat: Before cooking the round steak, it is advisable to trim any excess fat. This helps to prevent greasiness and allows the flavors to shine through. Simply use a sharp knife to remove any visible fat from the steak.

3. Season liberally: Don’t be afraid to season the round steak generously before cooking. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function can sometimes dilute flavors, so it’s important to use enough seasoning to ensure a delicious end product.

4. Allow for natural pressure release for more tender results: If you have the time, opt for a natural pressure release instead of a quick release. This allows the round steak to absorb the released juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful end result.

5. Slice against the grain: When it comes to serving the round steak, it is important to slice it against the grain. This helps to break down the meat’s fibers and makes it more tender to chew.

By following these tips, you can maximize the flavor and tenderness of the round steak when cooking it in the Instant Pot.

Creative Instant Pot Round Steak Recipes And Variations

There are countless creative recipes and variations that you can try with round steak in the Instant Pot. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic steak and potatoes dish or want to explore international flavors, the Instant Pot offers endless possibilities.

Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary experiments:

1. Classic Pot Roast: Instead of using a traditional roast, substitute round steak in a classic pot roast recipe. Add carrots, potatoes, onions, and other vegetables along with beef broth and seasonings to the Instant Pot, and pressure cook until the round steak is tender and the vegetables are cooked to your liking.

2. Beef Stroganoff: Transform round steak into a comforting and rich Beef Stroganoff. Sauté onions and garlic in the Instant Pot, followed by adding round steak, mushrooms, beef broth, and sour cream. Pressure cook until the meat is tender, then serve over egg noodles or rice.

3. Korean Bulgogi: Experience the flavors of Korean cuisine by making Bulgogi with round steak. Marinate the round steak in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sugar. Pressure cook the marinated steak, then thinly slice and serve it with rice, lettuce wraps, and kimchi.

4. Mexican Shredded Beef Tacos: Create flavorful shredded beef tacos using round steak. Season the steak with cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion powder, then pressure cook with beef broth and diced tomatoes. Shred the cooked steak and serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.

Feel free to get creative and adapt these recipes to your tastes by adding or substituting ingredients. The versatility of the Instant Pot allows you to experiment with flavors and create unique round steak dishes that will satisfy your culinary cravings.

Conclusion

Cooking round steak in the Instant Pot is a convenient and efficient way to prepare a tender and flavorful meal. With the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function, you can achieve the perfect texture for round steak while infusing it with mouthwatering flavors. Whether you’re cooking from frozen or want to explore different cooking methods, the Instant Pot offers versatility and convenience. By following the tips and experimenting with creative recipes, you can transform round steak into a delightful culinary experience that will impress your family and friends.

FAQS

Can I Cook Round Steak In An Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook round steak in an instant pot. In fact, the instant pot is a great tool for cooking round steak as it can help to tenderize the tough meat quickly.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Round Steak In An Instant Pot?

The cooking time for round steak in an instant pot can vary depending on the size and thickness of the steak. However, it typically takes about 20-25 minutes to cook round steak in an instant pot.

Do I Need To Marinate The Round Steak Before Cooking It In An Instant Pot?

Marinating is not necessary when cooking round steak in an instant pot. However, you can choose to marinate the steak to add more flavor to the dish.

What Is The Best Way To Season Round Steak For The Instant Pot?

A simple salt and pepper seasoning is usually enough to enhance the flavor of round steak. You can also add your favorite herbs and spices according to your preference.

Can I Use Frozen Round Steak In The Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use frozen round steak in the instant pot. However, it is recommended to start with defrosted steak for better results. If using frozen steak, make sure to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.