Are you planning to cook a dish that requires flank steak but can’t find it in your local grocery store? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Flank steak is not always readily available and can be quite expensive. However, you may wonder if you can substitute it with another type of steak, such as round steak. In this article, we’ll explore whether or not round steak can be a suitable substitute for flank steak.
What is Flank Steak?
Before we get into the comparison between flank steak and round steak, let’s first understand what flank steak is. Flank steak comes from the abdominal muscle of the cow and is known for its rich flavor and tough texture. It’s a popular cut of meat used in dishes such as fajitas, stir-fries, and beef stroganoff.
What is Round Steak?
Round steak comes from the rear leg of the cow and has less fat than flank steak. It’s also known for being leaner and more tender than other cuts of beef from the same area, such as sirloin or rump roast.
Can Round Steak be Substituted for Flank Steak?
While both cuts of meat come from different parts of the cow and have different characteristics, round steak can be a suitable substitute for flank steak in certain dishes. For example, if you’re making a stir-fry or a beef stroganoff recipe that calls for thinly sliced flank steak, thinly sliced round steak can work just as well.
However, if you’re making fajitas or any dish that requires marinating the meat before cooking it, using round steak instead of flank steak may not give you the same result. Flank steak has more fat content which allows it to absorb marinades better than leaner cuts like round steaks.
How to Cook Round Steak
If you decide to substitute flank steak with round steak, it’s essential to know how to cook it correctly. Round steak is leaner and more tender than flank steak, so it cooks faster. It’s best to cook it quickly over high heat, such as grilling or broiling.
To ensure that the round steak is cooked to your liking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the temperature should be 145°F (63°C), and for medium, it should be 160°F (71°C).
Conclusion
In conclusion, while round steak can be a suitable substitute for flank steak in certain dishes, it’s not always the best option. Flank steak has a richer flavor and higher fat content that makes it better suited for marinating. However, if you’re in a pinch and can’t find flank steak or don’t want to spend extra money on it, thinly sliced round steak can work just as well in recipes that call for flank steak.
Remember to cook your round steak quickly over high heat and use a meat thermometer to ensure that it’s cooked to your liking. With these tips in mind, you can successfully substitute round steak for flank steak in some of your favorite recipes.